MODULE 5 Discussion – The Steiner Model (CO# 1,2&5)
Read the the
Q & A Steiner Model sheetLinks to an external site. and discuss with classmates:
· What is your view of this model and the role of anthroposophy & eurythmy in it?
· As an educator, would you be interested in working in a Steiner environment? Why/why not?
· Do you agree/disagree with recent policy shifts that are allowing public dollars to pay for schools that use this model?
Please post your initial response, then return to this post to read peer responses. Reply to two of your peers’ posts within 2 days. These posts will also contribute to your participation grade.
1. response
Jul 16 2:54pm
Reply from Sophia De Jesus Rosado
The Steiner Model focuses on the development of the whole child: “head, heart, and hands.” It is based on the idea that education should align with the natural stages of child development, guiding what students learn and when. Key aspects of the model include the absence of traditional grades and standardized testing, which shifts the emphasis away from academic pressure. Technology use is minimal, while arts, movement, and hands-on activities are central to the learning experience. The model is rooted in the philosophy of anthroposophy, developed by Steiner, which centers on the spiritual world and emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity, artistic expression, and individualized freedom (Waldorf Answers, n.d.).
1. What is your view of this model and the role of anthroposophy & eurythmy in it?
Prior to this reading, I was not familiar with the Steiner Model. I found the philosophy behind this educational approach to be interesting. I believe that anthroposophy includes some powerful concepts that are valuable for educators, particularly its holistic approach to nurturing both a child’s intellectual and spiritual development (Waldorf Answers, n.d.). It focuses on meeting the needs of all students while emphasizing their individuality and creativity. The model also encourages freedom, which is an important element in early childhood education, as it fosters self-exploration and supports each child’s unique development. Although the model differs from the typical structure of an early childhood classroom, its core goals of supporting the whole child are very similar.
Since anthroposophy is the foundation of the Steiner Model, I understand the interconnection between a student’s physical body and rhythmic expression. Eurythmy embodies speech and music through body movements (Waldorf Answers, n.d.). I see eurythmy as a purposeful practice that targets the kinesthetic standards that young students need to meet, while also offering a holistic approach to movement. In my view, there are benefits to moving the body in this manner, specifically because it’s a creative way for students to express themselves.
2. As an educator, would you be interested in working in a Steiner environment? Why/why not?
Certain aspects of the Steiner model resonate with me as an educator. Specifically, I like the idea of an academically stress-free environment for students. I think that young students do need more opportunities to learn in creative ways without the possibility of “failing” or even feeling as though they might be. I also enjoy the idea of staying with a particular group of students for a long period of time. In one school year, you can learn a lot about your students, but growing with them establishes a deep connection with the students and their families as well. Although these are great aspects of Steiner education, I’m not sure if I see myself in that type of environment. A large part of it is because I have never observed it, and to think of a space that moves away from the norms of traditional education can be difficult to resonate with. As a bilingual educator, trying to find how this model can benefit my students’ language needs is still open to interpretation. One noticeable aspect of the Steiner model is that it is founded on Eurocentric philosophies (Waldorf Answers, n.d.). I feel the need to consider how this environment influences multicultural students and English language learners.
3. Do you agree/disagree with recent policy shifts that are allowing public dollars to pay for schools that use this model?
Waldorf Answers (n.d.) states that there are not many Waldorf schools, especially in the United States. That said, I do not believe it is necessary for public funding to go to these schools. They move away from traditional public education so much that they can almost be considered part of the private sector of schooling. As mentioned, there are many benefits to Steiner schools, but because it is a philosophical approach to education, there are also many aspects that can be questioned. I believe that if a family feels this type of education will benefit their child, that’s a decision they can make, understanding that it should require private funding. Also, because this is a country with an immense number of public schools that serve millions of students, public funding needs to be directed to those schools so they can continue operating as they need to. Taking away public dollars for an educational model that has not been fully adopted in the country raises the question of whether it truly needs public funding.
References
Waldorf Answers. (n.d.).
Frequently asked questions about Waldorf education.
2. response
Jul 10 2:56pm
Reply from Melissa Rivera
After reading the FAQ sheet, I noticed how intentionally the Waldorf model nurtures the “head, heart, and hands.”
What is your view of this model and the role of anthroposophy & eurythmy in it?
While the model still feels unfamiliar to me, I can appreciate the intention behind it. Anthroposophy, though not directly taught, forms the foundation of pedagogy. Having a unified developmental philosophy can help educators align their teaching with children’s cognitive, emotional, and social growth. I see the value in this kind of consistency. At the same time, I do wonder about its spiritual foundations, especially in settings that serve diverse communities with varying beliefs. It walks a fine line between a broad humanistic framework and something that may feel more ideologically specific.
Eurythmy is a good example of this complexity. I find the concept of “visible speech” thought-provoking and potentially powerful for kinesthetic learners. The idea of engaging the whole child is admirable. However, I still question how such a practice fits in classrooms with limited time and resources, especially when its benefits may not be clearly measurable in traditional terms.
As an educator, would you be interested in working in a Steiner environment? Why/why not?
Some aspects of the model resonate with my own teaching, especially the emphasis on storytelling, hands-on crafts, and the idea of looping with students across multiple years. These elements align with how I build relationships and engagement in the classroom. That said, the model doesn’t connect deeply enough with my core philosophy for me to adopt it in full. The strict media limitations and delayed reading instruction might not meet the needs of all learners, especially those with language or learning differences. While I’d be open to collaboration with a Waldorf program, I don’t see myself embracing the model in its most traditional form.
Do you agree/disagree with recent policy shifts that are allowing public dollars to pay for schools that use this model?
While I can appreciate certain elements of the Waldorf model, I have concerns about its use in publicly funded schools. The approach feels less adaptable to the diverse needs of today’s student population, particularly when it comes to differentiated instruction, early intervention, and inclusive practices. Given its strong philosophical basis and limited flexibility, I believe that families who deeply value this model should have the option to pursue it, but should do so through private means rather than public funding.
