Through The Lens Of: Waldorf Education

One of the philosophies that we at Kid’s Island strongly align with is the teachings and practices of Waldorf education. Unlike the Montessori and Reggio approaches that concentrate on early childhood, the Waldorf approach spans from early years to the end of children’s schooling in twelfth grade.

What we love most about Waldorf education is the strong emphasis on ensuring that children learn by engaging their head, heart, and hands—essentially, learning by thinking, feeling, and doing. We have always believed that the most effective way to impact children’s development is to let them experience things and be active participants in their own education. The knock-on effect is that children grow into proactive, problem-solving adults who are confident in embarking on the adventure of life and finding their own way in the world.

Environmental Exposure

At Kid’s Island Nursery, advocating for play has always been at the core of our philosophy. In line with Waldorf beliefs, it is essential that children receive as much sensory exposure as possible between birth and seven years old, as this is their primary mode of learning at this stage of life. Academics are not the focus; instead, children are exposed to them through their environment and in developmentally appropriate ways. We don’t feel the need to drill letters and numbers into children because they are everywhere in their surroundings—hidden in the sand, in the stories they read, and in the songs they sing.

Variety

An interesting aspect of Waldorf education in kindergarten that we appreciate, is that subjects like music, dance, theatre, sports, and literature are considered just as essential as mathematics and science. This is important because we believe that every child has unique strengths that stem from their individual interests. These differences make us who we are, and fostering this mentality in children during their core developmental years is essential for helping them grow up proud and confident in who they are.

Seasonal Learning

Since we live in Dubai, we do not experience many seasons other than summer and the occasional rainy day in winter. Seasonal learning is a significant part of Waldorf pedagogy, centered around the idea that learning about something physically relevant to children helps create a strong foundation for their education. Our unique approach is that we do not follow a strict schedule of topics in our nursery; instead, each classroom tailors the resources and content of their play invitations based on the children’s interests. While one class may focus on the wonders of light, another may delve into exploring all the bugs that emerge in springtime. It’s always evolving!

FAQ

What is the Waldorf school method?

Waldorf education revolves around the idea that children need a learning environment that is both developmentally appropriate and allows for experimentation and exploration, covering all areas of learning—not just traditional academics.

What is the difference between Montessori and Waldorf schools?

While we incorporate aspects of both Montessori and Waldorf pedagogies into The Inspire Philosophy, the key difference between Waldorf and Montessori practices lies in their focus on academics. Montessori integrates academics from a very young age, whereas Waldorf education delays formal academics in favor of promoting play.

How is Kindergarten and Waldorf Education connected?

Kindergarten and Waldorf education are like cousins in the world of early childhood learning—both love playtime, creativity, and letting kids be kids! They share a belief that learning should be hands-on and filled with imagination, whether it’s through building block towers or creating whimsical nature crafts. Both approaches also cherish the rhythm of the day, balancing structured activities with plenty of free play. In a way, they’re like two different flavors of the same feel-good, nurturing recipe for growing curious and well-rounded little humans!

What education is similar to Waldorf?

While every nursery draws inspiration from various pedagogies, what matters most is finding a nursery or school that meets your family's ideal expectations. At Kid’s Island, we always prioritize play and aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning through an explorative, inspirational, and engaging learning experience for the children attending our nursery.

Is Waldorf good for kids?

Waldorf education has been around for a long time—long enough to earn a solid reputation among families seeking a more free-flowing approach to their children’s education. At Kid’s Island Nursery, this outlook on learning is inspirational to us because of its holistic way of fostering a love of learning in children's minds.