Pedals of Progress: How Richmond Waldorf School Built its Bike Program
RWS is incredibly proud that our Bike Program is featured in the Spring 2024 edition of School Renewal, a Journal for Waldorf Education. Below is an unabridged version of the article we submitted, with some additional information about the growth and expansion of our program at our new building. To learn more about Richmond Waldorf School, watch our latest video.
The Value of an Unhurried Childhood
A recent New York Times article highlighted the importance of giving children an unhurried childhood, without an overpacked schedule of extracurricular activities and excessive homework. The pressure on Gen Z to excel at a young age has led to decreased mental health and increasing struggles at school. Waldorf Education takes a balanced approach, with plenty of time for children to play and explore, while also providing a joyful and well-rounded education that instills essential life skills, sparks a lifelong love of learning, and prepares them for a successful future.
The Power of Hands-On Science Education
Research shows that hands-on learning is extremely effective for students of all ages, particularly when it comes to science education. Waldorf Education employs an experiential approach in all subjects, especially in science. Students learn through observation and experimentation, rather than just memorizing formulas. This engages the senses and encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, which fosters wonder, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of scientific phenomena.
Harvard University Says Education Should Be Joyful
Research from Harvard Graduate School of Education emphasizes the importance of making education joyful. Compared with high-pressure, high stakes testing-driven environments, students retain more and process better in happy, lower-stress environments. In Waldorf Education, our intentional approach prioritizes engaged, enthusiastic learning and our teachers bring joy to every lesson, instilling a deep understanding of each subject and a lifelong love of learning.
Teacher Looping Promotes Student Success
Researchers have found that teacher looping is a key component in student success in school and beyond, as highlighted by a recent New York Times article. This practice involves students having one teacher for multiple years, which allows time for teachers to get to know each student personally, to understand their learning style, their strengths and challenges, and how to encourage them to do their best work. Waldorf education has practiced teacher looping for over 100 years because we know that it provides the strongest foundation for each child’s future in both school and life.
Beyond Textbooks: Unleashing the Power of Hands-on, Interdisciplinary Learning
Waldorf education prepares graduates with a range of skills and knowledge for finding creative solutions to complex problems. We achieve this through hands-on, project-based, and interdisciplinary teaching and learning. Children learn to apply math through games and physical constructs, to explore the laws of physics through field experiments, and to use their artistic abilities to convey their understanding of different subjects. In this way, academics gain context and meaning for children. Students discover that learning is a lifelong pursuit that continues well beyond the classroom. They develop a fascination with the world around them, how things work, and how […]
How to Raise Happy, Healthy, and Resilient Children: A Waldorf Approach
Waldorf education is an intentionally balanced approach to teaching with the goal of graduating happy, healthy, and resilient young people. We interweave academics, artistic activities, movement, and outdoor time in a way that reduces stress and enhances learning. We provide rhythm for each day, season, and year which builds confidence and ensures that students feel secure. Social-emotional learning and problem solving are integrated throughout our curriculum so children develop the skills they need to thrive. We are a community where students feel seen, recognized, and challenged to do their best work and be their best selves.
A Child-Centered Educational Model Where Kids Feel “Seen”.
One of the best scientific predictors for how a child turns out in terms of happiness, academic success, and meaningful relationships is whether adults in their life consistently show up for them. Waldorf teachers strive to see and recognize each of their students, greeting them each morning individually, and working with them over multiple years to build on their unique strengths and meet their individual challenges so they can thrive. At Richmond Waldorf School, we recognize that our student’s physical, social and emotional well-being are a key part of their ability to learn and thrive. Our holistic approach to […]