Cultivating Connection: Social-Emotional Learning in Waldorf Education at Susquehanna Waldorf School

At Susquehanna Waldorf School, nestled along the Susquehanna River between Lancaster and York County, we are proud to nurture students from Pre-K through 8th grade with an education that goes beyond academics. We prepare children not only for intellectual growth but also for life itself. Social-emotional learning (SEL) lies at the heart of this mission, as it fosters a sense of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and meaningful relationships—key pillars of a fulfilling life.

What Makes Social-Emotional Learning Unique in Waldorf Schools?

Waldorf education views children as whole beings—body, mind, and spirit. In this holistic approach, SEL is seamlessly woven into daily life, rhythms, and curricula, helping children connect with themselves, their peers, and the world around them. Here at Susquehanna Waldorf School, this integration is intentional, immersive, and inspiring.

1. Nurturing Emotional Intelligence Through Artistic Expression

The arts are central to the Waldorf curriculum, providing a natural avenue for children to explore and express their emotions. Painting, music, drama, and storytelling create a safe and structured space for students to process feelings and empathize with others. For instance, through storytelling in the younger grades, children are introduced to archetypes and characters that teach compassion, resilience, and moral courage.

2. Fostering Community Through Collaborative Learning

Our multi-faceted curriculum encourages cooperation and empathy through group projects, class plays, and shared responsibilities. These activities teach students to listen to diverse perspectives, resolve conflicts, and work as a team. This focus on collaboration builds strong classroom communities where every child feels valued and respected.

3. Building Emotional Resilience Through Rhythm and Routine

Daily rhythms provide a comforting structure that supports emotional regulation. Seasonal festivals, morning verses, and predictable classroom routines help children feel grounded and secure. This stability allows them to process challenges and adapt with resilience, a skill essential for navigating life's ups and downs.

How SEL Impacts Our Students

The SEL practices at Susquehanna Waldorf School create a ripple effect that touches every aspect of a child’s life. Here’s how our students benefit:

• Self-Awareness and Confidence: From the earliest grades, students are encouraged to reflect on their feelings and experiences. This develops a strong sense of self and the confidence to face challenges.
• Empathy and Kindness: Through the arts and storytelling, children learn to step into others' shoes, fostering empathy and compassion.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: When challenges arise, teachers guide students to resolve conflicts respectfully, equipping them with tools for healthy communication.
• Lifelong Connection: Alumni often report that the relationships formed during their Waldorf education remain a source of strength and inspiration throughout their lives.

“It’s so important to empower students to solve problems and provide safe opportunities for them to practice problem-solving skills. All students at SWS are provided a safe and welcoming environment to enrich their social-emotional learning. Social-emotional learning provides students with strategies that benefit their academics, mental wellness, and social relationships.” Erica Ware, IU3 Guidance Counselor

A Partnership with Families

At Susquehanna Waldorf School, we recognize that social-emotional growth is most successful when it’s a partnership between school and home. We offer workshops, “family hangs”, and resources to help families support their children’s emotional well-being. Together, we strive to create a harmonious environment that reflects the values of kindness, community, and connection.

Social-emotional learning is not just a program at Susquehanna Waldorf School; it’s a way of life. By cultivating emotional intelligence and fostering meaningful relationships, we prepare our students to become thoughtful, compassionate, and resilient individuals. Whether they’re navigating the playground in Kindergarten or preparing for high school in eighth grade, our students possess the skills they need to thrive, both now and in the future.

If you’d like to learn more about how Waldorf education integrates SEL into every aspect of learning, we invite you to visit Susquehanna Waldorf School. Experience firsthand how our vibrant community nurtures the heart, head, and hands of each child.

by Courtney Kokus

The Magic of Seasonal Festivals: Celebrating Together at Susquehanna Waldorf School

At Susquehanna Waldorf School (SWS), festivals are a cherished part of the educational journey, bringing together students, teachers, families, and the wider community. These seasonal celebrations are far more than just school events; they are a foundational part of Waldorf Education, fostering a deep connection to nature, culture, and each other.

In this post, we’ll explore the role of festivals, the values they instill in our students, and how they strengthen the sense of belonging that defines the SWS experience.

Why Festivals Matter in Waldorf Education

Festivals are woven into the fabric of Waldorf schools around the world. They mark the rhythms of the year, giving students a sense of time rooted in nature’s cycles. These celebrations help children experience the changing seasons in a meaningful way.

