This document provides an overview of Rudolf Steiner and the Waldorf or Steiner educational philosophy. It discusses that Steiner was a philosopher, scientist, and educational theorist who developed anthroposophy and his ideas about educating the whole child with a focus on hands, head and heart. It outlines the curriculum approach including eurhythmy, a seven year developmental cycle, emphasis on art and play. Classrooms in this philosophy do not focus on technology but developing independent thinking. The education strives to develop creative, well-rounded individuals through individualized learning.

1. Brain Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoDGHoFVZ
pQ

2. Rudolf
Steiner
Philosopher, Scientist &
Educational Theorist.
By
Lauren, Sophie and Caroline.

3. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925)

4. The History & Philosophy
Anthroposophy
His Thoughts on Education
Hands, Head and Heart
Emil Molt: The Waldorf Cigarette
Factory
Steiner’s Conditions: Free School

5. The Curriculum: A Distinct
Education
http://www.steinerwaldorf.org/steiner-education/a-distinctive-education
/

6. Eurhythmy
Bodily and Spiritual function
Working with the rhythm of your body and soul

7. School Ethos
 The Teacher/Role Model
 Morality
 The 7 year cycle: Kindergarten, Birth – 7 years
Lower School, 7- 14 years
Upper School, 14- 21 years
 Metacognition
 The Main Lesson
 Individual Workbooks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auPFtjKfqTo&list=P
L4AEE713BD63568B3

8. Steiner/Waldorf
Classrooms
What! No
whiteboard? And
where are the Ipads?
The children just use
their heads, hands and
hearts!

9. Steiner Education
Toys

10. Steiner Values in Education
Practice
Making space for wonder
Inviting play into the classroom
Art as way of knowing
Teaching as an art

11. Before his time?
Steiner’s observations
on developmental
learning have been
proven in the world of
Neuro-Science
 Baby brains not ‘on-line.’
 Experience shape our brain.

12. A Good Education?
Individuality
Learn to learn
Creative Thinkers
Multi-Skilled Human Beings
Respectful
Good Self Image, Ideal and Esteem
Well Rounded People

13. Further Education
• Up to 5 GCSE’s- Normally 2- (English and Maths)
• Btec in Nature and the Environment
• Steiner 6th Forms offer A Levels (English, Literature,
Maths, Sciences, Philosophy)
• Block Learning
• Continue learning other subjects
• If no 6th Form- A relationship with Tertiary
College.

14. The Camphill Movement
Develops
autonomy.
Promotes
independent
living

15. You can visit my Rudolf Steiner Blog for
additional information.
http://thewayofachild.blogspot.co.uk/

16. References
Ashley, M (2008), Chapter 11, Education for Freedom: The Goal for Steiner/Waldorf
Schools, in Woods, P, A and Woods, G, J. Alternative Education for the 21st Century:
Philosophies, Approaches and Vision. Palgrave MacMillan: Basingstoke
Carnie, F. (2008) Alternative Approaches to Education: a guide for parents and
teachers. Routledge:London
Clent-Wilson. M. (1964). The Introduction to the Philosophy of Freedom.
http://www.rsarchive.org/rsbio.php
Harwood. A,C. (1967) The Way of a Child. London: Rudolf Steiner Press
Jordan, A. Carlile, & Stack, A. (2008) Approaches to Learning: A Guide for Teachers.
Mays, R & Nordwall, S. (2013) http://warldorfanswers.org/rudolfsteiner.htm
Melsrose. R. (2013) Why Waldorf Works: From a neuroscientific perspective.
http://whywaldorfworks.org
Nordlund. C (2013) Waldorf Education: Breathing Creativity. Art Education. P13-19
Open University Press: London.
Pound, L. (2005) How Children Learn. Step Forward: London
Steiner, R. (Translated 2006) Autobiography: Chapters in the Course of My LIfe, 18611907. Steiner Books: Great Barrington
Uhrmacher, B, P. (1995) Uncommon Schooling: A Historical Look at Rudolf
Steiner, Anthroposophy and Waldorf Education. Curriculum Inquiry. Vol 25. No 4.
p381-406.

17. Thank you For Listening
We are happy to answer any questions you
have on a Steiner education.