Better Field Trips = Better Academics
New research shows that field trips aren’t just fun and disruptive “extras”; these trips have strong academic and behavioral benefits. A recent study showed that students who went on multiple field trips performed better academically and were less likely to miss school or have behavioral issues than their peers. Waldorf schools value engaging students with the world through hands-on experiences, and have specific cultural, community service and outdoor education trips built into our curriculum to further enrich and enliven our students’ education. When students can explore new environments, apply knowledge or skills they have gained, and have the space […]
Time in Nature can Spark a Lifetime of Science Curiosity
Being outdoors helps children develop the curiosity that is the essence of science later in life. Time in nature helps students cultivate their independence, imagination and sense of wonder, while helping them feel less stressed and more confident in themselves. That’s one reason why outdoor education and play are core components of Waldorf education. At Richmond Waldorf School, outdoor time is a priority for every enrolled student, from age 3 through 8th grade. We understand that to develop free-thinking, balanced, and curious human beings, educators should value the robust learning opportunities that occur when children are allowed to be […]
Waldorf Education: A Supportive Community for the Whole Family
Raising children who will become happy, healthy, thriving adults is one of the most challenging and important roles anyone can have. In Waldorf education, our schools are designed to engage not only the student but their families as well. We believe in meaningful relationships, where our trained teachers work with families over multiple years to understand how to best support each child. Our in-depth narrative grading system, our ongoing adult education and volunteer opportunities, and our rich cultural and festival life all serve to create a welcoming community where families feel supported and engaged. Events like our annual May […]
Outdoor Play Foundational for Science Education
New research highlights the foundational role that nature-based play has in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. The natural world provides an incredibly rich environment for children to explore and learn about through play. They build, climb, investigate, experiment, and through that exploration acquire language and concepts that form a strong basis for more formal STEM learning. They also develop the curiosity and habit of experimentation that forms the core of scientific inquiry. That is why science education in Waldorf Schools starts with a solid foundation of nature-based play beginning in preschool, and uses a hands-on and nature-enhanced […]
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 that they can thrive.
Stanford: Why Waldorf Math Works
An in-depth study by Stanford University of the Waldorf educational method in place at a public school in Sacramento, CA found that those students outperformed their peers in other public schools in their district in math, with the most gains among African American, Latino, economically disadvantaged students and other traditionally underserved students. The researchers found that in Waldorf education math is taught in multiple ways. Students move their math, sing their math, paint, draw and build their math, and it is brought into other lessons like history. This way of teaching is more approachable and enjoyable for all […]
Nature Brings Out the Best in Children
How important is the environment that children play in for the quality of learning? A comprehensive study shows that children who play in unstructured outdoor environments with natural materials engage in a much wider variety of beneficial types of play, which leads to increased cognitive and developmental benefits. Researchers found that those children were more likely to be inspired to build with found materials, to engage in imaginative play, and to examine objects deeply through the senses. They also found that the children were more joyful and participated in more cooperative play. That’s why in Waldorf education we […]
Our Philosophy: More Green Time, Less Screen Time
A new collection of 186 studies shows that high levels of time spent in nature are associated with positive mental health, cognitive functioning, and academic achievement benefits for children and adolescents, while high levels of screen time are associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and poor self-regulation. That’s why Waldorf Schools emphasize outdoor learning and play as important aspects of the school day for each student in every grade. At Richmond Waldorf School, every student gets outside every day! This is an important value of our school for all ages as we understand the important benefits for our students […]
What Makes for an Outstanding School System?
Finland has developed one of the most successful school systems in the world. What makes the Finnish model so different from most North American schools, and so similar to Waldorf Schools? In both Waldorf education and Finland’s model, students experience a holistic curriculum that includes movement, play, art, world languages and music alongside math, science, reading and writing. Both education models prioritize outdoor learning and play, and minimize high stress, high stakes testing and test prep. The result is an educational model that benefits students’ mental, social-emotional and physical health, where students are joyful, focused, engaged, and academically […]
25th Anniversary Mosaic Project
Merenda proposed that we assemble four separate mosaic pieces, each composed of tiles created by our student body. She envisioned tall, vertical panels, each incorporating the underground realm, the earthly realm and the heavenly realm, and showing how they are all interconnected. This parallels Waldorf education, which emphasizes the connections between academic subjects, practical skills, and nature. Waldorf education also deeply believes in the importance of environmental stewardship and being in harmony with the earth, which dovetailed perfectly with Merenda’s vision. Her inspiration for the project was that all of our students work together to create the fabric of our […]