Festivals at Susquehanna Waldorf School are about more than just the passing of time. They also reflect the values that Waldorf Education seeks to cultivate:

• Connection to Nature: Whether it’s the autumnal Michaelmas Festival, the Winter Spiral of Light, or the joyous celebration of Spring’s return on May Day, each festival is a reminder of our place within the natural world. Students develop a reverence for nature as they celebrate the changing seasons and witness the transitions of growth to harvest, darkness to light, and rest to renewal.
• Cultural Awareness: Many Waldorf festivals draw from a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, giving students a sense of the global community. For example, during our lantern walk in Autumn, some classes celebrate Diwali and learn the stories of Indian traditions during this time. We also hold festivals for Lunar New Year and Dios de los Muertos in our language classes. 
• Gratitude and Reflection: Festivals are a time for pausing and reflecting on the world around us. Whether through songs, stories, or shared activities, these celebrations instill a sense of gratitude for the blessings of the earth and the joys of human connection.
• Community Spirit: Perhaps one of the most treasured aspects of the festivals at SWS is the way they bring our community together. Festivals offer opportunities for students, teachers, and families to connect on a deeper level, fostering a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom.

Seasonal Festivals at SWS: A Year in Celebration

Here’s a glimpse into some of the festivals we celebrate at Susquehanna Waldorf School and what they mean to our community.

Michaelmas (Autumn)

Celebrated in late September/early October

Michaelmas marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of autumn. Rooted in the legend of St. Michael, the festival symbolizes inner courage and strength as we face the darker days ahead. At SWS, this is a time when students may participate in outdoor games, theatrical performances, and songs that reflect themes of bravery, light, and perseverance.

The heart of the celebration is our annual community Michaelmas Festival, where students take part in plays and reenactments of the story of St. George and the Dragon—a metaphor for confronting challenges with courage and resolve. Students participate in a series of developmentally appropriate feats of courage. The festival ends with the time-honored students vs. teachers and parents tug-of-war.

Martinmas & Lantern Walk (Late Autumn)

Celebrated in November

Martinmas, a festival honoring St. Martin, highlights themes of kindness, compassion, and sharing. At the heart of this celebration is the story of St. Martin, a Roman soldier who cut his cloak in half on a cold winter night to share it with a beggar. At SWS, we bring this story to life by encouraging students to perform acts of kindness and reflect on how they can share their own "light" with others.

The festival includes a Lantern Walk, during which students carry handmade lanterns and walk together through the darkening paths, singing songs of light and hope. The glowing lanterns symbolize the warmth and light we can share, even in the darkest of times.

Spiral of Light (December)

Celebrated in early December

The Winter Spiral of Light is a beloved tradition that helps us all pause and reflect as the days grow shorter. Taking place in early December, this peaceful ceremony represents our journey of navigating darkness with light. In a quiet, reverent atmosphere, students walk through a spiral of evergreens, lighting candles that symbolize hope and warmth in the darkest days of the year.

This festival is a powerful reminder of the inner light we all carry, a source of strength during the winter season. Parents and families are often invited to witness this touching ceremony, deepening the sense of connection among the community.

May Day (Spring)

Celebrated in early May

As spring blossoms, the SWS community comes together to celebrate May Day, a festival bursting with joy, color, and music. Students dance around the Maypole, weaving ribbons in beautiful patterns, symbolizing the unity and renewal that come with the arrival of spring.

This celebration is a visual delight, with students wearing crowns of fresh flowers and families gathering to enjoy outdoor games, picnics, and performances. May Day embodies the spirit of community, creativity, and the natural beauty that Waldorf students are encouraged to appreciate.

The Power of Festivals in a Child’s Development

These festivals are more than just moments of celebration—they offer children valuable lessons that will stay with them for life. Here’s how festivals contribute to a child’s personal and social development:

• Building Traditions: Traditions create a sense of continuity and security in a child’s life. As students participate in these festivals year after year, they build lasting memories and develop an appreciation for the rhythms of life.
• Emotional Intelligence: Festivals often include moments of reflection and gratitude, helping students cultivate emotional intelligence. Learning to express gratitude, appreciate beauty, and reflect on deeper meanings helps children develop empathy and emotional maturity.
• Creativity and Imagination: Preparing for each festival involves artistic activities like crafting, painting, singing, and storytelling. These experiences also nurture creativity and imagination, which are core principles of Waldorf Education.
• Community Engagement: Festivals bring people together, reinforcing the importance of community and collaboration. By participating in group activities and performances, children learn to value teamwork and experience the joy of shared experiences.

How Families Can Participate in SWS Festivals

At Susquehanna Waldorf School, festivals are not just for students—they are for the whole community. Here are some ways parents and families can get involved:

• Attend Festivals Together: Families are always encouraged to participate in our seasonal festivals, whether by attending performances, helping with decorations, or joining in community activities.
• Support Creative Preparations: In the weeks before a festival, parents can encourage their children’s creativity at home. This might mean helping to gather materials for a lantern or working on a seasonal craft together.
• Reflect on the Meaning of the Festival: Take time as a family to discuss the deeper meaning of each festival. Whether it’s courage, light, or renewal, talking about these themes can help children form a personal connection to the celebrations.
• Celebrate At Home: Whether crafting, cooking, decorating, or storytelling, there are many ways to incorporate the seasons into your home.

