What is unique about Steiner education?
The best overall statement on what is unique about Steiner education is to be found in the stated goals of the schooling:to produce individuals who are able, in and of themselves, to impart meaning to their lives. The aim of Steiner schooling is to educate the whole child, head, heart and hands. The curriculum is as broad as time will allow, and balances academic subjects with artistic and practical activities. Steiner teachers are dedicated to creating a genuine love of learning within each child. By freely using arts and activities in the service of teaching academics, an internal motivation to learn is developed in the students, doing away with the need for competitive testing and grading.
Probably the most appropriate overall statement on what is unique about Steiner education is to be found in the stated goals of the schooling: “to produce individuals who are able, in and of themselves, to impart meaning to their lives”. The aim of Steiner schooling is to educate the whole child, “head, heart and hands”. The curriculum is as broad as time will allow, and balances academics subjects with artistic and practical activities. Steiner teachers are dedicated to creating a genuine love of learning within each child. By freely using arts and activities in the service of teaching academics, an internal motivation to learn is developed in the students. Some distinctive features of Steiner education include the following: Academics are de-emphasized in the early years of schooling. There is no academic content in the Steiner Kindergarten experience (i.e. pre Class 1, although there is a good deal of cultivation of pre-academic skills).
