Education is the foundation of a prosperous and equitable society and every child deserves their fair chance to learn and grow. Education is beneficial for students to gain knowledge, skills and values that required to navigate the complexities of the world. Education enhances creativity, critical thinking and resilience which prepares child for future challenges and opportunities. We ensure that every child gets easy accessibility to quality education and we believe to empower them to achieve their full potential. This helps them to contribute positively to their communities. Waldorf education incorporates holistic and child centric approach which illustrates the importance of nurturing the whole child and fostering lifelong love for learning.
What is Waldorf Education in India?
Waldorf education is also known as Steiner education. It is a holistic approach which helps students to get into a learning setting that integrates intellectual, artistic and practical aspects of child’s development. This approach was introduced by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1919. This approach is designed to foster a love for learning and to develop well rounded individuals who are capable of thinking creatively and critically.
The Waldorf Approach
This approach is based on the belief that children tend to learn best when they are engaged. This way of learning helps them to get engaged in meaningful and relevant activities which helps in their development stage. However, the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of whole child such as mind, body and spirit. Not only this, but the approach emphasizes on importance of imagination, creativity and hands-on learning method.
Key Features of Waldorf Education
- Holistic development: Waldorf education focuses on holistic development of the child, enhancing their intellectual, emotional and physical growth.
- Art integration: we have incorporated arts into all academic disciplines which promotes creativity and critical thinking.
- Teacher student relationship: teacher plays an important role to shape the future of the child. This is why we encourage long-term relationships with their students.
- Rhythm and routines: daily and seasonal rhythms are incorporated into the school curriculum which creates a sense of stability and predictability.
- Imaginative play: young children engaged in imaginative play which is considered essential for their cognitive and social development.
Waldorf Education in India
In recent years, Waldorf education is booming and first Waldorf school in India was established in late 1990s. Later, another Waldorf School was started in Mumbai. In present, there are more than 10 fully fledges Waldorf schools and 25 kindergartens throughout the country.
Benefits of Waldorf Education
There are many of the benefits of Waldorf Education:
- Fosters creativity: this education approach trains children to think creatively and develop their artistic skills.
- Promotes critical thinking: the technique uses imaginative play and hands-on learning that helps them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Builds strong relationships: we promote long term teacher-student relationships which foster a sense of trust and community within the classroom.
- Encourages lifelong learning; Waldorf education incorporates teaching techniques that creates a foundation of love for learning which goes beyond the classroom. This helps them to be a lifelong learner.
- Supports emotional development: this approach is introduced to support the emotional and social development among children which helps them become well-rounded individuals.
Challenges and opportunities
We have seen a great traction in Waldorf education in India but there are still some of the challenges to overcome. There are lack of government recognition and support for this approach which makes it difficult for associated institutions to thrive. On the other hand, the growing awareness and interest in alternative methods are opening new doors of opportunities. This would help for the expansion of Waldorf education in the country.
Waldorf education provides a unique and holistic approach to learning which nurtures whole child. However, in India this movement is still growing as there more schools and kindergartens are welcoming Waldorf philosophy. Waldorf education aims to prepare children to live a life full of meaning and purpose by promoting creativity, critical thinking and strong relationships.