Looking Forward to the Next Festival

As we approach the season of shorter daylight, we invite you to join us in kindling your inner light by participating in the Lantern Walk and Spiral of Light, two of the most reflective and cherished festivals at SWS. Keep an eye on our calendar for dates and details.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the magic of these festivals as we nurture the hearts, minds, and spirits of our students together.

by Courtney Kokus

The Role of Arts in Waldorf Education Nurtures Creativity and Holistic Development

At Susquehanna Waldorf School, the arts are not just an addition to the curriculum—they are a part of the learning experience. From painting and drawing to music and drama, the arts play a crucial role in nurturing creativity, fostering emotional expression, and supporting the holistic development of our students. 

Why Arts Are Central to Waldorf Education

In Waldorf Education, the arts are considered as important as academic subjects like math and language arts. This stems from the core value that true education engages the whole child—head, heart, and hands. Here’s how the arts support a balanced education:

• Engaging Imagination: The arts encourage students to explore their imagination and express themselves creatively. Whether it’s through drawing, storytelling, or playing a musical instrument, artistic activities allow children to connect with their inner world and bring their ideas to life.
• Developing Emotional Intelligence: Artistic expression helps students understand and process their emotions. Through art, children can explore complex feelings, develop empathy, and build a strong sense of self-awareness. This emotional intelligence is vital for forming healthy relationships and navigating life’s challenges.
• Enhancing Academic Learning: The arts are deeply integrated into the academic curriculum at Susquehanna Waldorf School. For example, students might create watercolor paintings to illustrate a story from history or use modeling clay to understand geometric forms. This artistic approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students internalize and remember complex concepts.
• Fostering Creativity and Innovation: By regularly engaging in artistic activities, students learn to think creatively and approach problems from different angles. This ability to innovate and think outside the box is a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives, no matter what path they choose.

Arts in Action: A Day in the Life at SWS

Let’s take a closer look at how the arts are woven into the daily life of students at Susquehanna Waldorf School.

• Morning Lesson: The day begins with the Morning Lesson, where arts and academics are seamlessly integrated. For instance, during an ancient civilization lesson, students might illustrate Egyptian hieroglyphs or craft clay models of ancient artifacts. This hands-on approach deepens their understanding and makes the material come alive.
• Art Lessons: Students participate in art lessons where they explore various mediums such as watercolor, charcoal, and pastels. These classes are not just about learning techniques—they are about fostering a deep connection to the creative process.
• Music and Movement: Music is a daily activity at SWS. From learning to play the recorder to singing in a choir, students experience the joy of making music together. Additionally, Eurythmy, a form of expressive movement unique to Waldorf schools, helps students connect with rhythm, language, and emotion through physical movement.
• Seasonal Festivals and Performances: Throughout the year, students participate in seasonal festivals that often include dramatic performances, musical presentations, and visual art displays. These events showcase the students' creativity and provide an opportunity for the whole school community to come together.

The Lasting Impact of Arts Education

The benefits of an arts-rich education extend far beyond the classroom. Waldorf graduates are often noted for their creative thinking, adaptability, and strong sense of purpose. The confidence and self-expression nurtured through the arts at Susquehanna Waldorf School empower students to take on challenges and pursue their passions with enthusiasm.

One of our alum, Dakota Lehman, reflects on the role of the arts in her education: “Making art in my early years helped me to understand in high school and college that others may learn in different ways.  I was given the tools to be able to adjust and adapt to learning in different environments and I wanted to be able to give the experience of using art mediums in different ways to others.  I now work with children, and especially with the influence of technology, it’s important to have other options as new ways to process and explore life.”

How You Can Support Your Child’s Artistic Development at Home

As a parent, there are many ways you can support your child’s artistic development:

• Create an Art-Friendly Space: Set up a space at home where your child can draw, paint, or work on crafts. Having easy access to art supplies encourages spontaneous creativity.
• Encourage Exploration: Allow your child to experiment with different art forms. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, or playing an instrument, giving them the freedom to explore different mediums will help them discover their passions.
• Celebrate Creativity: Display your child’s artwork at home and celebrate their creative achievements. This will not only boost their confidence but also reinforce the value of artistic expression.
• Engage with the School Community: Attend school performances, art exhibitions, and festivals to show your support for the arts at Susquehanna Waldorf School. These events are a wonderful way to connect with other parents and celebrate the students' creative talents.

Looking Forward

As we continue through the school year, the arts will remain a vibrant and essential part of our student’s education at Susquehanna Waldorf School. We invite you to explore the many ways in which creativity is fostered in our community and to support your child’s artistic journey both at school and at home.

