hi,

anyone had good experience of waldorf steiner education system?

no - had terrible experience I wouldn't wish on my worst enemies' children - do a search on the message boards here but be aware that a lot of the critical posts have been removed so you might get a skewed view

My daughter is attending a Steiner kindergarten in Cardiff and we think it is wonderful. It is very welcoming and homely and emphasises kindness.
The children have a lot of free play which is excellent. It is not directed play, and some parents find that very hard that they have such freedom. (It is however observed play and children are to allowed to do anything dangerous, nasty etc.) The idea is that children need to play and move (helping against obesity) and if they don't get the chance it can effect their whole lives detrimentally.
More play is being introduced into mainstream schools as it has been proved to be beneficial, but not to the same extent as is in a Steiner Waldorf school.
There is also no academic side to Steiner kindergarten. Many worldwide studies have shown that the later a child learns to read (around 6-7) the better reader they will be as an adult. If a child starts too early they will learn to read but they will never be a fluent reader as an adult. This again can be difficult for parents as society expects children to be more and more academic at an early age.
There are lots of songs, stories, art and practical stuff (ie tidying up).
The kindergarten is non-denominational and a wide range of parents send their children there.
If you believe that children have a right to play in their childhood then you might find that a Steiner school is for you.
We have no regrets in our daughter attending the kindergarten.

As a long-time Steiner mum I'd be really interested in knowing what studies you're speaking of. Early reading does not mean that a child will never be a fluent reader as an adult.

My DS and I are loving many aspects of his Steiner kindergarten (Cardiff as well).

The approach to discipline is based in setting a calm and lovely rhythm for the cycles of the day and week. The teachers speak in low voices and often sing names or reminders. Each activity has a clear transition to another.

The whole atmosphere is calm with an profoundly artistic attention to detail. For example, the children sit down together for a meal with flowers and a candle on the table. The children set the table and help to prepare the meal. Each place setting has a napkin in a ring on which the child's name is embroidered.

It's a 'character'-free environment; no Thomas, Pat, Bob or Peppa.

It's a very unique and special environment. We attempt to emulate some of the rhythm and transition elements at home, and they make a great difference.

<sharp intake of breath>

This always gets nasty

Hi Hen

Interested in your reasons for thinking about Steiner education. It's your choice and I believe they can be good if it suits but have you checked out your local infant/junior school and their policies and practice on the outdoor environment and play.

DS's infant school grow things, take turns to fill the compost bins, play outside in all weathers in reception and year 1. They sing, do music in fact they have a very practical hands on approach to learning. Yes they learn to read and write but year r is completely play based. DS has had a great time at school in a calm and stress free atmosphere where the teachers talk calmly to the children and we haven't paid a penny for this priviledge.

heninthemidden, search the archives. These threads never go well. There have been plenty of people posting about the benefits of Steiner, but please take the time to research the negative postings and come to your own conclusions.

QUOTE "As a long-time Steiner mum I'd be really interested in knowing what studies you're speaking of. Early reading does not mean that a child will never be a fluent reader as an adult".

I'd be interested to hear more about that too if pos.

"If a child starts too early they will learn to read but they will never be a fluent reader as an adult"

What rubbish!

I am very suspicious of blanket statement like this. Not all children are the same!

Gonna blow my own trumpet here (sorry) but I could recognise words at 2 and read basic sentences when I started school at 4 1/2. I loved reading then and guess what, I am a "fluent reader" now!!

I'm not saying all children should be taught to read early, and I'm well aware that those who start later catch up fine, but what about those who love it / have a natural aptitude for words? I absolutely treasure my memories of those early books. The idea of not being exposed to reading till years later really unnerves me actually.

Learning through play is essential IMO, but why at the expense of books?!! Way too prescriptive / one-size-fits-all for me.