Our Difference
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Cross-Curricular Immersive Learning
We have a "main lesson block" that is a central component of the curriculum, where subjects are taught in concentrated blocks over several weeks. This approach offers numerous benefits, particularly when it comes to cross-curricular learning:
1. Depth of Understanding: By focusing on a single subject for an extended period, students can delve deeply into the material. This deep engagement fosters a thorough understanding of concepts and encourages connections to other disciplines.
2. Integration of Knowledge: Main lesson blocks often integrate multiple subjects, such as combining history with art or science with literature. This cross-curricular approach helps students see the interconnectedness of knowledge, making learning more cohesive and relevant.
3. Enhanced Retention: Immersing students in a subject for an extended time helps improve retention. The repeated exposure to concepts allows for better assimilation of knowledge, leading to a more robust understanding that students can draw upon in the future.
4. Creative Exploration: Main lesson blocks encourage creative expression through various mediums, such as drawing, storytelling, and hands-on projects. This creativity not only makes learning more enjoyable but also reinforces understanding by allowing students to express what they have learned in diverse ways.
5. Development of Critical Thinking: Engaging with a subject from multiple angles encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. Students learn to analyze information, draw connections, and synthesize ideas, which are essential skills in any discipline.
6. Holistic Learning: The main lesson block format aligns with the Steiner philosophy of holistic education, addressing emotional, social, and cognitive development. This approach nurtures the whole child, promoting well-rounded growth.
7. Increased Engagement: The focused nature of main lesson blocks can lead to higher levels of student engagement and motivation. When students are interested in a subject, they are more likely to participate actively and take ownership of their learning.
8. Community Building: Working on a common theme fosters a sense of community among students and teachers. Collaborative projects and discussions encourage social interaction and strengthen relationships within the classroom
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Building Children with Resilience and Follow Through
The concept of developing the will refers to nurturing a child's capacity to follow through on tasks, make decisions, and persist in the face of challenges. This development is seen as essential for fostering responsibility, self-discipline, and independence. Here are some ways this is achieved, along with examples:
1. Rhythmic and Structured Learning: Steiner schools emphasize daily and seasonal rhythms that provide structure. For example, a consistent morning routine helps children understand the importance of following through with daily tasks, building a sense of responsibility.
2. Project-Based Learning: Students often engage in long-term projects that require planning, execution, and reflection. For instance, a gardening project might involve researching plants, preparing the soil, planting seeds, and caring for the garden over time. This process teaches students to commit to a project and see it through to completion.
3. Hands-On Activities: Practical activities, such as woodworking or crafting, require sustained effort and focus. A student learning to carve a piece of wood must practice patience and perseverance, developing their will as they work through difficulties.
4. Goal Setting: Teachers encourage students to set personal goals, whether academic or creative. For example, a student might aim to complete a specific piece of artwork or improve their writing skills. This practice promotes self-discipline and accountability, as students learn to follow through on their objectives.
5. Encouragement of Self-Directed Learning: Steiner education promotes autonomy by allowing students to choose their topics of interest within certain guidelines. For instance, a student might choose to research a historical figure, requiring them to follow through with gathering information, organizing it, and presenting their findings.
6. Reflection and Self-Assessment: Regular opportunities for reflection help students evaluate their progress and consider how they can improve. For example, after completing a project, a class discussion might focus on what went well and what could be done differently next time, fostering a growth mindset.
7. Collaborative Work: Group projects encourage students to work together and hold each other accountable. For instance, a class might collaborate on a play, where each student has a role that contributes to the final performance. This collaboration teaches the importance of commitment to the group and following through on individual responsibilities.
8. Celebration of Achievements: Acknowledging and celebrating accomplishments, both big and small, reinforces the value of perseverance. For example, showcasing completed projects in a school exhibition helps students recognize their hard work and motivates them to continue developing their will.
Through these practices, Steiner education helps cultivate the will in children, allowing them to develop the ability to follow through on tasks, make thoughtful choices, and face challenges with resilience.
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Experiential Learning and Hands-On activities are a focus
Hands-on activities significantly enhance a child's ability to solve problems in several ways:
1. Active Engagement: Children learn best when they are actively involved. Hands-on activities require them to engage physically and mentally, which helps reinforce concepts and encourages deeper understanding.
2. Real-World Application: These activities often mimic real-life scenarios, allowing children to see the relevance of what they are learning. This connection helps them transfer skills to new situations, improving their problem-solving abilities.
3. Critical Thinking: Hands-on tasks often present challenges that require children to think critically and creatively. They learn to analyze situations, brainstorm solutions, and evaluate outcomes, fostering a mindset geared toward exploration and innovation.
4. Trial and Error: Engaging in hands-on projects allows children to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. This process builds resilience and teaches the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles.
5. Collaboration and Communication: Many hands-on activities are done in groups, promoting teamwork. Children learn to share ideas, listen to others, and negotiate solutions, which are essential skills for effective problem-solving.
6. Sensory Learning: Hands-on activities stimulate multiple senses, making learning more memorable. This sensory experience helps reinforce concepts and encourages children to make connections that aid in problem-solving.
7. Confidence Building: Successfully completing hands-on projects boosts a child's confidence. When they see the results of their efforts, they are more likely to tackle future challenges with a positive attitude.
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Teacher Cycling
Each class has a main teacher who usually stays with their class as they go up the years for a few years. This provides:
1. Continuity of Learning: When teachers cycle through classes, they bring a deeper understanding of the curriculum and pedagogical approach. This continuity allows for a cohesive educational experience, where students can build on prior knowledge and skills as they progress through grades.
2. Holistic Understanding of Student Development: Teachers who work with some students over time gain insights into the developmental stages of children. This broader perspective helps them tailor their teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students at different stages of growth.
3. Strengthened Relationships: Cycling teachers foster stronger connections between educators and students. They can develop meaningful relationships with a group of students, promoting a sense of community.
4. Support for Special Needs: When teachers have experience over time with the same children, they are better equipped to identify and support students with special needs. This understanding allows for more tailored interventions and support strategies.
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Rhythms of the Year