If you are interested in an art-integrated independent school in Lancaster / York for your child, please contact our admissions director, Liz Pargament, or sign up for a tour here.

by Courtney Kokus

Welcome SWS 2024-2025: What to Expect in the New School Year

As the summer days begin to fade and we prepare to welcome the new school year at Susquehanna Waldorf School (SWS), we are excited to embark on another journey of growth, learning, and community. Whether you are new to Waldorf Education or a returning family, this time of year is filled with anticipation and energy. To help you and your child transition smoothly into the new school year, we’ve put together this guide on what to expect and how to make the most of your experience.

Understanding the Waldorf Approach

Waldorf Education is unique in its holistic approach to learning, focusing on nurturing the intellectual, artistic, and practical skills of each student. At Susquehanna Waldorf School, our curriculum is designed to meet the developmental needs of children at every stage. From early childhood through the grades, our students engage in a rich variety of activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility.

Key Elements of the Waldorf Curriculum:

• Rhythm and Routine: Each day is structured around a rhythm that includes a balance of academic work, artistic activities, and outdoor play. This rhythm helps children feel secure and supports their natural development.
• Morning Lesson Blocks: The school day begins with a two-hour Morning Lesson, where students immerse themselves in a single subject for several weeks. This immersion into learning allows for a more profound understanding and retention of material.
• Artistic Integration: Art, music, world languages, and movement are woven into the curriculum, helping to engage multiple senses and deepen learning. Whether through painting, sculpting, or playing instruments, students explore and express themselves creatively every day.
• Outdoor Learning: Nature plays a central role in Waldorf Education. Our students spend ample time outdoors, learning through exploration and hands-on experiences. This connection to nature fosters environmental stewardship and a deep appreciation for the world around us.

Preparing for the School Year

To ensure a smooth transition into the school year, here are a few tips for both new and returning families:

1. Familiarize Yourself with School Routines: Review the daily and weekly schedules with your child so they know what to expect. Understanding the rhythm of the school day can help ease first-day jitters.
2. Prepare School Supplies: While Waldorf schools focus on simple, natural materials, make sure your child has all the necessary supplies. Your class teacher will provide a list of items needed for the year.
3. Establish a Home Rhythm: Creating a daily routine at home that aligns with the school’s rhythm can be helpful. Consistent bedtimes, meal times, and quiet times for reading or creative play can make the school day more manageable. This is also a great time to limit screens to minimal use only during weekends. 
4. Stay Connected with the Community: Engage with other parents, attend school events like our Playground Cleanup, and connect as a class. Building a strong connection with the school community enhances your child’s experience and provides you with support and resources. The Parent Guild is the collective parent body of Susquehanna Waldorf School and meets once a month on Sunday from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. This year’s meetings are on: 8/18, 9/15, 10/20, 11/10, 12/15, 1/12, 2/9, 3/16, 4/27, 5/18

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

As we kick off the school year, here are some important dates to mark on your calendar:

• First Day of School For Grades: September 3rd 
• Rose Ceremony & Welcome Back Tea: September 3rd, 8:15 am - 10:00 am
• Early Childhood Cubby Day: September 3rd
• First Day of School For Early Childhood: September 4th
• Back-to-School Brunch: September 14th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 
• Michaelmas Festival & 1st Family Hang: September 27th from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• David Sewell McCann Workshop: September 28th from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

These events offer wonderful opportunities to get involved and connect with other families and faculty members.

See the full calendar of events here. 

Looking Ahead

The start of a new school year is always an exciting time, filled with the promise of new experiences and growth. At Susquehanna Waldorf School, we are committed to supporting your child’s educational journey every step of the way. We look forward to a year filled with creativity, exploration, and community.

Welcome back, and let’s make this school year a memorable one!

by Courtney Kokus

Waldorf Education is the Education of the Future

Have you heard of “Bluey,” the most-streamed TV show of 2023, adored by critics and families alike? For anyone unfamiliar with it, it is an animated show from Australia depicting the life of a family of, yes, dogs – a mother, father, and two daughters aged seven and five – Bluey and Bingo. Among the myriad of reasons why it has captivated children and their parents (who are often openly weeping while watching) is the enchanting school that Bluey attends – the Glasshouse Primary School. This school is based on an actual Steiner/Waldorf school. The creator of “Bluey,” Joe Brumm, stated in an interview with the website The Father Hood that the evolution of Bluey was affected by his eldest daughter’s educational journey. When she first started a traditional school: “Play time was suddenly taken away from her, it was just yanked and seeing the difference in her was horrendous. There was no playing, there was no drawing, it was just straight into all this academic stuff. And the light in her eyes just died." The family subsequently changed their daughter’s schooling to the Waldorf/Steiner school after Brumm began to research the value of play for child development. Mastering these soft kindergarten skills, he found, is a vital stage in kids’ evolution into socially aware creatures. Their make-believe games can deliver self-taught but powerful lessons about how to co-operate, share and interact. "Bluey is just one long extrapolation of that," Brumm says.

