The Wonder of Childhood

In the early years, young children are less interested in detailed instructions; they are more interested in their own freedom and newfound abilities to imitate the natural world, rather than be handed contrived tasks.  —study from The Child's Changing Consciousness

Long ago, when beginning my journey in Waldorf education, I once believed that following others (or following a detailed lesson plan), would surely lead me closer to the mysteries of Waldorf education (yes, they seemed just beyond reach, and I was reaching ). But soon, I found that this "following" of others was quite contrary to understanding. Something was missing and luckily, I kept at it... determined and longing to understand this great mystery. And step-by-step it was revealed to me.

Slowly, I began to understand that this way of educating the child asked something deeper of me. No, it didn't ask me what "I" wanted: this beautiful and idealistic way of life (totally guilty) who doesn't desire this?! But this way of education asked me to notice and understand the child, in the present moment. And ​the answer hit me, and it was beautiful: the child needs real life itself to learn (freedom to experience).

It is understood that the young child comes into the world with a beautiful open soul. And before the age of seven, the greatest gift we can give the child is freedom—freedom to play, to dream, to watch, and to imitate real life. At this age, the child learns by what they do themselves, rather than what they are told to do for others (so human). This means that we must protect their space (their kingdom), as they playfully explore. How? By setting good boundaries and limits while still allowing some freedom within these. This is where rhythm comes in handy. It offers the child what they crave, without intrusion. It shapes their day, without pushing them too far. It allows the child to feel safe (not managed). It says, "You are free to become, but I am here beside you."

So, if you are seeking to deepen your understanding of the philosophy of Waldorf education (specifically in the early years, ages 0-7), you might be relieved to learn that during this stage of development very little "rigid" planning or preparation is needed (so relax). Enjoy childhood—explore the outdoors, the garden, the farm, and your local community (and local artists). Engage in real life, real people, and real community because here is the truth, if we begin "staging" our home life for the child—as if a home were a classroom, with rigid daily themes, we are only teaching the child to perform according to "the book". And these sorts of performances cannot be sustained forever.

Someday the child will cross the threshold from 6 to 7 years old, and the staged curtain will lift, and in that moment they will sense what was arranged by an irrational authority and may begin to long for something more authentic and true—their freedom to create life itself.

Before the age of seven, the curriculum soothes the adult. But often these pre-planned or themed ideals are not serving the child. They may smile and they may comply, but something invisible may begin to shrink. The space of wonder and the freedom to become. This is why Steiner suggests offering the child a real life environment that is purposeful, meaningful and worth imitating. And from this rhythm the child awakens naturally to the real world, with purpose and growing towards the meaning of life.

​And so, we return to the child—rather than the idea of the child. They were not born to fulfill our visions, or to mirror our own ideals. They are here to experience their own becoming.

However, if you are the type of person who longs for more structure—unsure how to move forward without a plan, then I highly recommend that your day include more personal and practical handcrafts, bush craft, fiber arts, folk arts, or heritage based puppetry (rather than idealistic curriculum). You could even add more structure to your day by tending to a garden or caring for livestock. These activities fulfill purpose and replace rigid structures with flowing rhythms.

At this age, simple and natural everyday activities are all that is needed to inspire the child’s free play. Steiner reminds us, before the age of seven children need space to play, to step away from real life and imitate it in new ways. They need time to feel boredom and time to reconnect with their inner beauty. And perhaps this why Steiner invited us into relationship with the child and into relationship with the whole world. This means: the child is the curriculum.

Still confused? That's okay! Questions are the foundation of Waldorf education. Ask away, for blindly following others could harm our own understanding of the child standing in front of us.

For follow-up on this topic, I recommend reading: Parsifal: A Waldorf Education Resource Book written by: Charles Kovacs

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AND

Learn how to incorporate gardening into education.

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Read from other blog post below.

The Subtle Art of Teaching

The Art of Discovery

The Thread of Thought