WALDORF 101
WHAT IS WALDORF? |
|
Waldorf is an educational philosophy founded by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, educator, scientist and artist. The first Waldorf School opened in September, 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany. Steiner agreed to run the school based on a few conditions: it must be open to all children, male and female, and the teachers should play a major role in shaping the school.
Waldorf curriculum differs from the curriculum in traditional public schools, not in what is taught, but how it is taught and received by the children. True learning is a process of discovery that engages the whole human being. Instead of passively receiving information, Waldorf students are involved in a dynamic process of exploration, both of the world and of themselves. Steiner designed the school’s curriculum around children’s natural course of development, incorporating their imaginations into their lessons and encouraging artistic mastery, as well as creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Currently, Waldorf education is the fastest-growing independent educational movement in the private sector, with more than 800 Waldorf schools and 120,000 students in 45 countries. Approximately 125 Waldorf schools operate in North America, and a growing number of Waldorf-inspired public and charter schools are beginning to sprout up across the country.
Want to know more? Check out our Waldorf 101 Seaside Beach Campus Video
Waldorf curriculum differs from the curriculum in traditional public schools, not in what is taught, but how it is taught and received by the children. True learning is a process of discovery that engages the whole human being. Instead of passively receiving information, Waldorf students are involved in a dynamic process of exploration, both of the world and of themselves. Steiner designed the school’s curriculum around children’s natural course of development, incorporating their imaginations into their lessons and encouraging artistic mastery, as well as creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Currently, Waldorf education is the fastest-growing independent educational movement in the private sector, with more than 800 Waldorf schools and 120,000 students in 45 countries. Approximately 125 Waldorf schools operate in North America, and a growing number of Waldorf-inspired public and charter schools are beginning to sprout up across the country.
Want to know more? Check out our Waldorf 101 Seaside Beach Campus Video
WHAT MAKES A WALDORF EDUCATION DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS? |
|
Once you’ve stepped into a Waldorf-inspired classroom and you have seen the children’s artwork hanging up on the walls, and the beautiful and elaborate illustrations in their main lesson books you know you’ve stepped into something unique. Listening to the children stomp their feet and clap their hands through the multiplication tables, recite poetry about nature that is tied to their units of study, and seeing your child at the end of the day with a big, bright smile on their face day after day after day - it is then that you truly realize that Waldorf education is special.
That’s because Waldorf teaches the whole child. In addition to rigorous academics, Waldorf-inspired methods also address a child’s emotional growth, helping her learn valuable interpersonal skills and self-disciplined behavior. While artistic expression plays a central role in each grade, students master a variety of different disciplines, including mathematics, natural sciences, language arts, foreign languages and artistic work. Often, Waldorf is described as an education that includes the “head, heart and hands,” emphasizing growth mentally, emotionally and physically.
That’s because Waldorf teaches the whole child. In addition to rigorous academics, Waldorf-inspired methods also address a child’s emotional growth, helping her learn valuable interpersonal skills and self-disciplined behavior. While artistic expression plays a central role in each grade, students master a variety of different disciplines, including mathematics, natural sciences, language arts, foreign languages and artistic work. Often, Waldorf is described as an education that includes the “head, heart and hands,” emphasizing growth mentally, emotionally and physically.
HOW DOES A WALDORF-INSPIRED CHARTER SCHOOL INCORPORATE THE FLORIDA STATE STANDARDS, CURRICULUM, WALDORF PRACTICES, AND RESOURCES INTO CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION? |
|
The Florida State Standards for each grade level are what students are supposed to know and learn by the end of the year. The curriculum is a guide that helps teachers know in what order to teach the standards, skills and content to students. It gives suggestions and examples of lessons, strategies, resources and activities a teachers could use with students. It isn’t a teacher’s lesson plans. Waldorf practices are the way the standards, skills, strategies and content are presented to students. For example, whenever possible Waldorf teachers use nature as the way to teach their content to the class. Waldorf lessons are more open-ended leaving room for students to think and be creative in expressing what they have learned. Play, active learning, creativity and higher level thinking are hallmarks of Waldorf instruction. The Florida Standards and curriculum are the same by grade level but the methods of presentation and the resources the teachers use may vary from classroom to classroom.
WHY SHOULD I SEND MY CHILD TO A WALDORF-INSPRIRED SCHOOL? |
|
Waldorf-inspired schools fit each child individually as its principles are founded on teaching age-appropriate material in such a way as to honor imagination, and build upon—rather than ridicule—the child’s imagination, and his/her own natural curiosity to figure out how the world works. For example, most first graders in any school would be naturally drawn to listening to a fairy tale told aloud by their teacher, but in a Waldorf-inspired school, the teacher might follow up on the tale by asking students to draw a picture from a scene in the story. As part of the task, students might discover a new letter in the alphabet, to be studied in greater detail later in the day, within the scene they are drawing. In this way, the lesson becomes more interactive, drawing each student individually into the learning process as a living and breathing phenomena that should be cherished, not dreaded.
