The Waldorf School Community and Administration

The Waldorf School Community and Administration in the course Certificate in Waldorf Education and Teacher Training involves various key terms and vocabulary that are crucial to understanding the philosophy and practice of Waldorf education. In this explanation, we will explore these terms and concepts in detail, providing examples and practical applications to enhance comprehension.

1. Waldorf Education: Waldorf education is a humanistic approach to education that aims to develop the whole child—head, heart, and hands. It was founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1919 and is based on Anthroposophy, a spiritual philosophy that emphasizes the importance of developing a child's imagination, emotions, and thinking abilities. 2. Anthroposophy: Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy that emphasizes the development of the whole human being—body, soul, and spirit. It was founded by Rudolf Steiner and is the basis for Waldorf education. Anthroposophy encourages individuals to develop their inner capacities for perception and cognition through self-reflection and meditation. 3. The Threefold Human Being: According to Anthroposophy, the human being is made up of three parts: the physical body, the soul, and the spirit. The physical body is the material aspect of a person, while the soul is the seat of emotions and desires. The spirit is the highest aspect of a person and is the source of creativity and wisdom. 4. Imagination: Imagination is the ability to create mental images or pictures of things that are not present. In Waldorf education, imagination is highly valued as a means of developing creativity and encouraging critical thinking. 5. Main Lesson: The main lesson is a two-hour block of time set aside each morning for the teaching of the core academic subjects. The main lesson is taught in a block format, with each subject being taught for several weeks at a time. 6. Block Teaching: Block teaching is a method of instruction where a single subject is taught for an extended period, typically several weeks. This method allows teachers to delve deeply into a subject and encourages students to develop a deep understanding of the material. 7. Form Drawing: Form drawing is a unique art form that is used in Waldorf education to develop a child's spatial awareness and fine motor skills. It involves drawing intricate patterns and shapes using simple tools such as a straight edge and compass. 8. Eurythmy: Eurythmy is a movement art form that is unique to Waldorf education. It involves the coordinated movement of the whole body and is used to develop a child's sense of rhythm, balance, and coordination. 9. Festival Life: Festivals are an essential part of Waldorf education and are used to mark the changing seasons and celebrate important cultural and spiritual events. Festivals provide an opportunity for the school community to come together and celebrate their shared values and traditions. 10. The College of Teachers: The College of Teachers is a group of experienced teachers who are responsible for the overall direction and administration of the school. The College of Teachers works collaboratively to ensure that the school is aligned with the principles of Waldorf education. 11. The Pedagogical Section: The Pedagogical Section is a group of experienced Waldorf teachers who are responsible for providing ongoing professional development and support to teachers. The Pedagogical Section works closely with the College of Teachers to ensure that the school is providing a high-quality Waldorf education. 12. The School Governance Council: The School Governance Council is a group of elected parents and teachers who are responsible for overseeing the financial and administrative aspects of the school. The School Governance Council works closely with the College of Teachers to ensure that the school is operating efficiently and effectively. 13. The Parent-Child Relationship: The parent-child relationship is highly valued in Waldorf education. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child's education and to work collaboratively with teachers to support their child's learning. 14. The Class Teacher: The class teacher is responsible for teaching the core academic subjects to a single class of students for several years. The class teacher develops a deep relationship with their students and is able to tailor their teaching to meet the individual needs of each student. 15. The Subject Teacher: The subject teacher is responsible for teaching a single subject to multiple classes of students. The subject teacher is an expert in their field and is able to provide specialized instruction to students. 16. The High School: The high school is the final stage of Waldorf education and is designed to prepare students for the challenges of adulthood. The high school curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, independent learning, and practical skills. 17. The Twelve Senses: According to Anthroposophy, there are twelve senses that are essential to human development. These senses include the five traditional senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) as well as seven additional senses (life sense, movement sense, balance sense, temperature sense, pressure sense, rhythm sense, and thought sense). 18. The Seven Year Cycles: According to Anthroposophy, human development occurs in seven-year cycles. Each cycle is characterized by different developmental milestones and challenges. 19. The Four Temperaments: According to Ancient Greek philosophy, there are four temperaments that describe different personality types. These temperaments include the sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. 20. The Twelve Arts: The twelve arts are a set of creative activities that are used in Waldorf education to develop a child's imagination, creativity, and practical skills. These arts include painting, drawing, sculpture, music, drama, dance, puppetry, storytelling, handwork, gardening, cooking, and woodworking.

In conclusion, the Waldorf School Community and Administration in the course Certificate in Waldorf Education and Teacher Training involves various key terms and vocabulary that are essential to understanding the philosophy and practice of Waldorf education. These terms and concepts include Waldorf Education, Anthroposophy, The Threefold Human Being, Imagination, Main Lesson, Block Teaching, Form Drawing, Eurythmy, Festival Life, The College of Teachers, The Pedagogical Section, The School Governance Council, The Parent-Child Relationship, The Class Teacher, The Subject Teacher, The High School, The Twelve Senses, The Seven Year Cycles, The Four Temperaments, and The Twelve Arts. Understanding these terms and concepts is essential for anyone seeking to become a Waldorf teacher or administrator. By incorporating these terms and concepts into their teaching and administration, Waldorf educators can provide a high-quality education that develops the whole child—head, heart, and hands.