Steiner

[SugarBlossom]

Hey guys,
Just wondering what everyone thought of steiner education?? I have been looking at it...bit early...I know :o And I really like the sound of it......

[Malin]

I do like a lot what steiner has to offer, some stuff I do not think is with the modern times but a very good friend to me went to a steiner school as a child and she for sure turned out to be a true individual..

I do love to read about John Holt, he seam to understand the free will of learning at any age...

I'm a bit worried my self, my son starts prep next year. We will send him to a public state school.
I really hope he will ge a really good teacher, that will enjoy a child that has a free will and has very strong oppinions...

Good luck Malin

[elissas]

I love the philosophy of Steiner, and am very impressed with the approach to teaching.

My husband and I have met a few Steiner teachers though, and unfortunately they seemed to be a bit "in the clouds".

For us, part of learning in a spiritual environment is about learning to be centered and grounded. Meeting these teachers (who would be involved in the school opening soon near us) was the only thing that put us off Steiner a bit.

For now we'd be more inclined to go through the public schooling system, but not just hand our kids over to be educated by others (ie. have a much more active role in their education on all levels - spiritual, emotional, mental etc) and not be passive parents about education like so many are (ie. I hear a lot of complaints from parents about things but they are complaining that teachers aren't doing the jobs that I personally see being responsibility of the parents, such as daily diet, spirituality, and their ability to communicate feelings and needs etc).

Just our feeling on it. Steiner is in theory a fantastic option for us. But in reality we didn't feel it presented the solution we wanted for our kids, just because being grounded is so important to us. But it may be different where you are (different teachers etc), and it may be different here in 5 years time (when we'll be needing it.

So we've got a few years to think about it yet though - first bub is due in 3 weeks!! :D

Cheers
Lis xo

[Refresh]

Like Elissa, I love the philosophy of Steiner - we lookde into it quite seriously and went to a Steiner playgroup. I found that alot of it was all talk and that the philosophies weren't really acted upon. I think that their ideas are great and alot of them can be used really well in the home environment IYKWIM.

I am sure that it all depends on which school it is....like anything. I have heard of some wonderful ones so I reckon your best bet would be to just show up at the school a few times and get a feel for it:)

One thing I have heard from a couple of teachers and parents that I know is that if you are going to do STeiner, you need to commit to it for the whole of your childs school life - they learn at such a different pace (which I think is fine) and often have trouble switching to mainstream. One is not better than the other, they are just different:)

Good luck with it - maybe you could find a playgroup to go to and meet some other Steiner mums:) And, by the way, its never too early to put your childs name down at a school - especially STeiner. The one near our place is quite hard to get into and they have long waiting lists.

[Oscar's mum]

My little nephew goes to Steiner and it really suits him, he is a bit of a handful and has a small attention disorder.

I think it is good for some children, yet others not so great. ;)

[Liam&Sienna'sMum]

I really like some aspects of Steiner, however there are others that would not work for our family. DP would never get rid of the tv for example, and to be honest, I wouldnt really want to either. I do try and limit DS's tv time, and will be getting even stricter on that next year, as I feel he is watching too much. But to lose it completely-I dont feel is doable. I know its not neccessary to send your child to a Steiner school-but I agree with one of the above posters that if you are going to comit to this sort of education, you really do need to make a full commitment. Likewise, we are a famly of computer users and I cant see DS taking kindly to being told he cant use a computer. Not to mention DS also loves his robots and Thomas trains etc-I cannot imagine how I could ever now sucessfully make the shift to wooden toys only, and dolls without faces lol

However, I am reading more about it, and I do like many aspects. I read a fabulous book based on Steiner theories "You are Your Child's First Teacher" It is just brilliant, and I intend to try and incorporate many of these ideas into our daily lives. I think Liam and Sienna will probably go to mainstream school, however there is much a parent can do as well, and I will try to "homeschool" them also, so they get different perspectves on education.

Ellissas-I was interested in that Steiner school I think-is that the one opening in Narre Warren? I dont think as I said before that I'd send them to Steiner for school, however I could be interested in a playgroup for Sienna maybe, as I'd like her to experience different ways etc..

[Mum2Lucas]

It's a bit early to think about but ill be booking my son into the samford valley steiner school when he's 1. i read an article about steiner education and i thought it was great.

[Oscar's mum]

Mum2Lucas were you reading the Byron Child magazine? :confused:

[Mum2Lucas]

Yes indeed I was Oscar's Mum

[Oscar's mum]

It's a good magazine isn't it! :) ;)

[MilkOnTap]

I think it is good for some children, yet others not so great. ;)
Couldn't have said it better. The girl that lives with us is a primary school substitute teacher and she sometimes teaches at Steiner schools. Her verdict is that it suits some children who perhaps have attention disorders, and who learn ONLY at their own pace.

Personally, my thoughts on Steiner schools aren't great. Perhaps playgroups, and pre-school, simply for developing social skills, but as far as full on education goes I wouldn't recommend it.

Our housemate told us a story about boy who began his first day of year 4 when she was teaching at the school. This little boy excelled in maths, and after 3 days of school he approached her asking when they would do maths. There was no set mathematic education in their programme.

Apparantly the students aren't forced to do anything that they dont want to do. Of course a 7 year old is going to want to do painting and build lego rather than learn to write properly.

Once the children in her class decided they wanted to go outside instead of staying inside. They all took off their shoes and dug a big pit out in the school grounds - from this they built a fort! A full on barrack! Which is pretty impressive, especially if a child is more gifted practically than academically.

