A Rounded Curriculum

The daily rhythms and timetable in a Waldorf school are somewhat different than many other schools. The day begins with Main Lesson, a two hour lesson when the children immerse themselves in one main topic for a period of three to five weeks. This block system allows the children to deeply penetrate the subject and explore it’s many nuances. This concentrated learning experience provides many creative and imaginative learning opportunities which also strengthen skills with listening, reading, writing, and artistic expression. Following Main Lesson and morning snack, the children have more standard classes through the remainder of the day. We try to schedule classes so more academic classes are alternated with movement and artistic classes to create a breathing rhythm to the day and to minimize the possibility of over taxing and tiring out the children. Everyday and through the course of the week, the children experience a wide range of lessons and activities which enliven and enrich their overall learning experience. Teachers communicate with one another to coordinate their efforts so, there is a cohesive wholeness to the rhythms of our school experience. Our focus in a Waldorf school is on the overall development and honoring of each individual and the gifts they bring to our shared experience. Of course intellectual development is very important but there is more to being human than brain activity and proper attention is also given to the child’s physiological growth and health, their psychological well being, and appropriate social behavior. Through the nurturing of inner balance, self control, and positive self image, we encourage emulation over competition as a life affirming human virtue. Competition breeds egoism and selfishness while emulation encourages a readiness to honor and appreciate admirable traits in others and nurtures an inner desire to be worthy of the responsibility that comes with skill and prowess. Emulation is a moral and redeeming force in life which brings us together despite our differences while the over emphasis on competition divides and separates us into opposing factions. The ultimate task of any education is to encourage success in every individual that they may put their skills, talents and insights to practical use to make the world a better place. In addition to the more academic Main Lesson, the school provides a wide range of learning opportunities appropriate for each stage of child development.