As more and more parents understand the value of play-based learning, interest in Waldorf education for kindergarten and pre-K has increased. However, the value of continuing Waldorf education into the grades is less recognized. Common misconceptions of Waldorf education for older children are that it is too “woo-woo” for academic and career success, that it is primarily focused on arts, and that it is weak in math and science (despite the fact that more Waldorf high school graduates go on to major in math or sciences than humanities). As parents, we are informed by our own history of work and education. The schools we attended likely relied on standardized teaching and testing with outcomes such as grades and degrees as sole measures of achievement. Different areas of study, such as sciences and humanities, are so far separated as to constitute different cultures. “Soft skills” are still regarded with condescension in many workplaces. Understandably, we believe this because this is the world in which we came up. We presume this is the world for which we need to prepare our children.

However, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), we are at the cusp of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The First Industrial Revolution was driven by steam, the Second by electricity, and the Third by electronics and information technology. The Fourth is characterized by advanced analytics, intelligent computers, and connectivity, blurring the line between the physical and digital worlds. The rate of change in knowledge and technology is explosive, radically reshaping the jobs of the future and, with them, the skills needed for these jobs. Traditional education based on knowledge acquisition and standardized tests only equips children with information that will become obsolete in a few short years without providing them the skills they actually need to adapt to change or to take advantage of their uniquely human qualities that cannot be replaced by machines.

In its Future of Jobs Report 2023, the WEF states, “Analytical thinking and creative thinking remain the most important skills for workers in 2023. . . ahead of three self-efficacy skills – resilience, flexibility and agility; motivation and self-awareness; and curiosity and lifelong learning – in recognition of the importance of workers ability to adapt to disrupted workplaces.” In 2020, the WEF developed its Education 4.0 Framework to recognize changes needed in current education systems to equip children with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. They recommended eight transformations in content and learning experiences:

• Global citizenship skills – awareness of the global community and sustainability
• Innovation and creativity skills – complex problem solving, analytical thinking
• Technology skills – programming, responsible use of technology
• Interpersonal skills – emotional intelligence, empathy, cooperation, leadership, social awareness
• Personalized and self-paced learning – in contrast to standardized teaching and assessments
• Accessible and inclusive learning
• Problem-based and collaborative learning – process-based and collaborative work
• Lifelong and student-driven learning

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Future of Education and Skills 2030 report contains similar recommendations, including a “focus on not only academic performance but also on holistic student well-being.”

Many of these points may feel familiar to those of us who have witnessed the education that our children receive at SWS. Rudolf Steiner, upon whose philosophy Waldorf education is based, stated, “The need for imagination, a sense of truth and a feeling of responsibility – these are the three forces which are the very nerve of education.” Waldorf education was built on this recognition of the importance of creativity, social responsibility, and deep respect for our humanity. It predates the WEF and OECD reports by over 100 years yet represents the education of the future. The WEF points out that legislators are slow to implement needed changes in education and highlights countries such as Finland (often rated to have the best education system in the world) as exemplars for other countries such as the US (which consistently ranks below European and Asian countries in math and science scores). We are fortunate that we do not have to rely on the glacial pace of government or move to another country to provide our children with an education that prepares them for future success.

Waldorf education is designed to be developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous. By staying with a class for several years (a practice acknowledged as a contributing factor in Finland’s superior education system), teachers gain deep knowledge of each child and their development and, therefore, the ability to personalize each child’s learning experience. Developmental appropriateness includes Waldorf education’s choice to delay introducing electronics and media until children are able to think critically – to understand their appropriate use and to examine their benefits and risks in a way that promotes healthy and responsible interaction with technology. Researchers such as Jonathan Haidt, in his recent book “The Anxious Generation,” are recognizing the widespread damage that the decline in “play-based childhood” and the rise of “phone-based childhood” have inflicted on the mental health of our children. As technology reaches ever further into every aspect of our lives, educating children to become critical thinkers, ethically motivated, and deeply rooted in their humanity is an essential safeguard as artificial intelligence becomes more powerful.

