THEORIES AND THEORISTS

Rudolf Steiner

Home: Austria Born: 1861 Died: 1925

Rudolf Steiner was interested in many things. He wrote widely about science,

religion, politics, agriculture and education and much more. His work in the area of

education led to the setting up of Waldorf Schools in Germany and throughout the

world. A true ‘Steiner’ or ‘Waldorf’ approach involves a very specific kind of pro-

gram with teachers who have been especially trained. But many of Steiner’s ideas

are also part of all quality early childhood programs.

Receive the child with gratitude; Educate them with love; Let them go forth in freedom…..Rudolf Steiner.Receive the child with gratitude; Educate them with love; Let them go forth in freedom…..Rudolf Steiner.Receive the child with gratitude; Educate them with love; Let them go forth in freedom…..Rudolf Steiner.Receive the child with gratitude; Educate them with love; Let them go forth in freedom…..Rudolf Steiner.

This educator has noticed

a small child’s delight in a

playing in an Aboriginal

mia mia; the joy of

hiding, the feeling of

being inside the bush.

She has created a story

using natural materials

and local animals that

builds on the wonder and

beauty of the child’s

experience.

WHAT HE TAUGHT US WHAT WE DO

• We should value childhood, and respect

children for who they are right now.

• Plan for continuity of care—making sure that

children are able to form relationships with

people who are there for them every day.

• Children need free, creative play to develop

their spirit, their bodies and their minds.

• Provide settings, resources and time that let

children use their imagination.

• Limit television and structured activities like

colouring-in sheets.

• It is important to nurture the senses

though beauty.

• Use natural materials wherever possible; -

wood; stone; wool; cotton; natural light.

• Providing real life tasks for children gives them

a sense of belonging and connectedness.

• Involve children in looking after their spaces and

resources; preparing meals; making gardens.

• Educators need to provide rhythm and

structure in the children’s day.

• Well thought out routines that follow children’s

natural rhythms and opportunities for joint conver-

sations based around children’s interests.

• The experiences of Awe and Wonder are the

beginnings of learning.

• Be aware of (and plan for) moments of wonder,

share them with children, value and build on

them.

EXAMPLES FROM PRACTICE:

This Resource Sheet has been prepared by the Yorganop Indigenous Professional Support Unit WA. © Yorganop

The Yorganop Indigenous Professional Support Unit is an initiative of the Inclusion and Professional Support Programme, funded

by the Australian Government.”