When we ask the general public in our community about Waldorf, many will say:" Ah... I know, the children PLAY ONLY in the school, no study one..." Is that so? Yes, it is. It is very Child-Centered in which children learn at their will.
PLAY is an important element in Waldorf philosophy. Play unleashing the creative potential of the children and thus encouraging their spiritual nature to blossom and finally developing the academic capacity of every child. Children need connection to the environment. Because the children play a lot, they form a healthy relationship with the environment. Thus, they will be compassionate to the nature and all living things in it. This is HUMAN!
The curriculum is non academic and arts is integrated in every subject. The fairy tale curriculum builds a strong foundation for imagination and creative thinking. The children learn through imitation, diverse sensory impressions and movement. Rhythm and repetition are important elements in effective learning.
In 2019, Waldorf is celebrating 100 years of Waldorf Education.
#Anthroposophy
# Eurythmy
A visit to Taska Lin
When we first enter the school, we were "welcome" by a very spacious compound. It is definitely a great place for outdoor activities. There are small hills, trees and swings and also a brick house left after the story of Three Little Pigs.
When we enter the school building, it fits the definition of Home-Like environment. The colours of the walls are warm and safe. The flow of the curtain do create harmonious feeling in the room.
We were introduced the daily routine of the children which looks like a breathing cycle. The have morning circle (breath-in) as well as 2 hours outdoor play (breath-out).
Besides the toys made of natural materials (rocks, wooden blocks, seeds, clothes etc), the school also prepared "structured toys" like legos and plastic animals. It was meant to connect the child with their home.
Site visit is an interesting part of experiential learning. I understand the practical way of Waldorf Education here compare to the Waldorf philosophy. There is no identical Waldorf school in the world because of different culture and legal requirement. However, the Waldorf educators do hold firmly in Anthroposophy and Eurythmy.
Anthroposophy has a strong spiritual dimension. I did not understand this philosophy entirely. To me, it is an inner development that we gain control of our thinking, actions and feelings. Being conscious of the ugliness but know how to look at the beauty and goodness is a positive attitude about life.
Eurythmy is something very abstract. It is a movement without sound but with meaning. Imagination plays an important role. For example, every alphabet is associated with a sound that expressed through dance movement.
Is this Waldorf approach still valid after 100 years?
"Waldorf hold great potential for the future because human being is put in the center. It naturally embraces the spiritual side of a person." - from a Waldorf educator
Waldorf engaging head, heart and hands in learning process.
Hands - The children use their hands to do house chores and helping each other (imitation) to develop goodness body.
Heart - Play, music and art (imagination) helps the children to express their feeling to develop beauty soul.
Head - Problem solving (intellectual) to develop authority thinking.
We do, we feel, we think. This is the way we learn. Of course this approach still valid!
"Within these children, lives a future that we want to allow to unfold, rather than forming them into who we are" - from a Waldorf educator
Awesome reflection, Voon. Keep it up
ReplyDeleteThank you.
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