When it comes to early childhood education, a thoughtfully designed curriculum is important. It lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning journey. My early childhood pre-service students are curious about various early childhood curriculum models… What is the Montessori approach and who was Steiner and why his approach is called Waldorf pedagogy?🙂
Key Theorist/Origins
The Steiner approach, commonly referred to as Waldorf education, was developed by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, in the early 20th century. It is based on Steiner’s anthroposophical philosophy, emphasising a holistic education that nurtures the physical, emotional, spiritual.
Founded by Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf education is all about fostering the whole child – intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual. It promotes creativity, imagination, and a connection to nature. While not mainstream, Waldorf education is present in some Australian Steiner schools (Steiner Education Australia, n.d.). Play is central in Waldorf education, providing opportunities for children to explore, develop social skills, and express themselves creatively. Waldorf education is focusing on the predictable routines and rhythm in the day. This sense of security can contribute to fulfilling Maslow’s physiological needs (food, shelter, sleep) and safety needs (feeling safe and secure).
Steiner Curriculum Key Ideas
Nature pedagogy
Nature is a crucial component of the Steiner curriculum. Waldorf education encourages children to engage with the natural world through activities such as forest and farm studies, school-based gardening, environmental work, and outdoor play. These experiences are designed to help children develop a deep connection to nature, fostering a sense of wonder and stewardship for the environment. The use of natural materials in the classroom, like wooden toys and woolen crafts, further reinforces this bond.
Play, play play
In the Steiner curriculum, play-based learning is central to early childhood education. No rush to grow up, play is really valued. Children learn through activities that involve exploration, experimentation, discovery, and problem-solving. Play is viewed as a natural way for children to develop social, emotional, physical, and creative skills. Teachers guide this process by encouraging play that involves cooperation, sharing, negotiating, and resolving conflicts, helping children build important social competencies. I like that about Steiner!
Active Learning
The Steiner approach is based the idea that children learn best by doing. The curriculum is designed around hands-on experiences where children actively engage in their learning process through practical activities. This could include gardening, woodworking, or crafts, fostering skills through experiential learning.
FUN FACT – The first Waldorf school, which marked the beginning of Steiner’s approach to education, was financially supported by Emil Molt, a German industrialist and owner of the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory. Molt was inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s ideas and wanted to create an educational system that would nurture the holistic development of children. In 1919, he provided the funding necessary to establish the first Waldorf school in Stuttgart, Germany, for the children of the factory workers. This support was crucial in bringing Steiner’s educational philosophy to life and establishing what would become a global movement in education.
Routines and rituals
The Steiner curriculum is unique in its emphasis on imagination, rhythm, and mindfulness. It seeks to cultivate a balanced approach to learning that respects the natural rhythms of childhood and integrates rituals that ground children in their experiences. This approach fosters an environment where children can explore freely within a secure and predictable framework.
Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy founded by Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century. The term “anthroposophy” comes from the Greek words anthropos (human) and sophia (wisdom), meaning “wisdom of the human being.” Anthroposophy seeks to understand the spiritual nature of humanity and its connection to the cosmos. It is a holistic worldview that integrates science, spirituality, and the arts, focusing on the development of human consciousness and personal growth.
Self-regulation
This is a structured routine that encourages children to think about their activities ahead of time, engage deeply in them, and then reflect afterward. It involves three steps: planning the day’s activities, engaging in these activities (doing), and then reviewing or reflecting on what has been learned. This approach promotes self-regulation, decision-making skills, and reflective thinking.
Learning in the Steiner approach is deeply rooted in imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic expression. Children are encouraged to use their imagination freely, and the curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable to each child’s unique developmental needs. Activities such as baking, knitting, drawing, and gardening are integrated into daily routines to provide diverse learning experiences.
Spirituality as Knowledge
Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy of anthroposophy places a strong emphasis on spirituality as a form of knowledge that goes beyond mere intuition or faith. Steiner argued that just as scientific knowledge is acquired through observation and experimentation in the material world, spiritual knowledge can be systematically developed through inner exercises, meditation, and disciplined self-reflection. This approach is sometimes referred to as “spiritual science,” which suggests that spirituality should be pursued with the same rigor and clarity as empirical sciences.
3R: Rhythm, Repetition and Reverance
Rhythm: establishing a predictable rhythm is key in Waldorf education. It provides a natural order that helps children feel secure and oriented. Unlike a rigid routine, rhythm is dynamic and adaptable, evolving with the child’s growth and seasonal changes. Activities like singing, storytelling, and hands-on crafts are timed to fit into these rhythms, creating a harmonious and engaging learning environment.
Repetition: repeated activities, such as weekly baking or daily storytelling, help children build a sense of familiarity and confidence. This repetition is not only comforting but also reinforces learning and aids memory retention. Children learn best when they can predict and feel a sense of continuity in their daily activities.
Reverence: in the Steiner curriculum involves seeing each task or activity as meaningful and worthy of respect. Whether through nature walks, gardening, or classroom rituals like lighting a candle before storytelling, children learn to approach their activities with a sense of purpose and honor, fostering an attitude of gratitude and mindfulness toward their surroundings.