It is no surprise that Waldorf-inspired schools graduate students who have an academic edge over their public school peers, as well as the self-confidence to think for themselves and come to their own conclusions. In fact, Waldorf students consistently win acceptance to top universities and go on to become entertainers, corporate CEOs, teachers and pretty much anything else they set their mind to.
It is no surprise that Waldorf-inspired schools graduate students who have an academic edge over their public school peers, as well as the self-confidence to think for themselves and come to their own conclusions. In fact, Waldorf students consistently win acceptance to top universities and go on to become entertainers, corporate CEOs, teachers and pretty much anything else they set their mind to.
HOW IS DISCIPLINE HANDLED AT A PUBLIC WALDORF SCHOOL? |
|
No school is perfect in this regard, and discipline problems arise at charter schools just like everywhere else. Waldorf-inspired methods, however, provide a number of proactive measures that often preclude such issues, and minimize their impact when they do surface. For example, when a child enjoys being at school and is allowed to move their bodies frequently, which most Seaside Charter School students do, they are much less likely to “act out” in aggressive or inappropriate ways. In addition, the careful relationship that the teacher fosters with the student as the child develops provides a strong continuity for students who often see their class as a second family. Students and teachers get to know each other very well, and the teacher gains a comprehensive understanding of each child’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the best ways to teach each child individually.
Seaside Charter Schools employs the Conscious Discipline for classroom management. This is an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach. It is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), and received high ratings in 8 of 10 categories in a Harvard analysis of the nation’s top 25 social-emotional learning programs. The Harvard study’s authors say, “Conscious Discipline provides an array of behavior management strategies and classroom structures that teachers can use to turn everyday situations into learning opportunities.”
The core methodology is based on four essential components that are scientifically and practically designed for success:
Seaside Charter Schools has a disciplinary policy for severe infractions follows Duval County Public School’s Code of Student Conduct. Aggressive behavior and fighting will not be tolerated, and teachers will work with the student, parents or guardians, and the principal to address any issues or concerns as they arise and develop appropriate interventions. While the teacher will work to solve problems through conflict resolution and with the classroom community, serious infractions may require a more in-depth plan to resolve the issue.
Serious Breaches of Conduct: Students who engage in severe breaches of conduct as defined by the Duval County Code of Conduct will receive due process through an appeals process that includes the Seaside School principal and governing board. If expulsion is considered, the Duval
County School Board policy will be followed.
No Bullying Policy
Seaside Schools provides a safe learning environment where every student and adult are valued and respected. Bullying and harassment are prohibited.
Seaside Charter Schools employs the Conscious Discipline for classroom management. This is an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach. It is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), and received high ratings in 8 of 10 categories in a Harvard analysis of the nation’s top 25 social-emotional learning programs. The Harvard study’s authors say, “Conscious Discipline provides an array of behavior management strategies and classroom structures that teachers can use to turn everyday situations into learning opportunities.”
The core methodology is based on four essential components that are scientifically and practically designed for success:
- Brain State Model - The Conscious Discipline Brain State Model recognizes three basic brain / body / mind states likely to produce certain behaviors. Intentional, state- specific responses enable access to advanced skills.
- Seven Powers for Conscious Adults - The seven powers create a shift in the way adults see conflict so we can maintain composure and consciously respond to difficult situations. Adults’ ability to self-regulate is the precursor to teaching children social-emotional skills.
- Creating the School Family - The School Family increases connections between adults and children at all levels, ensuring optimal development for all. A School Family culture is built through consistent modeling of routines, rituals and structures.
- Seven Skills of Discipline - These seven skills transform everyday discipline issues into teachable moments, equipping children with the social-emotional and communication skills needed to manage themselves, resolve conflict and develop healthy behavior.
Seaside Charter Schools has a disciplinary policy for severe infractions follows Duval County Public School’s Code of Student Conduct. Aggressive behavior and fighting will not be tolerated, and teachers will work with the student, parents or guardians, and the principal to address any issues or concerns as they arise and develop appropriate interventions. While the teacher will work to solve problems through conflict resolution and with the classroom community, serious infractions may require a more in-depth plan to resolve the issue.
Serious Breaches of Conduct: Students who engage in severe breaches of conduct as defined by the Duval County Code of Conduct will receive due process through an appeals process that includes the Seaside School principal and governing board. If expulsion is considered, the Duval
County School Board policy will be followed.
No Bullying Policy
Seaside Schools provides a safe learning environment where every student and adult are valued and respected. Bullying and harassment are prohibited.
