FAQ

HOW STEINER EDUCATION IS DIFFERENT

•  During primary school years, ideally, the one teacher continues with the same students throughout.

To engender continuity, trust and friendship; commitment and progression witnessed by the teacher; and no time wasted getting to know students at the beginning of each year.

•  Learning in a Steiner school is a non-competitive activity. There are no tests or grading at the primary level, however from time to time the school complies with state testing, as required by the Education Department. The teacher writes a detailed evaluation of the child at the end of each school year.

This encourages children to do their best using their unique talents. It engenders pride, high self-esteem, emulation of admirable characteristics, whereas competition can lead to egoism.

•  Each child's own learning rate is honoured. Preferred learning styles are addressed in all teaching through use of movement, rhythm, art, patterning and story telling.

This is to realise the full potential of the whole child.

•  The emphasis is on learning through imitation and creative play until age seven when academic subjects are interwoven with art, craft, and music.

For sound developmental growth, a sense of wonder throughout life, a zest for learning, initiative, and balance of the whole individual.

•  Subject matter is presented imaginatively through stories.

•  Each of the main subject areas - English, Maths and Social Studies is taught in main lesson blocks of 3 - 5 weeks' duration.

•  This is to treat the subject matter at hand in depth.

•  Children produce their own books to record the content of their lessons. There are no textbooks as such in the lower classes. Upper classes use textbooks to supplement their main lesson work.

•  Letters of the alphabet are introduced in Class One. Reading begins naturally as the children learn to read by writing.

•  Through knowledge of the children's individual temperaments, teachers develop classrooms conducive to learning.

Strong, unique individuality, self-confidence, and inner integrity.

•  There is a three way responsibility for discipline -Teacher: parent: child.

Aims for self-discipline, responsibility by example, fair learning environment.

•  A tranquil learning environment is a priority.

Superior concentration enhances learning, reduces stress, and supports the appreciation of nature, and promotes a sense of peace.

•  Art, music, gardening, and foreign languages are valued elements at Steiner Schools.

•  There is a strong emphasis on handwork, making and doing through craft and other activities.

Connection with the source of things, satisfaction from creating, fine motor mobility and dexterity stimulating cognition. Attentiveness, judgement, problem solving and concentration with a concrete outcome. Rhythmical thinking, inner calm, intellectual clarity, planning, mathematical skills.

•  Beautiful, quality, handmade and natural materials are used throughout the school.

Identification with the surrounding natural world, sensitivity and respect for skill and work, responsibility and care, aesthetic appreciation, sense of worth.

•  There is a strong focus on seasons, festivals and community.

Cultural development, connection with the rhythms of the natural world, a strong sense of brotherhood and belonging, creation of happy, healthy memories and traditions.

•  Strong focus on the natural environment.

Feeling a part of the natural world, valuing and protecting its beauty and resources, health and wellbeing for future generations.

•  Children are allowed, with the appropriate supervision, to climb trees, explore creeks and enjoy many physical activities, which are restricted in other settings.

To give maximum access to physical and imaginative development and become familiar with surrounding plant and animal life. Children learn to be careful and responsible for themselves and others by having the freedom and opportunity to do so, under the supervision and care of teachers. They grow to recognize the needs at hand instead of being constantly "told what to do".

•  A high standard of nutrition is actively encouraged (avoiding sweets, soft drink, pre-packaged and processed foods).

Respect for the body, superior concentration on all tasks, healthy life habits.

•  Television viewing and use of other electronic media is not recommended.

For better communication and socialization skills, sound understanding of real world and real time, original imagination, active age-appropriate play, freedom from marketing indoctrination.

•  Steiner schools are born out of a Western Christian tradition however a Steiner School is non-denominational

For children to find their place within the complex tapestry of world spiritual life they must learn about the various religions both past and present. The school teaches, as well as Christianity, the history of Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and many others - elements of which will certainly touch their lives as they grow into a world both fantastically varied, yet often fanatically strife-torn by the different religious view-points. The central aim of the school is to prevent bigotry and intolerance by the children toward people who look, think or believe differently from themselves. Religion today needs action- children who love and protect nature and have a deep sense of moral and social responsibility are truly religious. Steiner schools teach an uncompromising veneration for life and a deep respect for human dignity. It is engendered by the teacher's gratitude to the world and encouraged in the child.

39 Shepherd Hill Lane

Mount Nathan  4211

07 55962266

www.silkwoodsteiner.qld.edu.au

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