ece311 week 3 discussion 2 RESPONSE m.b, psychology homework help
Respond to a classmate who chose an approach different from the one you chose (I chose Montessori). After reading the response, decide if you would still make your choice or if their post has caused you to reconsider. Explain why or why not. 5 sentences or more.
Waldorf Approach:
The Waldorf approach is educational atmosphere that is loving warmth and guidance that promotes joy, wonder, and positive energy in the classroom for children. The most important factor of the Waldorf approach is the inner attitude of the educator. Therefore the work of the Waldorf educator demands an ongoing process of research and self-education including anthroposophical study, meditative practice, artistic and practical activity.
In the environments of the nursery, home care programs, childcare centers, parent child programs ,and other educational settings the foundation are on
- healthy development
- lifelong physical
- social
- emotional
- intellectual
- spiritual growth
- Activities in Waldorf early childhood education take into consideration the age-specific developmental needs of young children, from a focus on will-oriented physical activity in the first three years, then on imaginative play in the middle years of early childhood, and later a more cognitive approach to learning after the child enters school.
Here are some of Waldorf characteristics:
Loving interest in and acceptance of each child
- Opportunities for self-initiated play with simple play materials as the essential activity for young children.
- This is the young child’s work and makes it possible for them to digest and understand their experiences.
- Awareness that young children learn through imitation, through the experience of diverse sensory impressions, and through movement. Their natural inclination is to actively explore their physical and social environment. The surroundings offer limits, structure and protection, as well as the possibility to take risks and meet challenges.
- A focus on real rather than virtual experiences to support the child in forming a healthy relationship to the world.
- Artistic activities such as storytelling, music, drawing and painting, rhythmic games, and modeling that foster the healthy development of imagination and creativity.
- Meaningful practical work such as cooking, baking, gardening, handwork and domestic activity that provide opportunities to develop unfolding human capacities. Here the emphasis is on the processes of life rather than on learning outcomes.
- Predictable rhythms through the day, week and year that provide security and a sense of the interrelationships and wholeness of life. Seasonal and other festivals are celebrated according to the cultural and geographical surroundings.
Jaruszewicz, C. (2012). Curriculum and methods for early childhood educators [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/ (Links to an external site.)
Edutopia. (2009, August 26). Waldorf’s integrated way of learning (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/waldorf-public-school-mors…
- The Waldorf approach to education is showcased in this video.