Experiential learning – learning through doing – lays down and reinforces robust neural pathways as children create their own textbooks, access mathematical principles through music, or internalize lessons of history through art. Project-based learning, such as one recent example with my own child - building a model of a home from another culture, develops multiple skills at once. “Aptitudes are often abstract and therefore hard to teach in isolation. Effective teaching happens through a concrete case or real-world problem. This not only effectively nurtures one skill but often develops multiple at once. This is highly useful in real-life and fosters lifelong learning.” - WEF Besides the traditional academic skills of identifying research material and incorporating information, my child tapped into his creativity and problem-solving skills by planning out his construction design and materials. He used his critical thinking and analytic skills to identify the cause of a structure failure. He cultivated empathy and social awareness in learning about the hardships and problems facing the group of people who lived in these abodes. And he learned valuable lessons in managing his own expectations and frustrations and his time. This “art project,” filled with fun and accomplishment, reinforced his experience of learning as rewarding and pleasurable, setting him up for a life-long love of learning.

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution has already begun, we see that Waldorf graduates are well positioned to succeed. A 2019 report, “How Waldorf Alumni Fare After Graduating from High School,” shows that Waldorf graduates study or work in STEM fields at similar or higher rates than graduates of other independent schools. They feel more strongly than graduates of other independent schools that their education prepared them to be creative, innovative, empathetic, and to take on leadership roles. Fortunately, we do not need to rely on the uncertainty of public policy changes or move to Finland to give our children the education that they and our world need – it is already here “for real life,” as Bluey would say.

by Najin Lee

A Creative Approach to World Languages at the Susquehanna Waldorf School

The joyful teaching of world languages in Waldorf schools was initiated by Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education. He proposed that world languages should be taught from an early age to make the best use of the powers of imitation that enabled the children to first learn their native language. He recommended that two world languages should be taught beginning in the first grade. Susquehanna Waldorf School follows this recommendation with Mandarin during grades 1-8, Spanish during grades 1-4, and Classical Latin during grades 5-8.

The Waldorf education approach to teaching modern world languages is based on the idea that the primary purpose of world language acquisition is to develop the ability to communicate. All world language teaching in Waldorf schools can also be said to deepen the inner life of the student as the following quotes elucidate.

“Language instruction in the Waldorf School trains the capacity for human sympathy; it is social pedagogy; it is a pedagogy of peace, not through discussion of becoming informed, but through the cultivation of the ability to perceive.” Johannes Kiersch, author of Language Teaching in Steiner-Waldorf Schools

“A person who sympathetically enters into another language opens doors in the soul, becomes sensitized to other peoples and other modes of experiencing reality, and not least of all, learns to understand his or her language better. The new language provides a subtle, contrasting counterbalance that helps offset the one-sidedness of the person’s native tongue and culture.” Michael Navascues, Waldorf Teacher and Professor of Spanish Language at the University of Rhode Island

Modern World Language Study at SWS

“Steiner envisaged (or explained) that modern foreign languages must be learned entirely from the human encounter, from the conversation between teacher and pupils, from dialogue: just as it happens with the mother tongue, through verbal interaction: comprehension and the ability to speak must arise out of the activity.” Cristof Weichert, author, retired Waldorf teacher, and former head of the Pedagogical Section at the Goetheanum.

Mandarin Chinese and Spanish are modern world languages taught at SWS. The following are highlights of each curriculum.

Mandarin Chinese: According to language expert Benjamin Davies, Mandarin Chinese is the hardest language for English speakers to learn. Interestingly, Mandarin Chinese is also the most widely spoken native language in the world. Here at the Susquehanna Waldorf School, children are blessed to have the opportunity to start learning Mandarin in the first grade. Their Mandarin Chinese journey will continue until they graduate in eighth grade. Students take Mandarin Chinese for two periods per week.

In the early grades, the experience of the Mandarin Chinese language is completely oral. Mandarin Chinese has four basic tones and one neutral tone. The tonal nature of the language makes speaking it very hard for English speakers. During the first three years of learning Mandarin Chinese, the main focus is on the auditory inputs. All learning occurs within an oral context through songs, poems, games, activities that involve rhythm, and situational dialogues. The children feel, act, and live the language, connecting with every aspect in an unconscious, playful, and lively way. Through these activities, they not only learn vocabulary and language concepts they also have the opportunity and advantage to lay a strong foundation for the correct tones from the very beginning. In the Waldorf classroom, repetition is imperative for the absorption of the language.

As students continue through to eighth grade, they learn to write Chinese characters and increase their understanding of grammar and syntax. The students memorize ballads, hear and read dramatic stories, recite ancient poems, sing songs from specific regions of China, and learn about traditions and customs. These feed their active interest in other cultures.

Spanish: Learning the Spanish language raises one’s social conscience and cultivates an interest in and respect for others. Susquehanna Waldorf School sees world language study as a window into the soul of another culture. The way we think is expressed through the language we speak. At SWS we nurture a cultural understanding of other people through acquiring their language.

