Introduction
Steiner schools have a distinctive and unique approach to education. The children on Steiner schools are able to learn with their head, heart and hands (Childs, G. 1991).
Rudolf Steiner was born in 1861 (Childs, G. 1991). Steiner developed the philosophy: anthroposophy, a new way of thinking. His mind-set towards the universe, life, spirituality, the connection between those important aspects and how they influence each other was revolutionary. He believed he has access to a higher consciousness through a clairvoyant knowledge of the spiritual world. Inspired by the German theosophists Steiner started to focus on the spiritual areas of research. Encouraged by the Theosophical Society, which had received Steiner’s ideas positively,
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• What is the vision of Steiner on education?
• How are the key elements used in kindergarten education of the Vrije School in Rotterdam?
• To what extent have the key elements in the taught curriculum changed over time?
Research question: What key elements of Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophical vision on education are noticeable in the taught curriculum in kindergarten at the Vrije School Vredehof in Rotterdam?
This research question is focused on the key elements of the anthroposophy because they are unique and differ themselves from key elements of other philosophies. The key elements are on a higher spiritual level. Hence the key elements need to be defined. Steiner’s books will be consulted for this. The research will take place in kindergarten classes because the author is currently closely involved with kindergarten education and intrigued by the particular approach of the Vrije school Vredehof kindergarten teachers to children. For that last reason the focus is on taught curriculum of that specific school. relevance of the research is described
The practical problem is accurately described, Connects to a wider established context (professional body, social
Their main objective is to create a safe educational environment for the children to learn in to help them develop in all areas. The setting offers a variety of activities for the children to take part in which will develop areas of their holistic development which will work with the children to reach the goals set for them.
It sets out welfare and developmental aims and objectives for children from birth to five, setting out six key areas of learning. The welfare section covers; basic checks, ensuring staff has undergone security checks, safe facilities and equipment, suitable for children, quality of the environment e.g. access to outdoor space. The EYFS promotes teaching and learning to ensure children are ready for school and gives them a wide range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for them and to ensure that they make good progress through school and life in the future.
Piaget developed a workable theory that has had considerable implications for education, most notably for child-centred learning methods in nursery and infant schools. Piaget argued that young children think quite differently from adults so therefore the teacher should adapt the teaching methods to suit the child. For example, nursery school classrooms can provide children with play materials that encourage their learning. Using sets of toys that encourage the practice of sorting, grading and counting. Play areas, where children can develop role-taking skills through imaginative play. Materials like water, sand, bricks and crayons that help children make their own constructions and create symbolic representations of objects and people in their lives. A teacher’s role is to create the conditions in which learning may best take place.
Early years frameworks in the U.K emphasise the importance of a personal and individual approach to learning and development:
Introduction: My kindergarten learners are very diverse. It is comprised of twenty-one 5 and 6 year old students. There are 11 boys and 10 girls. In my class, there are children with ADHD, severe learning disabilities, multiple ESL learners, Cerebral Palsy, Severe Behavior, and other assortment of needs.
Montessori’s teaching approach aims to develop all aspects of the child mentally and socially (Pound, 2012). Montessori cautioned teachers to remember that children need to be allowed to do basic tasks to learn for themselves (Mooney, 2000, p.28). The role of the teacher in a Montessori setting is mainly observation of the child, encouragement, preparation of the environment, leadership, fostering the child’s independence (Mooney, 2000, p.29), and keeping a complex and delicate balance between each role. (Miller, 2010, p.79). Both theorists acknowledged that children learn best by doing and through repetition of tasks (Mooney, 2000, p.29). Large blocks of time for free work and play, should be scheduled as this was part of the Montessori legacy, this can also be seen in Steiner settings. (Pound, 2012). The teacher should also give children responsibility for keeping the setting space clean and tidy and allow the children to structure their own play. (Mooney, 2000, p.29). Steiner’s role of the teacher is comparable. Steiner wanted to create an education which gave children ‘clarity of thought, sensitivity of feeling and strength of will’ (Pound 2012, p28). Like Montessori the role of the teacher is all about observation, the teacher needs to be both interested and observational of the child’s basic needs to fully develop the child both
The preschool is concerned with the child at different developmental stages (Berger, 2009). Teacher must ask herself two questions about the child at those stages. Firstly, how does the child think about and view his world? Secondly, what learning tasks should the child be given at this point in his development? To answer the questions, the teacher must orient herself to Piagetian developmental theory and sharpen her observational skills.
The theories of Howard Gardner and Urie Bronfenbrenner are at the heart of my educational philosophy. I firmly believe in Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory, and his perspective that everyone has their own individual learning style. This is important to know, especially when working with children. Understanding how each child learns best and the way they process information provides teachers with a unique viewpoint into each student and allows for opportunities to teach in a way that fosters many benefits for everyone. Using Gardner’s theory as a basis for my teaching, allows me to plan meaningful, curriculum and create a classroom environment that encourages success for each child and their families. Following the ideals of Bronfenbrenner will allow me to see who the child is, and what his or her influences are. Knowing the traditions and culture the child comes from, will give me a better understanding of their life experiences and the belief system of their family.
The education of children has existed since the beginning of time as parents have taught and molded their children into the young adults they desired them to be. Initial training of children was not in a formal setting, although history would see numerous settings, purposes, and methodological changes. Philosophies of education have also changed through the years as various voices have seemed to grasp the purpose of educating the next generation, thus laying out objectives to reach those goals of teaching children.
•the educational programmes – the matters, skills and processes which are required to be taught to young children
Theories of development are very important as these theories and frameworks can heavily influence current practice and help us to understand the complexities of children’s behaviours their reactions and can also help us figure out different and new ways of learning. Starting with the constructivist approach (piaget). Piaget worked
The early childhood are the most vital time for learning, therefore observations, assessments, planning and evaluation are an important part of the curriculum for children’s
Children are created to make images show the history, beliefs and the values of learning and teaching. This essay is about deconstructing the following statement in light of theories Piaget, Skinner and Vygotsky with teaching, learning and developing.
Rudolf Steiner develops early childhood education based on the age development of a child. Steiner’s theory centered on all aspects of growth and development including spirituality. His philosophy sprang from the idea that there are three-seven-year cycles of development. Steiner believe that education needs to work with the unfolding abilities and changing needs of the child at each
The purpose of this case study is to investigate and provide an overview of the physical, cognitive, social, and moral stages of development. Special emphasis will be placed on the progressive changes that can occur as an organism develops throughout his/her life spam, where the development of a child participant between the ages of 6-12 will be observed. It will also be based upon the attitudes , feelings, thoughts, and behaviors of an individual and the ways in which they operate in society. This will also be shown by an interview with a specific child, in this case, Hector, where he will be asked different questions which will help explain a childs developing mind. This case study will focus on some of the outstanding theorists involved