The Steiner Waldorf approach to education is based on scientific study of the development of

children’s learning capabilities. Three major stages have been observed in the developmental

stages of a child and particular methods of learning which are most effective to that stage

are identified in this approach. Early childhood learning is the stage for children below 7

years of age, elementary learning is for children between 7 and 14 years, and high school

level education is for adolescents.

Early childhood learning

Learning in early childhood should be practical activity oriented as the learning in this

stage is largely sensory based. In a typical Waldorf school, the classroom environment is

homelike, includes natural materials, and provides examples of productive work in which

children can take part. There are lots of outdoor activities involved accompanied by songs,

poems and games. There will be specific times for stories and fairytales to encourage

imaginative thinking. Exposure to normal media like television and mainstream music is

discouraged at this age.

Elementary education

Elementary education should be more imaginative and artistic so that the child gets an idea

of life and the surrounding world, and develops their own ideas. Typical activities at this

age would involve visual arts, drama, vocal and instrumental music and crafts. The lessons

being taught here are not based on standardized textbooks but each child is made to create

their own list of coursework. Each child is allowed to learn in their own pace to allow the

child to grasp the concepts or learn a skill based on their capabilities.

High school learning

High school learning, during adolescence, should be based on ethical ideas and social

responsibility as the youth should develop the capacity for abstract thought and conceptual

judgment. This level of education has a higher concentration on academic subjects.

Since the establishment of the first Waldorf School in 1919 the numbers of schools have been

increasing exponentially worldwide. This is the world’s largest independent educational

system. The idea behind Steiner Waldorf approach to education resonates with the modern idea

of homeschooling. Both emphasize on an environment where a child learns on his or her own

capabilities. Both philosophies emphasize that children should not be forced to study before

they are ready to learn. The curriculum in both can be varied to according to specific

needs. Both the methods stress the importance of teachers engaging with each child

individually to ensure they are treated as individuals.