Waldorf Kindergarten – What's it all about?
Parents who are deciding on a kindergarten for their child will quickly notice that there is a wide range of different emphases. One of the best-known educational approaches is Waldorf pedagogy. Opinions about it vary widely. For some it is more spiritual nonsense, for others an opportunity for free development. In our article we have taken a closer look at Waldorf kindergartens for you.
The teachings of Rudolf Steiner - creator of Waldorf education
Anthroposophy conceived 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, besides the body there are also the soul and the spirit that make up the human. It is important that the person finds their individual 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 in exactly this process.
Foundations of the Waldorf kindergarten
Individual support:
Every child has individual abilities and needs that define them. In the Waldorf kindergarten nothing should be forced. Instead, educators should observe the individual children carefully and respond to them.
Free play:
To foster their imagination and creativity, children need time and space to play without pressure or instruction. For this reason, Waldorf gives them extra time.
Learning by example:
Waldorf education is based on the idea that children learn best when something is modeled for them. They can imitate the actions of the caregivers. How they feel during imitation should then influence their subsequent thinking and actions.
Fixed routines:
According to Waldorf, a fixed structure and order do not constrain children but provide the security they need to develop freely. In their planning, kindergartens are not guided only by days or weeks. Above all, the connection to nature, the seasons, and certain holidays is promoted 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 non-specific and consist of natural materials such as wood or wool. Since the toys are not assigned specific functions, children can give them a new meaning in play each time.
Freedom & humanity: How does the Waldorf kindergarten work?
Unlike a Waldorf school, where the daily routine and teaching content are governed and carried out according to a curriculum, Waldorf kindergartens are more inspired by Rudolf Steiner's anthropology and place great value on free space and play. Exactly how each institution implements the concept therefore depends heavily on the caregivers and their principles. But parents also have a large role to contribute to the kindergarten's concept. They are not only expected to contribute to the design, they should also largely agree with the ideas of Steiner's anthropology in family life.
Special 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 spontaneous affection, the children should be further motivated. Punishments and reprimands thus take a back seat. The interlocking of family and kindergarten should be ensured by the greatest possible transparency in the actions and feelings of the parents and the educators.
Is the Waldorf kindergarten something for me and my child?
You get the best detailed insight into the Waldorf kindergarten in your area if you attend an open day or can arrange an individual appointment. On these occasions the educators can explain exactly what they focus on and how daily life is organized in their kindergarten.
One advantage of the pedagogy is in any case the opportunity for free play, in which children of 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 of Steiner's teachings and cannot support them, your child will probably notice this very quickly. It may happen that they then find it harder to engage with the people and activities in the kindergarten.
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Image credits:
Child playing with a wooden rainbow © Joaquin Corbalan - stock.adobe.com
Various wooden musical instruments © Craftykat - stock.adobe.com