Music
Steiner believed that music has the power to engage the whole human being—body, soul, and spirit. In Waldorf education, music is not just a subject but is woven into the daily rhythm of the classroom and integrated across various activities. The use of music aims to foster a sense of harmony and balance in children, promoting their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Steiner also saw music as having therapeutic qualities. In Waldorf education, music is often used as a tool for healing and emotional support. Certain melodies, rhythms, and instruments are believed to have calming or energising effects, and teachers may use these elements to support children’s emotional and psychological wellbeing. I was quite impressed by Melbourne Steiner school music hall and the instruments on offer. Movement is an integral part of Waldorf education, with a unique emphasis on Eurythmy—a form of expressive movement art that brings music and speech to life through physical gestures. It supports physical coordination, spatial awareness, and emotional expression.
Teacher’s role
Teachers in the Steiner model are more than just educators; they are facilitators who create a warm, home-like environment for learning. The teacher’s role involves guiding children’s activities through storytelling, modeling behaviors, and engaging with children in creative play. Teachersfoster a sense of security and rhythm, helping children feel safe and nurtured. Think of a teacher a motherly or grandmotherly figure, wearing linen apron.
Felt is quite popular material in Steiner preschools
What do I like about Steiner curriculum?
I like a lot of things about this curriculum approach: it’s focus on creativity and imagination, attention to arts, such as music, dance, movement and meditation. I borrowed the way Steiner teachers start storytelling sessions in a circle, with a candle. I love seasonal rhymes, as I think music and poems shoudl be daily part of children’s life. When I visited Steiner preschool in Warrandyte, I found knitting and felting very attractive and soothing. Waldorf education places a high value on handcrafts, such as knitting, crocheting, sewing, and woodworking.
Wooden toys a;so attracted my attention, so as the use of dust pink colours, silky scarves, which I also incorporated in my future play set ups. In Steiner schools, children actively participate in planting, tending, and harvesting vegetables, flowers, and herbs. This hands-on experience fosters a sense of responsibility, patience, and appreciation for the natural world. Of course, I loved seeing gum boots drying upside down waiting for children to explore the yard in all weather.
I think baking and cooking can find place in modern curriulum easily. Baking and cooking are regular activities that teach practical life skills, such as measuring, following instructions, and understanding nutrition. These activities also provide sensory experiences that engage children’s sense of touch, smell, taste, and sight.
Minfdulness practices are definitely good to learn from Steiner approach. Each school day often begins with a morning circle or assembly, where children and teachers gather to greet each other, sing songs, recite poems, and discuss the day ahead. This ritual creates a sense of belonging and sets a positive tone for the day. In some Australian centres , it is called yarning circle now. Silent walks or nature walks are another calming ritual that allows children to observe their surroundings, practice mindfulness, and connect with the natural world. This aligns with the slow pedagogy and walking with method from nature pedagogies.
Storykate values stories and all sorts of storytelling. I find this aspect of Steiner curriculum the most appealing. Storytelling is a central ritual in Waldorf education. Teachers often tell stories using rich, descriptive language that engages children’s imaginations. Educators use felt puppets to bring stories to life, enhancing language development and creative thinking.
Criticism
One of the main challenges is the limited use of technology in the early years. Waldorf education restricts the use of electronic media and gadgets until children reach at least the fifth grade, with some schools extending this restriction further. This approach may not suit families who wish to integrate technology into their child’s learning from an early age.
Private schools / kindergartens can be expansive. As Waldorf education gained popularity for its unique approach, which includes a strong emphasis on arts, nature, and holistic learning, it began to attract families from wealthier backgrounds who were drawn to its distinctive educational philosophy. Over time, some Waldorf schools have attracted more affluent families because of the tuition fees needed to support their independent status and distinctive educational approach. This has led to a perception that Waldorf education is mainly for wealthier families, although many schools work to stay accessible by offering scholarships and financial aid.
Additionally, some parents may prefer a more traditional academic approach to core academic subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics. In contrast, Steiner education often delays formal instruction in these areas, focusing instead on experiential and creative learning until later grades.
Waldorf schools place a strong emphasis on celebrating seasonal festivals, such as Michaelmas, Martinmas, Advent, and May Day. These festivals are filled with storytelling, singing, dancing, and crafts, which help children understand the passage of time and the rhythms of the year. Some families may not be religious and find these events not reflective of their culture.
What do you know or think about Steiner curriculum and Waldorf pedagogy?
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:
Holistic Development: The Steiner approach focuses on the holistic development of the child, including their physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects.
Rhythm and Routine: It emphasizes the importance of establishing daily and weekly rhythms and routines to create a secure and predictable environment for children.
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.
Art and Creativity: Artistic activities such as drawing, painting, and music are integrated into the curriculum as essential components of learning.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Cultural Responsiveness: EYLF emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of children and their families.
Comparison:
Academic Focus: Steiner delays formal academics, while EYLF allows for a more flexible approach, with academics introduced when developmentally appropriate.
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.
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
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.
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.
