Steiner vs Play-based approach

Steiner Approach:

The Steiner approach, also known as Waldorf education, is an educational philosophy developed by Rudolf Steiner. It emphasizes a holistic and child-centred approach to education. Here are some key points of the Steiner approach:

1. Holistic Development: The Steiner approach focuses on the holistic development of the child, including their physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects.
2. Rhythm and Routine: It emphasizes the importance of establishing daily and weekly rhythms and routines to create a secure and predictable environment for children.
3. Delayed Academics: Steiner education delays the formal introduction of academic subjects until later in a child’s development, often starting around age seven. Before that, the focus is on play, creativity, and experiential learning.
4. Art and Creativity: Artistic activities such as drawing, painting, and music are integrated into the curriculum as essential components of learning.
5. Natural Materials: The use of natural materials in toys and learning materials is encouraged to connect children with the natural world.

Australian Play-Based Approach (EYLF):

The Australian play-based approach, informed by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), is a national framework for early childhood education in Australia. It emphasizes the following principles:

1. Play-Based Learning: EYLF promotes learning through play as a central element of early childhood education. Play is seen as a valuable way for children to explore, experiment, and learn.
2. Holistic Development: Similar to the Steiner approach, EYLF also focuses on holistic development, recognizing that children learn and grow in various domains, including physical, social, emotional, and cognitive.
3. Child-Centred: EYLF places children at the centre of their learning and acknowledges that they bring their interests, experiences, and abilities to the learning environment.
4. Cultural Responsiveness: EYLF emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of children and their families.

Comparison:

1. Academic Focus: Steiner delays formal academics, while EYLF allows for a more flexible approach, with academics introduced when developmentally appropriate.
2. Art and Creativity: Both approaches value creativity, but Steiner places a strong emphasis on artistic activities as an integral part of learning. There is more focus on music, dancing, and art exploration guided by teachers in Steiner classrooms. In play-based classrooms, a lot depends on the teacher’s programming skills and professional abilities to support children.
3. Nature Connection: Steiner encourages the use of natural materials and a strong connection with nature, while EYLF supports outdoor play and exploration in outcome 4; outcome 2 and the new principle of Sustainability
4. Cultural Responsiveness: EYLF explicitly highlights the importance of cultural responsiveness, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of children, which may be less emphasised in the Steiner approach.
5. Religious focus: Steiner is a spiritual approach to the curriculum, based on so-called anthroposophy and it welcomes some religious rituals. The EYLF supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and multiculturalism through inclusion of practices that families support + reflective thinking.