Creative Teaching Method - Waldorf Education

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.