nature

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 to draw new connections, learning is infinitely more meaningful. With Waldorf education, meaningful experiences are fundamental to developing the type of students who are cuirious, creative, and critical thinkers. Field trips are the perfect way to support these developing people. 

As a recent article from Edutopia explains, “Field trips aren’t a threat to in-class instruction, they’re a tool to help bolster engagement and expand students’ horizons. “It’s possible to expose students to a broader world and have a culturally enriching curriculum without sacrificing academic outcomes, and it may actually improve academic outcomes,” Erickson says. Far from harming test scores, the researchers found that culturally rich excursions reinforce academics and ‘students who participated in these field trips were doing better in class.’ “

In a world where educational environments feel the pressure to keep pace and prepare for standardized tests, Waldorf education offers a different approach. We intentionally incorporate trips, both locally and further away. These experiences not only support the academic content that students are learning, but are also intended to bolster social/emotional development such as community building, self-confidence, and resiliency.

From 1st grade, seasonal field trips to apple orchards, the James River, and other parks help them connect to the natural world and learn how to be a group  of students outside the school setting.  These trips create opportunities for fundamental interpersonal skills and strengthen the child’s self sufficiency, independence, and confidence. 

Third grade in Waldorf education is the time when children take their first overnight trip, away from parents! We spend a week in upstate New York at another Waldorf School  and biodynamic farm. The Farm Trip is truly the perfect experience to apply the knowledge gained over the course of the year, but also to learn new lessons in adventure, resiliency, friendship, and community. 

Outdoor, overnight trips become part of the annual calendar in grades 3 through 8. Our students boat along the James River, visit nearby indigenous tribes, study botany and beekeeping, go spalunking (that’s caving), try their hand at ropes courses. We also visit local museums, including the VMFA, Science Museum, and VA History Museum. Our middle schooelrs also visit the National Gallery in Washington, DC and travel by train to get there. All of these experiences, from figuring out what to pack, how to navigate the bus or train station, setting up your tent, to cooking meals and managing homesickness, all help our students be the type of person who is resourceful, resilient, and who has a sense of wonder about the world. 

We culminate our field trips with the 8th grade class trip, which is planned in coordination with the students. This final trip is a true adventure, a challenge, and huge accomplishment that truly sends them off to High School with confidence and incredible stories. Expect to see 8th graders going sailing along the Chesapeake Bay, perhaps doing some backpacking along the Appalachian Trail, or an adventurous rivier trip. In Waldorf education, these field trips play critical roles in the curriculum, where life lessons are taught and the classroom content comes to life. 

To learn more about the Waldorf approach to science education, and how we bring meaning and inspiration to the learning environment, submit an online inquiry here. 

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 outdoors in both structured and unstructured times. As a recent article from CNN argues, time outside “helps kindle curiosity that is the essence of science.” “If you are fascinated by clouds or the spots on a ladybug’s back; if you like to split open rocks and see what’s inside, then you’re already an outdoor scientist,” Grandin wrote. 

The child’s school environment can also play an important role in helping spark and nurture that curiosity. Waldorf education is known for a holistic approach that emphasizes integrating the natural world into the curriculum. Our preschoolers and Kindergarteners spend at least two hours outdoors every day, in all weather and seasons. You’ll see children bundled up and playing elaborate games, exploring, working, and even eating meals outside through all types of weather – rain, snow, or shine! This actively builds resilience as they learn how to work together to stay warm on cold or wet days, or to develop a curiosity in the changing seasons and the insects, birds, and other animals that live amongst us, and also learning how that there is no such thing as bad weather since wearing the right clothing makes all the difference. We firmly believe that these outdoor experiences are building a foundation of scientific curiosity, honing observational skills, and giving children a space where there  is joy and fun throughout the school day.

As students enter the lower elementary grades, Waldorf students continue to have ample unstructured outdoor times through recess, movement classes, biking class, and even through the course of their academic studies. Waldorf education uses observation of nature as a way to unfold the science curriculum.  Regular field trips to local farms, orchards, and parks allow students to deepen their love and appreciation of nature. They also have regular classes in bicycling, movement and games, and will draw, paint, sculpt, and write about all the academic subjects. 

As they move into upper elementary and middle school, students study botany, geology, astronomy, chemistry, physics, and anatomy. Our teachers plan adventurous field trips to the mountains for camping, caving, kayaking, and truly experiencing the natural world as a way to teach and provide a sense of wonder. This translates into stewardship of the earth and a strong sense of environmentalism in Waldorf students. The Waldorf students deeply appreciate the beauty of nature, and as the students progress through adolescence, graduate Richmond Waldorf and move into high school and college, we see that these experiences often bloom into a strong sense to protect and preserve nature, as well as a desire to continue to have outdoor time throughout their adulthood.  

To learn more about the Waldorf approach to science education, and how we bring meaning and inspiration to the learning environment, submit an online inquiry here. 

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 Faire are a perfect example of the Waldorf community coming together to celebrate, contribute, and model for our children the importance of being a part of a connected community. Every person – teacher, parent, grandparent, student – plays a role to make our May Faire a success. The Parents Association is a strong, connected group where parent voices are heard, volunteers are coordinated, and friendships are made. 

We know that working in close relationship to parents is a powerful and important way to connect school-life and home-life. From home visits before the school year starts, to class meetings with parents, to parent-teacher conferencese, these are all opportunities to support the whole family and further the education of our students. 

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 approach throughout the grades to engage students in learning.