What about it do you like?
There is quite a bit actually. I just haven't figured out when I stop agreeing with Waldorf (I know I don't like how middle elementary is taught).
A short list of what I like:
- the magical aspect to childhood is really preserved through imaginative play using extremely passive style toys which literally demands that the child use his imagination in order to engage the toys. I really like the fantasy involved in the play as well (I only agree with this type of play after the child has become acquainted with reality based play like in Montessori's teachings)
- I love the gnomes, fairies, connection with mother nature, etc.
- The fact that the teacher bakes bread once a week with the kids --- much of the activities include using the whole of something (ex pumpkins that are picked in fall are carved into a jack o lantern, the seeds are roasted and either eaten by the kiddos or given to the birds and when the pumpkin starts to rot, it can be used in a compost pile).
- I love the drawings made by Waldorf educated children. Here is an example:
A 2nd grader's drawing!
- I appreciate how rhythym is incorporated as fundamental in the earlier years as I believe it helps a child ground better as they go through the early childhood years drawing upon the rhythym of the day, to the rhythym of the seasons and the cycle of life.
- The use of storytelling and puppets
- The way children are taught to read
- Also, I don't mind the idea of a child writing a main lesson book as in this:
but I dislike other aspects to the classroom teaching of the upper years.
My list is even more extensive, I have yet to get it all down on paper. That's why I need to spend some time researching what it is I am striving for with my son's education.
