Homeschooling is a popular option for parents who want to provide their children with an education that considers the individual child’s needs and interests.
Waldorf homeschooling is one of many educational methods available to parents, but it stands out from traditional schooling because it focuses on creativity and the whole child.
This blog post will discuss what Waldorf homeschooling is and some tips for getting started if you are interested in exploring this method.
To learn even more about various homeschooling approaches, check out 10 Different Homeschooling Methods You Need to Know.
Table of Contents
What is the Waldorf homeschooling approach?
The Waldorf Homeschooling method is based on the work of Rudolf Steiner, who popularized the technique during the late 1800s and early 1900s in Europe. It is a popular homeschooling approach that stresses the importance of educating all aspects of the child – body, mind, and spirit.
The emphasis in early grades includes arts/crafts, music/movement, and nature. Academics are not introduced until children are seven years old.
From 7-14 years old, students learn to develop self-awareness while using logic and creating their educational booklets called “Good Books.” It is an accumulation of art, stories, poetry, reflections, and more relating to the 3-6 week-long topics they study.
In high school, kids are introduced to rigorous academic work while still incorporating art and creativity.
The Waldorf homeschooling method also discourages televisions and computers because they believe that these devices harm a child’s health, creativity, and social interactions.
This method may be right for your family if you desire to delay academics for a few years and focus on curiosity and creativity throughout their education.
What Are the Pros?
- A nature-based, age-appropriate, and holistic approach to learning
- Academics aren’t introduced until children are older
- Art is combined with all subjects
- Deep dives into topics of study
What Are the Cons?
- Academics are delayed, and if you have to put your child back in school for unplanned reasons, it will be a struggle.
- Good quality Waldorf materials and resources can be pricey
- May be challenging for those who aren’t artistically inclined
- Technology is highly discouraged
Recommended Resources
- The Tasks and Content of the Steiner-Waldorf Curriculum
- Understanding Waldorf Education
- Rhythms of Learning
- Lavender Blue Homeschool
- Art of Homeschooling
- The Agent or Object Podcast
- A Waldorf Journey Podcast
Popular Curricula & Teaching Materials
- Christopherus Homeschool Resources
- Waldorf Essentials
- Live Education!
- The BEarth Institute
- The Waldorf Homeschool Connection
- Oak Meadow
- Waldorfish
Homeschool Groups
- Waldorf Homeschool Curriculum Discussion (Facebook group)
- Waldorf Homeschool Parents Chat (FB)
- Waldorf Inspired Homeschooling for Beginners (FB)
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling can be a daunting task for any parent. Fortunately, many different educational techniques have been designed to help parents educate their kids at home.
Waldorf homeschooling is one of the more popular methods because it stresses all aspects of development- body, mind, and spirit. This form of education encourages arts/crafts, music/movement, and nature studies in early grades. At the same time, older students learn to develop self-awareness using logic and creating booklets.
And if you’re interested in learning about other styles of homeschooling, don’t forget to check out my blog post, 10 Different Homeschooling Methods You Need to Know.
What homeschooling method do you think would be best for your child? Let me know!
Xuan Klevecka is a Southern California-based homeschool mom, wife, and sometimes purveyor of vintage goods. She’s an Enneagram 5w4, a lover of good food, and a former middle school history teacher. You’ll either find her looking at road maps and daydreaming about her family’s next epic adventure or perusing recipes and cooking up a feast for the brood.
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