Considering Waldorf Education...

[kylie*esque]

I currently have a 2.5 year old and an 8 month old, and I'm considering sending them to the local Waldorf school when the time comes. What advantages does Waldorf have? Disadvantages? How does the math/science curriculum compare to mainstream education?

[Brittee]

I don't have any little ones myself, yet, but I am drawn to the Waldorf philosophy. I would suggest starting out on the Waldorf website for your local school. There should be a section in about us or admissions where they give you a rundown of the curriculum. There are a lot of people who know a lot more than I do, so I will just wave and wish you well. Check the resources sticky as well, lots of good books are out there.

[CCJWGM]

To learn more about Waldorf I would suggest checking out some blogs which cover the Waldorf philosophy. The ones I have in mind are homeschool oriented but have lovely information on Waldorf and anthroposophy. Parenting Passageway A Little Garden Flower. You can also see if you library has some typical Waldorf books such as Seven Times the Sun, Beyond the Rainbow Bridge, and Heaven on Earth. It is important to know that Waldorf is based on anthroposophy and is not simply and alternative education system.

The advantages is that it educates the whole child, not just the intellectual mind, and that the education comes in age appropriate stages.

The disadvantages seem to be that Waldorf schools are expensive and transitioning to the Waldorf philosophy can be overwhelming. The people who do not understand the principles behind Waldorf view the education as "delayed" but really, those of us who lean Waldorf just think of it as "appropriate"

The math curriculum is far different than that of mainstream education. My children are still young so someone probably could explain this better than me. For young children it is only presented in songs and finger plays and what not. 1,2 buckle my shoe type of thing. There is great learning power in those old songs. :0

Science for the young child is not presented in science lessons. It is presented in stories, songs, finger plays, and simply BEING in nature. The BEING is how the young children learn. The subject matter presented is what the child experiences in their own life: not abstract concepts such as the universe.

[royaloakmi]

Many/most Waldorf schools have parent/tot programs that you can attend with your child. I think they give you a pretty good opportunity to check out your local school for yourself. While all Waldorf schools share ideology in common, my opinion is that they all have a different "flavor" that may or may not agree with you.

Best of luck (its been a wonderful path for my children and our family as a whole).

[lyrebird]

I give the Steiner education experience a thumbs up, having experienced it for myself.
Maths and science are made really interesting - the teachers give it real meaning and are so enthusiastic about their subject matter! I can't compare with mainstream though.

I highly recommend going to a school and talking to the teachers after having a bit of an introduction. They may make it possible for you to watch a main lesson. Go along to an open day if there is one and have a look at the children's work at different ages.

Ask for a list of the main lessons and how they are age appropriate. Main lessons go from class one all the way through to the end of school.

just a few thoughts for now. Good luck.

[kylie*esque]

Thanks everyone! I'll definitely give the local school a call and see if I can come see the school.