In first grade, Spanish is taught through oral context with verse, song, and activities that involve rhythm, drama, and situational dialogues. In second grade, children learn extensive poems and verse by heart.
Songs, poems, games, and drama are central to all lessons in third grade as is the focus on rhythm. Children relate to emotional content long before they relate to intellectual content. Fourth grade marks the beginning of academic work through the writing of known verses. Continued acquisition of vocabulary is emphasized.

Classical Latin is not a modern language, or is it?

At the Susquehanna Waldorf School, Classical Latin is studied in Grades 5-8. Latin is the universal language of Western civilization. Some of the most sophisticated ideas in the Western world were first expressed in Latin. Latin is a highly organized and logical language. The study of Latin sharpens the mind, cultivates mental alertness, creates keener attention to detail, and develops critical thinking.

Latin is hiding in plain sight in the English language. Since nearly two-thirds of all English words are derived from Latin, the study of Latin gives invaluable insight into English vocabulary and the structure and meaning of complex words. Additionally, a knowledge of Latin provides a window into commonly taught Romance languages such as Spanish, French, and Italian. A grounding in Latin will, in later years, be beneficial to our students when preparing for pre-college testing, graduate testing, and for those who go on to study law, medicine, and other sciences.

Our classical Latin program at SWS brings the Latin language to our students with joy by celebrating ancient festivals, reading myths and legends, discussing archaeological finds, and enlivening elements of Roman culture through the performance of short plays, verse, and poetry. Latin vocabulary and grammar and Classical Latin pronunciation are emphasized in all of the grades.

The Susquehanna Waldorf School’s cohesive manner of presenting our World Language program puts us, along with other Waldorf schools, in the vanguard of language instruction in North America. Our creative approach to teaching world languages fills our students with the joy of learning.

“The heart of the Waldorf method is that education is an art.” Rudolf Steiner

Lisa Sweeney
Classical Latin Teacher
Susquehanna Waldorf School
2024

by admin

Why is Waldorf Education the fastest-growing educational movement? 

Why is Waldorf Education the fastest-growing educational movement? 
A personal perspective.

Waldorf Education is reported to be the fastest-growing non-sectarian, independent educational movement in the world. According to data from 2022, Waldorf World List there are 1,270 Waldorf and Rudolph Steiner Schools in 80 countries and 1,928 Waldorf Kindergartens in more than 70 countries. This global expansion shows that parents all over the world are seeking a holistic education for their children. 

Thirteen years ago, as parents of a two-year-old and 11-month-old, we began researching schools for our oldest child. Unfamiliar with Waldorf education, we found Susquehanna Waldorf School’s website and decided to attend an Open House. On the day of the visit, my toddler refused to wear clothes, so we arrived late. I entered the beautifully historic school feeling embarrassed and weary, carrying a reluctant two-year-old. I'd missed the tour, but a kindergarten teacher, Ms. Wendy, warmly welcomed us. My son promptly took off his shoes and began exploring the classroom while I worried about how inappropriate this might be. Ms. Wendy crouched down and spoke to my son in a beautiful way, and he was captivated. She understood him, she welcomed us, and I immediately knew we’d found a rare gem of a school. We never made it past the kindergarten classroom that day, but we had all the information we needed— this was a place of beauty, joy, respect, and acceptance with teachers who truly understood children’s needs. 

Now, years later, as SWS’ Admissions Coordinator, I have the privilege of introducing families to SWS and Waldorf Education. Many of these families arrive seeking an alternative to public or other independent school options. They are often captivated by the hallmarks of the school— the joyfully balanced, holistic approach to education, the warmth of the community, and the beauty of the physical space. Our new families are generally seeking three things that Waldorf education uniquely provides: community, connection to nature, and a balanced curriculum rooted in a knowledge of child development. 

1) Community 

Many prospective families have children born just prior to or during the pandemic. These children have often experienced isolated early years, and parents are eager to support their social-emotional development. Parents are amazed when they witness SWS’s play-based early childhood classrooms, lively with snack preparation, artistic endeavors, and deep imaginative play. Interactions with peers are opportunities to experience cooperation, conflict resolution, empathy, and redemption— keys to healthy social development. Loving teachers and assistants support children as they navigate the sometimes bumpy efforts of working within a community. 

Parenting can be isolating and confusing. Many parents seek not only to support their child’s social development but also a desire to find a place where the whole family becomes part of a community. The SWS parent community and parent education offer a warm embrace and connection for families seeking a like-minded approach to parenting. Alum parent and Board President Dave Knapp reflects that through his involvement in the SWS community, “I learned at least as much as my children did, I became a better parent, a better person… know that this school is going to change your life. It’s changed mine.” 

2) Connection to Nature 

Research emphasizes the importance of getting outdoors, especially for young children. Being in nature supports a child’s social-emotional regulation, mental health, intellectual development, and increases motor skill development. The Child Mind Institute explains why outdoor play is so important for children, “Spending time in nature can build their confidence. There's a lot less structure than most types of indoor play, and they can choose how they interact with the nature around them. This gives them practice managing their own actions and encourages creativity and imagination.” 

