Specialty Subjects

Foreign languages play an essential part in the Waldorf curriculum. Language is a gateway to understand the genius, perspective, and unique expression of each culture. Empathic abilities are fostered by exposure to and experience of other ways of viewing the world. This in turn, allows a broader perspective on one’s own culture. Spanish and Mandarin are both taught at Westside Waldorf School, beginning in First Grade through Fifth Grade.

A fundamental principle of Waldorf Education is that children learn by doing (and making), and that out of activity and movement thinking arises. More and more the import of kinesthetic learning is being corroborated by current developmental brain research. Flexible, agile fingers in childhood support mobile, creative thinking in adult life and the enhancement of the faculty of judgment. In addition, hand-eye coordination is essential for balance and harmony in both body and mind. Learning care and respect for materials encourages feelings of moral and social responsibility.

Working with one’s hands also develops an appreciation for the work of others. These activities build creative confidence and self-directed activity. Handwork projects through the grades include knitting, crocheting, felting, spinning, sewing, cross-stitching, doll-making, stuffed animals, embroidery, and more.

Music Education combines the experience of rhythm, the feeling of harmony and musical moods, and knowledge grasped through music theory. Waldorf students sing, listen to, and play various instruments weekly. Beginning in First Grade, the “mood of the fifth” predominates and the children are taught to play interval and pentatonic flutes, which then progress to the C flute and the recorder. In Third Grade, they begin violin instruction and may move to viola or cello in Fourth Grade. Winds and percussion may also be chosen. Year-round there are numerous opportunities for students to perform instrumental, orchestral, and choral compositions in public performances, school assemblies, musical plays, and special community events.

There are many important inner skills to be learned through the study of music. Practicing an instrument cultivates inner discipline. Group music lessons offer a wonderful opportunity for a child to practice active listening skills and to work cooperatively with others. It is quite challenging for a group of children to work completely in unison in any realm, be it social, academic, or physical! In ensemble playing, with the same timing and pitch, the result of a harmonious sound allows them to directly experience the value of working well together. Playing an instrument is a wonderful means of self-exploration, self-expression, and creativity that allows the student to grow into a well-rounded human being.

Movement in Waldorf Education springs from the same understanding of child development that underlies the academic curriculum. This influences everything from choosing various activities to the shapes that are used in the group games, and the emphasis of the class (for instance whether games are played with an emphasis on fun, or on “playing by the rules”). Each class contains a rhythm of joining together and moving apart, highly active games balanced with quieter games, working together as a group, and taking a few moments to reflect on one’s own body and movement.

Games in First and Second Grade are relatively unstructured and have the gesture of the circle, keeping the children protected and as part of the whole. Progressing through the grades, the children slowly enter into their individuality. The games curriculum reflects this by adding, for instance, line games in the third grade to the now familiar circle games. 

Mathematics in Waldorf Education involves movement, music, rhythm, art, form drawing, language, creativity, curiosity and wonder, creating a truly multi-sensory integrated approach. As a result, Waldorf students acquire a deep mathematical understanding that they carry throughout their lives.