Waldorf education is an interdisciplinary, imaginative approach to education that is focused on the holistic development of students. It follows Rudolf Steiner's philosophy and takes into account the unique stages of child development from early childhood through adolescence. Waldorf schools emphasize the arts, nature, practical skills, and spiritual values through a developmental curriculum that includes a strong focus on imagination, sensory learning, and storytelling.

1. Waldorf EducationImaginative. Interdisciplinary. Spiritual.

2. The BasicsRudolf Steiner – philosopherInterdisciplinary Imagination – creative + analyticGoalsFree, moral, integrated studentsFulfil unique destiny

3. Basis3 Stages of child developmentEarly childhood learningExperiential, sensory, imitativeElementary SchoolArtistic, imaginativeAdolescenceAbstract thought, conceptual judgment

4. Waldorf in Action

5. CharacteristicsMultiple IntelligencesEurythmy – movement artText + musicRole play, danceIntegration, spatial awareness, harmonySpiritualityWide range of traditionsSeasonal festivalsLaw suits

6. Early ChildhoodEnvironmentHomelikeOutdoor play periodsOral Language Development“Waldorf Doll” – imaginationDiscourages media exposureDaily rhythms

7. Elementary EducationMulti-disciplinary curriculumHeavy focus on the artsEurythmy, music, craftsForeign languagesContent taught in storiesIllustrated summariesTeachers loop - commitment

8. Secondary EducationSpecialist TeachersMore strongly focused academicallyCourses in arts continueIndependent creative thinking processesFosters ethical principlesCompetence, responsibility, purpose

9. The Four TempermentsSanguineLight-hearted, fun loving, confidentCocky, arrogant, indulgentDay-dreamers, off task often, act on whimsCholericA Doer – ambition, energy, dominate people of other temperamentseasily angered or bad-tempered.MelancholicPonderer , very kind, consideratehighly creative pre-occupied with tragedy - depressed. perfectionists, lonersPhlegmaticself-content, kind, but shy Enthusiasm inhibited, lazy, resistant to change relaxed, rational, curious, and observantmany friends, more dependable

10. SchoolsPrivateFreedom in curriculumNo standard textNo principal – groupsCollege of TeachersBoard of TrusteesParents – non-curricular participation

11. Putting it into PracticeGreetEye contact, check on studentsRelateBuddy-system – older student mentors DrawIllustrate all lessons – create workbookPlantNature walks – connect with outsidePlay Musical instrumentsMoveActive learning – math = stomping