Have you ever wonder how many type of
preschool teaching method are there in the world?
In Malaysia, the most common and
famous that have been carried out recently is the Maria Montessori Method.
There are other methods which are Frederick Froebel, Reggio Emilia, High/ Scope
Teaching Model, there are Fungates system teaching Model (quite new for me).
But today I will not talk about these because
I would like to share about one creative teaching model which still uncommon in
Malaysia which is the Waldorf
Education teaching model. There
are only 6 schools which provide this model of teaching. But I could see that
it is fun through their blog or you could find them through facebook :)
Rudolf Steiner is the founder of this
Waldorf education and it is a humanistic approach to pedagogy based in the
educational philosophy. The first Waldorf school was founded in 1919 to serve
the children of the factory worker of the Waldorf Astonia Cigarette Company at
the request of that company’s director. This education model had been carried
out in public school (oversea), kindergarten and child development centre. It can
be carried out for home schooling environments or even at home. Waldorf
education also suitable for special kids.
Perhaps you will ask WHAT so UNIQUE about Waldorf Education?
The aim of Waldorf schooling is to
educate the whole child “Head, Heart and Hands” Waldorf believes that children
should be provided with an education that allows them to develop in all areas
of what it is to be a human being. For instance, they will have thought and
feeling, body, soul and spirit. Steiner believes that children are always
educate in order to achieve superficial academic goals and as a result they are
not fully prepared for life as an adult L
Therefore,
Waldorf education provides education which has
a rich world of play and discoveries.
The early years education focuses on
providing practical, hands-on activities and environment for creative play. The
emphasis in the elementary school year (Primary school in Malaysia) is on developing
pupils’ artistic expression and social capacities, fostering both creative and
analytical modes of understanding. As for secondary education focuses on
developing critical understanding and fostering idealism. Throughout, the
approach stresses the role of the imagination in learning and places a strong value
on integrating
academic, practical and artistic pursuits. Teachers put aside the
need for competitive testing and grading and usually use arts and activities in
the service of teaching academics. With these, the children get motivated to
learn as they learn through a more natural setting with fun but not stress.
Besides, Waldorf education has much emphasis on
festivals and ceremonies. This is because seasonal festivals serve
to connect humanity with the rhythms of nature. To join the seasonal moods of
the year in a festive way, it benefits the inner life of the soul. Celebrating
is an ART. Wow…how great if Waldorf education is implemented widely in
Malaysia. We could celebrate and teach the students about integrity and I’m
sure it helps in achieving the vision of 1 Malaysia since young.
Wardolf is also famous with his toys
which is Waldorf dolls. Waldorf dolls have healthy and affirmation appearance
as they do not have any restrictive functions. They often give the child plenty
space to act out it’s imagination. And here’s a good news for
you, you can make Waldorf doll all by yourself. Isn’t it FUN? Here’s
some idea of making the dolls. Catch up with you guys on next post.
