Waldorfpädagogik

Waldorfpädagogik, also known as Waldorf education, is a holistic educational approach developed by Austrian philosopher and artist Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century. It is based on a spiritual philosophy called Anthroposophy, which views the human being as a threefold entity of body, soul, and spirit. Waldorf schools aim to educate the whole child, nurturing their intellectual, artistic, and practical capacities.

The curriculum in Waldorf schools is structured around developmental stages, with a strong emphasis on imagination, creativity, and experiential learning. Early childhood education focuses on play, storytelling, and imitation, fostering a nurturing and home-like environment. Elementary school students engage in a broad range of subjects including art, music, movement, and handwork, alongside traditional academic subjects. The curriculum is often presented through "main lessons" which are in-depth explorations of a particular topic over several weeks.

A distinctive feature of Waldorf education is the role of the class teacher, who typically stays with the same group of students for several years, fostering a deep understanding of each child's development. There is a deliberate lack of standardized testing in the early years, with assessment focusing on narrative reports and teacher observation. Technology use is generally limited, particularly in the lower grades, with a focus on developing fundamental skills and a connection to the natural world. Waldorf education is practiced in schools worldwide.