The Waldorf Method

The Waldorf pedagogy has its roots in the research of the Austrian thinker Rudolf Steiner. The foundations of this teaching method are based on the belief that the human being is an individuality of spirit, soul, and body, and whose capacities unfold in three stages of development of seven years each, or septenniums.

The first septennium ranges from 0 to 7 years old, and is based on natural imitation as a means of learning. The second stage, from 7 to 14 years old, develops imagination and art. And lastly, the third septennium goes from 14 to 21 years old and is based on the search for truth and the real.

In the early years of the child, what this pedagogy does is promote free play, creativity, working with all kinds of arts so that children can express their emotions, feelings, and learn without the need to sit for hours on end in a chair.

A different method

The Waldorf method is a very different form of study from the usual, they work in periods, not going from one subject for an hour to another, but dedicating a month to a core subject. However, there are weekly classes in mathematics, language, languages, and arts. They deliver the educational content of any other school, but also include artistic subjects such as music, dance, theater, and painting, as well as crafts ranging from learning to make bread to modeling clay.

The goal of this school is for each child to unfold their own individuality with the help of their talents and receive support in their difficulties, which is why the tutor-student relationship is maintained throughout to strengthen bonds for good coexistence. In this way, special attention is paid to each child's developmental stage.

Books and technology aside

Unlike a traditional school, the Waldorf pedagogy does not use textbooks or exams, and children learn to read and write starting at 6 years old. Additionally, this method does not view technology favorably and leaves aside television, video games, and computers.

Respect for the environment

The centers that implement this teaching method place enormous importance on the children's nutrition and the rest on the environment. All toys are made from environmentally friendly materials, and the food served is organic.

From a cigarette factory to the classroom.

This school originated in 1919 in a German cigarette factory where Steiner held a meeting with the Waldorf Industry workers talking about the need for social renewal. This type of education, supported and promoted by UNESCO, has spread to nearly 90 countries around the world such as Sweden, Finland, or Israel and has around 3,000 centers, 41 of which are in Spain since 1971.