Everything you need to know about Waldorf Philosophy

Being the first Waldorf inspired school in the city of Visakhapatnam, Swechha joins the worldwide movement of more than 1000 Waldorf schools in bringing to life a philosophy that emphasises child-centred and holistic approach to education. 

Derived from the insights of Rudolf Steiner and the tenets of Waldorf education, Swechha school strives to nurture children to grow into truly free beings with perseverance to pursue their own will and be visionaries for a better world.

Are you curious to know what’s so unique about Waldorf approach to education? Here’s a glimpse into some of the hallmarks. 

• Being child-centred in its truest sense, every element of the learning journey is planned in line with the needs and interests of the child. In a Waldorf Kindergarten, the day is planned akin to the rest and play rhythm of the child. The classrooms are furnished with soft wall colours, natural textures, simple play materials that create a warm learning environment for children. 
• Age-appropriate learning is one of the cornerstones in a Waldorf school that considers the preparedness of the child to experience and learn about the world. Never too late nor too early, the curriculum is designed in a way to ensure the child meets the developmental needs at each age level. During the early years, childhood is preserved and unhurried to invoke a joy for learning through work and play.
• Holistic perspective of the Waldorf philosophy brings to the fore a harmonious and balanced development of the child. To educate the whole child, their intellectual, physical, emotional, social, spiritual and aesthetic aspects of growth are fostered through providing experiences of doing, feeling and thinking. 
• Mixed-age kindergarten in the Waldorf approach creates a loving family environment where the children support each other and play with less adult intervention. While the little ones benefit from having role models at the next developmental stage to emulate, the older children's excitement for play is reignited by the younger ones. The curriculum is designed so that children can learn from each other and each can develop at his or her own pace in a non-competitive setting.
• Nature and art-integrated in the learning is purposeful and meaningful at a Waldorf school. Time in nature provides children with the opportunities to connect with nature while developing their sensory and physical capabilities. They develop a sense of bodily balance while playing, climbing, jumping and begin to observe the change of seasons and cycles of life. Seamless incorporation of art such as painting, drawing, cooking, knitting, wax modelling, music in the learning process fully engages the child’s senses paired with a cultivation of creativity.