Waldorf Homeschooling

Waldorf homeschooling is a unique and effective approach to educating children, developed by Austrian philosopher and educator Rudolf Steiner. He believed that the education children receive should be tailored to their individual needs and abilities. The Waldorf homeschool approach focuses on these beliefs: 

1. Teachers should be lifelong learners who facilitate learning rather than simply transmitting information
2. Education should be holistic and developmentally appropriate 

This method creates an environment where students can explore, discover, and learn in a meaningful and engaging way. 

On this page, we will explore the theory and principles of Waldorf education, the benefits of using the Waldorf method for homeschooling, and how to implement Waldorf homeschooling curriculum with the help of Miacademy.

What is Waldorf Education?

There are several different homeschooling styles  to choose from, each with its own unique set of principles and approaches to teaching. One popular style is the Waldorf method, which Rudolf Steiner created in the early 20th century. Waldorf homeschool curriculum is based on the belief that children go through three phases of development, each lasting about seven years. These three cycles of Waldorf Education break down into the following stages:

• Preschool and Kindergarten
• The elementary years
• The secondary years

Waldorf homeschool curriculum is designed to meet the unique needs and abilities of students at each stage of development, with a focus on creativity, imagination, and hands-on learning experiences.

Benefits of Waldorf Homeschooling

There are many benefits to using the Waldorf homeschool method for homeschooling your children. One Stanford Report on Waldorf Education found that students who were educated using the Waldorf system were more likely to graduate high school, had fewer disciplinary problems, and performed better on standardized tests than students in traditional public schools.

One of the main benefits of Waldorf homeschooling curriculum is that it is developmentally appropriate for students. It is based on each child’s individual needs and is designed to create a solid foundation for future learning. 

Additionally, these building blocks are grounded in a student’s connection to their primary instructor in their Waldorf curriculum. Homeschool students benefit from this personalized approach to education because it helps to foster a love of learning and a strong sense of self-esteem in children. It also helps students feel that their learning connects them to those around them and makes them part of a community!

How to Homeschool with the Waldorf Method

Implementing the Waldorf method for homeschooling requires a bit of planning and organization, but it can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both you and your children. Here are some key components of a Waldorf homeschooling curriculum:

• Science: Waldorf homeschool curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning, particularly in the areas of science and nature. Science lessons might include activities such as observing and recording weather patterns, studying the life cycles of plants and animals, or conducting simple experiments.
• Language arts: Language arts lessons in a Waldorf homeschool typically focus on reading, writing, and storytelling, with an emphasis on developing a love of literature and the written word. Students might engage in activities such as reading aloud, writing stories and poems, or creating their own books.
• Math: Math lessons in a Waldorf homeschool are often taught through hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving. Students might work with manipulatives such as counting blocks or play with geometric shapes. These activities help them build a strong foundation in math concepts like number sense and geometric reasoning.
• Social studies: Social studies lessons in a Waldorf homeschool typically focus on the history and culture of both the local community and the broader world. Students might engage in activities such as visiting local landmarks, learning about different cultures and traditions, or studying the history of their community.
• Electives: In addition to core subjects, a Waldorf online homeschool also includes a variety of elective courses, such as art, music, and foreign languages, which allow students to pursue their passions and interests.

Waldorf homeschooling also emphasizes the importance of play and creativity. This makes Miacademy the perfect tool for families following the Waldorf homeschool method! Miacademy offers a range of fun and engaging activities and resources to help students learn and explore in a way that is both enjoyable and meaningful.

Waldorf Homeschooling with Miacademy

Miacademy is a top-rated online homeschooling platform that is compatible with the Waldorf online homeschooling method. Miacademy’s accredited K-8 curriculum and MiaPrep’s accredited 9-12 curriculum are perfect complements to the Waldorf lifestyle. All of our sites offer a range of engaging and interactive lessons and activities that are tailored to each student’s needs.

Our curriculum is completely customizable. From the parent portal, you have full control over which courses, lessons, and activities you assign your student. You can also personalize their school term and the pace at which they work on their assignments. This flexibility allows Miacademy to meet the diverse learning needs of students while supporting them in a way that is developmentally appropriate and stress-free.

Waldorf Homeschool Schedule with Miacademy

A typical Homeschool day with Waldorf Homeschooling curriculum at Miacademy might include the following activities:

• Morning circle: Students start their day with a morning check-in, which might include activities such as singing, storytelling, or mindfulness exercises.
• Core subjects: Students then move on to their core subjects, such as math, language arts, and science, using a combination of online lessons, hands-on activities, and real-world problem-solving. The extension activities paired with each lesson on Miacademy can be a great way to extend your child’s learning beyond the screen!
• Electives: After their core subjects, students have the opportunity to explore their passions and interests through a range of elective courses, such as art, music, or foreign languages.
• Outdoor play and exploration: Waldorf education places a strong emphasis on the importance of nature and the outdoors. You can encourage your student to integrate their new learning into these explorations! For example, students in our Earth Science course may enjoy examining rocks, while students in any of our Spanish courses may benefit from practicing new vocabulary words to talk about the outside world.
• Evening routine: The day ends with a winding-down routine, which might include activities such as reading, journaling, or preparing for the next day.

Join a Waldorf Homeschool Community with Miacademy

In addition to our online Waldorf homeschooling curriculum, Miacademy also offers some amazing community features! Kids can play games, share artwork, write for our weekly newspaper, and even run a virtual business. 

These connections can help students feel like they are part of a larger learning community, which is part of what makes Miacademy the best Waldorf homeschool curriculum! And don’t worry – our site is completely moderated, so you can relax knowing your child is both staying safe and having fun.

We know how important it is to have a strong support network on your homeschooling journey. If you’re looking for guidance or would like to connect with other homeschooling parents, join our wonderful online support group on Facebook. This is a great place to see how other families are using the Waldorf homeschooling style with Miacademy! 

Interested in learning more about Waldorf homeschooling with Miacademy?  Reach out to our incredible customer support team any time for more information!

FAQs:

Is Waldorf homeschooling right for my child?

Waldorf homeschooling may be a good fit for your child if you are looking for a personalized, developmentally appropriate approach to education that emphasizes creativity, imagination, and hands-on learning. However, it is important to consider your child’s individual needs and learning style when deciding on the best homeschooling method for them.

Can I combine the Waldorf method with other homeschooling styles?

Yes, you can certainly combine the Waldorf method with other homeschooling styles. Miacademy is compatible with a range of homeschooling methods, including Waldorf, Montessori, and traditional approaches, and our online curriculum can be tailored to meet the unique needs and learning styles of your child. If you are interested in combining the Waldorf method with other approaches, it is important to carefully consider the strengths and limitations of each method and how they might work together to meet your child’s needs.