I have accepted the role of aftercare teacher with a heart full of gratitude. It is a privilege to be the guardian of your beautiful children. I am a mum at the school and I deeply believe in the Waldorf way. My vision for the aftercare is to provide a home-like environment where the children feel […]
I love hearing the old stories. The stories about the teachers and parents who came before my time. Who fervently wished, worked and carried a flame for our school. During the first phase of our school, a new group of Class 1s entering the school meant building a new classroom! Reading the stories written down […]
“We are not made of atoms, we are made of stories.” – Dr. Linda Williams, From Orality to Literacy Conference, Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto, November 2011 Introduction In his book, A is for Ox: the Collapse of Literacy and the Rise of Violence in an Electronic Age, Dr. Barry Sanders contends that in order to attain […]
When a Waldorf teacher looks at a 6-year-old child to determine if he is ready for first grade, age cut-off is only the beginning. The teacher must consider physical, social/emotional, and intellectual development, all of which point to a fundamental shift in consciousness from the kindergarten child. Rudolf Steiner, founder of Waldorf Education, says that […]
Being a part of the first full Second Language Play at our school started with Candice’s vision very early on in this year of just such an endeavour. I was excited and somewhat hesitant… the play had dense parts, with complex, well-known Afrikaans poems and my concern was that we could stay stuck in explaining […]
There are more than a thousand Waldorf schools in the world, and 17 of them are spread across South Africa. The schooling system, which has sometimes been considered a little “out there” or controversial, is steadily growing in popularity, but is still subject to some widespread negative misconceptions. We interviewed Waldorf teachers, students and parents […]
The Norse legends come from Northern Europe including Iceland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The pagan gods of the Norse people often represented forces of nature. Being a Waldorf school teacher from Norway, I find it fascinating that Norse mythology has found its way to the south of Africa. These timeless stories of powerful yet fallible gods offer […]
This comparison of Waldorf and Montessori educational philosophies is based on my personal experience as a teacher in both Montessori and Waldorf school systems. I would like to preface my remarks by stressing that there can be much difference from one classroom to another in any philosophy, due to the style and interpretation of the […]
This is an annual highlight in our school’s calendar. The Spring Fair brings together our wider community and shows off Imhoff Waldorf School’s great energy, creativity and joy for life. What’s on offer: Childrens games and activities Live entertainment – music and shows Variety of stalls Waldorf craft and toys…and much more. Please share this […]
The inclusion of the subject Eurythmy through all grades is an essential feature of Waldorf schools. Eurythmy is a highly refined movement art which nourishes the children’s sense of well-being and aids other learning areas by strengthening expressive capacities, improving balance, coordination, concentration, rhythm, and awareness of patterns. The group forms help foster healthy class […]
As children of the Primary School returned to school on Tuesday, their confidence was apparent. Running legs were put to the test, trees were climbed and voices projected across the playground as games were coordinated with gusto. The Big Tree swing, lonely over the holidays, received much attention – does it ever lose appeal? Break […]
Play is not urgent. It will not wake a child up in the middle of the night like a bad dream or a bladder in need of release. Play isn’t something that hijacks a child’s attention like an empty stomach in need of food or an injury in need of first aid. While the instinct […]
Bright and shiny stones everywhere! The Class 1s went on a wonderfully colourful adventure to the Scratch Patch to collect beautiful precious stones to use as our class counters. We searched in the stream, in the cave and along the stone paths to pick out the best stones to have as our counters. Much fun […]
Tara Taylor studied music, English and psychology at university and has been playing the flute for over 30 years. She has taught the flute and recorder privately as well as hosted song circles and sound journeys. Tara has also worked at Bloublommetjieskloof school camps; Earth Champs Holiday Club and holiday yoga. Tara has been employed […]
This topic touches on many things to do with the basic inner needs of a child – which allows the child to develop a sense of trust in life and in their own capabilities. Many issues will be touched on with regard to parenting (under parenting/over parenting); missing what is essential by focusing on the […]