Steiner/Waldorf education
Wayfarers Steiner/Waldorf affiliation
Wayfarers is aligned with Steiner/Waldorf education in many ways. Below are principles of this worldwide education system that Wayfarers work with when designing and delivering our workshops and performances. We encourage all musicians who embrace the core values of Wayfarers, regardless of whether they are involved in Steiner education, to join us in bringing music to the world!
Learning and development
How these principles inform our work
Steiner recognises early human development and learning to take place in 7-year phases. This understanding is used as a guideline for supporting the emotional, physical and intellectual growth of children of different age groups:
The first (0 - 7 yrs) being dominated by observation and imitation, which can be supported by play-based activities that allow a rich sensory experience which includes movement of the physical body.
The second (7 -14 yrs) encompassing development of thinking and feeling. In this phase, children tend to show an aptitude for learning through stories and vivid pictures that spark the imagination.
The third (14 - 21 yrs) phase sees a strengthening of the intellect and critical thinking. A stronger emphasis is placed on content that awakens moral judgement and recognises the individuality of students.
There is a strong commitment to the use of natural and environmentally friendly materials and an intuitive and intentional use of colour to enhance the learning environment in a calming and inviting way.
The Steiner approach seeks to guide children to develop an open curiosity, awe and wonder for the world. It is aimed at inspiring every child to freely discover themselves through connection with their physical and social environment. This means teachers aspire to attune their teaching approach to the needs and aptitudes of the children, and to offer opportunities for active inquiry, thought development and reflection rather than providing fixed answers.
The arts play a very important role in the Steiner curriculum and are seen as vital for the child’s emotional and intellectual development. The use of rhythm, melody and harmony, movement, storytelling and engagement with crafts allows children to explore relationships with the world around them and to discover themselves as a part of the collective.
The use of technology is discouraged in education at least up until middle school, as it interrupts social connection, limits the imagination, and reduces interaction between the child and their immediate surroundings.