At SWS, our emphasis on physical movement throughout the day is becoming more and more unique. Our students delight in going outdoors for recess or nature walks twice a day all the way through 8th grade, regardless of the weather. As Waldorf teachers love to share, “There’s no bad weather with the right gear.” Our students experience the joy of the changing seasons through direct observation. As one Kindergarten parent, Laura K. shared, “We know we would’ve wanted it for ourselves, so it’s a gift to our children.” 

3) Curriculum 

Many families find SWS after recognizing that their local public or independent schools haven’t been a fit for their children. Technology is taking the place of experiential, hands-on learning and parents are noticing the detrimental effect it has on their children. They notice their child is anxious and overwhelmed by large class sizes and no longer enjoys school—many share the “spark” of learning has gone out. The Waldorf curriculum is infused with art, music, and movement and children learn traditional concepts in age-appropriate and imaginative ways, making learning engaging at all levels. The Waldorf curriculum encourages the development of skills and the capacity for learning. The whole child (“head, heart, hands”) is considered in each level of development, providing a balanced foundation for lifelong learning. SWS students graduate not only with the skills needed for high school but also an intrinsic motivation and excitement for learning. New parent, Sherrie M. shares the world of difference since coming to SWS, “Prior to coming our older daughter did not like school and did not enjoy her experience in public school. Coming to this school, now she doesn’t like weekends anymore because she wants to be at school! That’s a complete 180. She loves the community, her teacher, her classmates. We’ve seen such growth in her reading, math has been explosive for her— the uncovering of what’s underneath represents such growth.”

Many years ago, we began our family’s journey at SWS, enrolling in the Parent-Child class. We weren’t sure if this would be a long-term educational fit and had no idea what lay ahead. Through the steadfast support of teachers and fellow parents, we began to learn about the truly unique Waldorf curriculum and have seen our three children thrive—growing and developing into strong artists, musicians, scholars, and athletes. I wanted my children to love learning, to be curious, and to be stretched. Now, with the perspective of 13 years, one graduate and another soon to be, I couldn’t imagine that my children could get as rich an education anywhere else.

by Liz Reid Pargament

Are Waldorf Schools Art Schools?

The Waldorf curriculum has been intentionally designed to provide a well-rounded education. Students engage in a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, science, language arts, history, and geography. One aspect that sets Waldorf Education apart, however, is its commitment to integrating artistic activities into every aspect of learning. This has led to the misconception that Waldorf schools are only for “artistic students” or are “art schools.” However, the Waldorf curriculum does not include art classes in the manner of most other schools; rather, it's about enlivening all subjects with artistic means to create joyful, rich, and engaging learning experiences for students.

In Waldorf Education, art is not a separate or optional activity; it is an essential tool for teaching and learning. Through artistic activities, such as drawing, painting, music, and theater, students actively engage with academic subjects in a way that makes learning come alive. For example, when studying history, students might create historical plays or artistic projects that allow them to immerse themselves in the time period being studied. This hands-on approach not only deepens their understanding but also makes the learning experience more enjoyable.

Art in Waldorf Education plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and imagination. By encouraging students to express themselves through various artistic media, they develop the ability to think outside the box, problem-solve, and explore their individuality. This creative spirit extends beyond the art studio and into all aspects of their lives. Students learn to approach challenges with innovative solutions, and they are better prepared for a world that increasingly requires adaptability and creative thinking.

Critics might argue that an emphasis on art could lead to less rigor. However, this is far from true in Waldorf Education. The curriculum is academically challenging and aims to prepare students for a broad range of future endeavors. An artistic approach enhances academic learning by making complex concepts more accessible and engaging. For example, in mathematics, students might use artistic patterns and designs to better understand abstract concepts. In science, they might draw and label intricate diagrams to understand biological processes. The artistic elements provide a concrete and imaginative connection to abstract ideas, making them easier to grasp and recall.

Susquehanna Waldorf School’s strong commitment to academic excellence and deep appreciation for the role of art in learning are perfectly paired. This results in a nurturing environment where students flourish academically and artistically.

The role of art in Waldorf Education is not merely an add-on or extracurricular activity; it is a fundamental hallmark of the curriculum. By incorporating art into all subjects, we empower students to become creative, critical thinkers while maintaining a rigorous academic program. In this holistic approach to education, the arts are not just a means of expression but a powerful tool for unlocking the full potential of each student. Waldorf Education serves as a reminder that nurturing a child's creativity and imagination is just as important as developing their academic abilities, and the two are beautifully intertwined on the path of learning.

by Courtney Kokus