What is the Waldorf Approach to Early Childhood Education?

When searching for early education for your child, you may notice there are lots of option when it comes to curriculum and philosophy. There are programs that strictly follow a certain philosophy and others that may take a hybrid approach, combining their favorite aspects of a few philosophies. 

When it comes to early childhood education, there isn't one philosophy that is "better" than the others, it's more about whether or not it's the right fit for your child. One philosophy that has become more popular in recent years is the Waldorf approach. We're breaking down everything you need to know about the Waldorf method and how to decide if it's a good fit for your family. 

Overview

1. What is the Waldorf approach?
2. The Waldorf approach to early academics.
3. What is the role of the teacher in a Waldorf preschool?
4. Do you need any specific training to be a Waldorf teacher?
5. What are the pros and cons of the Waldorf approach to early education?
6. How do I know if the Waldorf approach is right for my child?
7. I love the Waldorf approach but I can’t find a Waldorf school near me! What do I do?

What is the Waldorf approach?

The Waldorf approach was developed in the early 1900s by German philosopher Rudolf Steiner. At the time, Germany was dealing with the aftermath of World War one and there was a lot of social and political unrest and upheaval. Steiner wanted to shake up the status quo when it comes to education, and created the Waldorf approach from his background in spirituality, philosophy and sociology. 

The Waldorf approach focuses heavily on developing a reverence for nature and the seasons and on holding off on academic subjects until children are mature enough to fully grasp them. Waldorf preschools teach practical life skills, engage in imaginative play and are (mostly) free of electronics or screen time. 

Some of the aspects Steiner felt were most important about a Waldorf program were that it be:

• Self-governed
• Culturally and artistically enriching
• Holistic (educating the "whole child" not JUST academics)
• Individualized for the children who were in the program- their needs and interests drive the curriculum.

The Waldorf approach to early academics

In Waldorf education, similar to Montessori education, play is considered to be the work of early childhood. Formal academic instruction in literacy or math is delayed in favor of a play-based approach to the toddler and preschool years. Formal academic learning begins in first grade, but before that Waldorf teachers focus on developing a strong social-emotional foundation and embracing the joy that is early childhood. 

This approach is vastly different from many other preschool programs, that focus on Kindergarten readiness or early academics. That doesn't mean that one approach is better than the other or that kids in Waldorf programs aren't learning— they are, it just looks different.

The materials in a Waldorf classroom are often open-ended and inspired by nature. There are a lot of wooden toys and materials designed to foster collaboration and exploration. Waldorf classrooms tend to be aesthetically pleasing and relatively minimalist. They are set up to encourage freedom of movement and choice. 

What is the role of the teacher in a Waldorf preschool?

In Waldorf programs, the teacher is seen more as a guide than a source of knowledge. They design the classroom to encourage exploration, set up invitations to play, and create and model practical life skills. You may see a teacher in a Waldorf preschool classroom sweeping the floor, to encourage children to join in or engaging in a cooking activity. 

There is a focus on independence in Waldorf early childhood classrooms that forces the teacher to step back a bit and let the children guide the play. Teachers are there to help and facilitate but are usually not actively engaged in play alongside the children. Teachers in Waldorf programs have a "less is more" approach to almost everything from classroom design to micromanaging the children's experience. 

Do you need any specific training to be a Waldorf teacher?

In order to refer to yourself as a true Waldorf teacher, there are education requirements that must be met. After completing the required courses, teacher candidates gain a certificate in Waldorf Education. This certificate allows teachers to find positions in Waldorf schools or open their own classrooms and programs. 

However, there are some Waldorf programs that will hire a teacher without formal Waldorf training. It all depends on how strictly the school follows the approach. If a school is "Waldorf inspired", the teachers may not necessarily hold the official Waldorf credential. 

What are the pros and cons of the Waldorf approach to early education?

Once you understand a bit more about the approach, you may wonder how to figure out whether it's the right fit for your family. We're laying out the pros and cons of the method, to help you decide.

Pros

• Community: There is a huge emphasis on collaboration and community in Waldorf programs. Families are often encouraged to participate in classroom events and activities, and there are lots of opportunities for socialization. 
• Emphasis on play: Academics are delayed until first grade in Waldorf schools.
• Nature-loving: Children in Waldorf preschools spend a lot of time outside. In fact, some Waldorf programs are entirely outdoors. Children are encouraged to interact with nature, get dirty and run!

Cons

• Emphasis on play: Where some families may see the delay in formal academic learning as a positive, others see it as a negative. It depends on your family's values!
• Spiritual component: There is a spiritual aspect to Waldorf education that some families may not appreciate. Harvests, the cycles of the moon, and other nature-based celebrations are honored.
• Scarcity: There aren’t many Waldorf schools, especially outside of major metro areas. You may struggle to find one close to you. 

How do I know if the Waldorf approach is right for my child?

So much of parenting relies on trusting your instincts. You know your child best, and if you think they’d thrive in a Waldorf environment then you are probably right! The best way to get a feel for any school is to go visit. Schedule a tour of any programs you're interested in and ask lots of questions. 

Many Waldorf programs offer a parent-child class for toddlers, that serves as an introduction to the approach. If there is a parent-child program near you, this is a good way to “dip your toes” into the method to see if you like it as it definitely isn’t for everyone. 

You may find that you love the laid-back approach to academics or you may want more focus on school readiness. A lot depends on your family’s values and what educational experience you want for your child. 

I love the Waldorf approach but I can’t find a Waldorf school near me! What do I do?

As popular as the Waldorf approach has gotten, there aren’t many schools dedicated to the approach. Part of that has to do with the training and certification required to use the Waldorf name. You may find a program near you that incorporates Waldorf principles or is inspired by the approach. 

You can also use the approach at home with your children if you are homeschooling or want to add it to what your child is learning in their existing program. 

Tips for incorporating Waldorf principles into your home life: 

• Less is more: Waldorf embraces simplicity. Open-ended, wooden toys and other nature-inspired materials are favored over noisy, plastic toys. 
• Get outside: The Waldorf philosophy encourages a connection with nature and the seasons. Develop fun traditions with your children to celebrate the Harvest, or the seasonal equinox.
• Trust your child: Waldorf educators trust the children in their care to take care of classroom materials. Children participate in chores, cooking and other practical daily activities. Let your child help prepare dinner or task them with matching the socks when you’re doing laundry. 
• Play: You can’t go wrong with play. Give your child space to explore and use their imagination.