Waldorf
Education
"Receive the children in reverence,
educate them in love and send
them forth in freedom"
-Rudolf Steiner
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Waldorf Education
Agastya's Early Years and Elementary (I to V) education takes inspiration from the profound philosophy of Waldorf Education, given by the great visionary, philosopher and social reformer, Rudolf Steiner. Steiner developed this philosophy almost one century ago on the lands of central Europe, in the times when the purpose of education was fading behind the burden of the utilitarian society. He brought back the attention of the educators towards the importance of child consciousness and age appropriate curriculum.
In our Waldorf journey at Agastya we could draw a lot of parallels between Waldorf Education and the Ancient Indian Education System. We have designed our curriculum with the aim to strike a balance between our cultural heritage and futuristic outlook. Developing a sense of wonder and reverence for all living things is incorporated in the curriculum. Natural materials like wooden toys , pebbles, shells, handmade dolls etc. are used in the teaching learning process.
Early Years: ‘Rhythm, Reverence, Repetition’
Agastya’s Waldorf Kindergarten seeks to honour and protect the wonder of childhood.
Child's Rhythm and Nature's Rhythm go hand in hand as they are one with their environment. Children feel very comfortable with the Mother Teacher as they begin their Waldorf journey here.
Our kindergarten lays the groundwork for skills that are needed to succeed later on in academics. Through daily rhythms of
free play, outdoor time, circle time, nature walk, story time, handwork, weaving, cooking, beeswax modelling, finger play, gardening, painting and storytelling, children develop strong foundation for the emerging literacy skills.
Agastaya Elementary (Grade I to V)
Agastaya Elementary (Grade I to V)
Children master fundamental skills in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing (LSRW) through joyful activities that are designed based on the developmental needs of the growing child. All subjects are introduced in an age appropriate manner. The curriculum balances academic subjects with artistic activities
The curriculum is carefully designed by mapping the academic concepts required to be taught at a particular age with the Waldorf age consciousness. All the learning is experiential that involves the whole body of the child, through head, heart and hand activities at balance. The students record their learning in their MLBs (Main Lesson Book) and that becomes a part of their childhood treasure trove. Their experiences and expressions are developed through speech and drama, chalkboard drawings, gardening, form drawing, painting, hand work (Knitting, crochet), and wet on wet paintings.
Recorder playing is an integral part of elementary school as this regulates the child’s breathing and helps them balance the heart and hands.
Skill sheets are provided additionally to supplement learning. Bothmer gymnastics plays an integral part in bringing balance and body awareness . Children are encouraged to make connections between academics, art and nature, in a way that cultivates their innate curiosity and deepens their appreciation for the world around them.
A non-competitive atmosphere is nurtured in the classroom and the students are encouraged to help each other in the learning process. The class teacher travels with the children through the years and plays a vital role in the primary years of the child’s life. The relationship between the teacher and the child deepens year after year that provides a joyful and a meaningful learning experience for each child.
