Rudolf Steiner's teachings – creator of Waldorf education

The anthroposophy devised by Rudolf Steiner underlies the concept of Waldorf education and is also used as the basis for the design of Waldorf kindergartens. He views the human being as a whole. Accordingly, in addition to the body there is also the soul and the spirit that make up the person. It is important that the individual finds their place in the world. To achieve this, children should be able to recognize their "I". The task of the educators is to support the children precisely in this process.

Foundations of the Waldorf kindergarten

Individual support:

Each child has individual abilities and needs that define them. In the Waldorf kindergarten nothing should be forced. Instead, the educators should observe the individual children especially carefully and respond to them.

Free play:

To promote imagination and creativity, children need time and space to play without compulsion and instruction. For this reason, Waldorf kindergartens give them particularly plenty of time.

Learning by example:

Waldorf pedagogy is based on the idea that children learn best when actions are modeled for them. They can imitate the behaviors of the caregivers. How they feel during imitation should then influence their subsequent thinking and acting.

Fixed routines:

According to Waldorf principles, a fixed structure and order does not restrict children but gives them the security they need to develop freely. In their planning, the kindergartens are not guided only by days or weeks. Above all, the connection to nature, the seasons and certain holidays is encouraged here.

Stimulating environment:

In the Waldorf kindergarten, children should be encouraged to play and explore without being restricted. For this reason, the materials offered to the children for play are open-ended and made from natural materials such as wood or wool. Because the toys are not assigned specific functions, the children can give them a new meaning in play each time.

Freedom & humanity: How is work carried out in the Waldorf kindergarten?

Unlike a Waldorf school, where the daily routine and teaching content are determined and carried out according to a curriculum, Waldorf kindergartens are more inspired by Rudolf Steiner's anthropology and place great value on freedom and play. How exactly each institution implements the concept therefore depends heavily on the caregivers and their principles. But parents also have a large part to contribute to the kindergarten's concept. They are not only expected to take part in shaping it, they should also largely agree with the ideas of Steiner's anthropology in daily family life.

Particular attention is paid to parents constantly reflecting on their behavior toward their child and other people in order to provide the child with optimal conditions for imitation and learning. Through a loving manner and natural affection, the children are further motivated. Punishments and admonitions take a back seat. The interlocking of family and kindergarten should be ensured by the greatest possible transparency in the actions and feelings of parents and educators.

Is the Waldorf kindergarten right for me and my child?

You get the best insight into the Waldorf kindergarten near you by attending an open day or arranging an individual appointment. On these occasions the educators can explain exactly what they emphasize and how the daily routine in their kindergarten is structured.

One advantage of the pedagogy is, in any case, the opportunity for free play, in which children at this age learn the most. However, a high level of commitment and a positive attitude from the parents is expected at these kindergartens. If you are not fully convinced by Steiner's teachings and cannot support them, your child will probably notice this very quickly. It may then be harder for them to engage with the people and activities in the kindergarten.

Image credits:

Child playing with a wooden rainbow © Joaquin Corbalan - stock.adobe.com

Various wooden musical instruments © Craftykat - stock.adobe.com