The above, are just my opinions on Steiner education. I realise everyones opinions will be different - these are mine.

[Mum2Lucas]

Yeah I love the magazine. i found the new one good with the stuff about swimming.

[Funkychicken]

I find it really intersesting to read everyones opinions on Steiner education. I did notice though that none of those who posted had actually had a child in or been involved with a Steiner school. Before our children began in a Steiner school, I had most of the same issues to deal with as have been mentioned. Will my child learn to read properly, will he be l'left behind' other children? Will he just play all day? What about keeping up with technology? Most of these fears are totally unfounded. It is true that Steiner education is not suitable for every child and most Steiner teachers will agree with this. It is also untrue that it is better suited for children with ADD or similar problems. In fact these children usually don't do as well in Steiner education. We have had various children with Autism or ADHD begin in our school only to find it not suitable.
The basis behind a Steiner philosophy is to let children live as children for the time they are children. There is no need to 'hurry' them through life. Life is fast paced enough and they will be faced with this in time but whilst they are still 6, 7 or 8 let them be that age. Children of this age have no need to be exposed to the concerns of our 'real world'-things such as the news (bombs, terrorrism, murders etc...) By attending a Steiner school we have found many like-minded parents who also feel strongly about these issues and so when our children play together it is reassuring to know that they wont be sat in front of the TV or computer for hours, they will be real children out playing childhood games. I am also reassured that they wont be offered junk food as a snack as most of the parents are also like-mided whren it comes to nutrition.
I dont know exactly which school allowed the children to decide to go outside when they felt like it but the teachers at our school are actually quite strict with discipline-as is recommended by Steiner. There is most definately a curriculum to be followed and it is set by the teachers, not the children.
Steiner education isn't for everyone, but choosing it is a conscious decision made by parents who want more for their children than what most primary schools can offer. And a huge bonus is that schoolyard bullying and similar behaviours are almost non-existent in our school.
if you want to check out more have a look at this site which will in turn link you to other interesting sites.

http://www.steiner-australia.org/ (Not sure if this will appear as a link or not)


Good luck and whatever school you choose for your child/children make it a conscious choice. We get one shot at our children's education-we cannot go back and do it again.

[Funkychicken]

Thought I might add also what I personally have gotten from having our children attend a Steiner school. I am also being educated indirectly about such things as art, new crafts, organic and biodynamic living/gardening, music and many other things. The biggest surprise for me is the sense of community that exists within the school. I recently gave birth to our third child and during the pregnancy I received an amazing amount of love and support from other mums within the school community. Being a surprise pregnancy, we had nothing left from our earlier baby days, and have since been given/lent everything we needed from clothing, bassinett, cot, pram, capsule, change table and even 3 dz cloth nappies. In the last few weeks, when I was washed out, hot and tired, a group came to my house and cleaned it from top to bottom-including windows!- and helped to arrange the baby's area as well as bringing small treasures/gifts each for the unborn baby. Whilst they were tidying, one mum gave me an arm, leg, feet and hands massage and another two cooked up soup and quiches for lunch. This whole day was organised by caring mums who genuinely wanted to help our family. Since our beautiful babe was born we have had meals delivered by various families, who didn't come expecting to be offered cups of tea (they made the tea), and who left shortly afterwards, respecting our need for space at this time. Our older two children have been collected and whisked off for play days in the park giving me time to rest with our baby.
These are the bonuses of being involved with a school with a strong sense of community. We are overwhelmed by all that has been done for us and are planning a big thank-you BBQ for all involved in the near future.

[MilkOnTap]

Sal - I was interested to hear your 2c worth about Steiner education - and totally agree with you about their philosophy
... There is no need to 'hurry' them through life. Life is fast paced enough and they will be faced with this in time but whilst they are still 6, 7 or 8 let them be that age. Children of this age have no need to be exposed to the concerns of our 'real world'-things such as the news (bombs, terrorrism, murders etc...) . I agree with you 100%.

Perhaps there is also some truth in what Frenchie said earlier...
...I am sure that it all depends on which school it is....like anything...
I dont know which school my friend was working in where the children basically ran the classes themselves, however as-so-far that is my only experience or witness to the way that Steiner Education works.

And you are right. Though I dont have a child in Steiner (dont have a born child at all) the only opinion I can create is from information which I am fed by others who are close to the school and philosophy themselves.

From what you have posted so far, I will definitely look more into the programme in the future. It sounds as though the families and teachers are really down to earth and caring - a fantastic upbringing for every child. Especially the way that the families look after each other is only a testiment to how well the children are taught. And when it comes down to it - An education is important - but morals, values and family lifestyle ultimately serve a greater good.

[cait]

Apparantly the students aren't forced to do anything that they dont want to do. Of course a 7 year old is going to want to do painting and build lego rather than learn to write properly

I attended a Steiner school during primary school in two states and my mum has been a Steiner & state school teacher for nearly 30 years. I find this thread rather interesting as it shows up a lot of mis-conceptions about Steiner schools, just like the one above.

It is completely untrue that children can do whatever they like, and the schools definately have just as much structure as any other (my sister and I both went to Catholic high schools as there were no Steiner schools where we lived).

The children are also taught reading, writing and maths but it comes a little later than state schools, although the basis is set up from when they begin school.

There is a larger emphais on art and music, and expression through these mediums but the entire curriculum is not art and music. As I said above, my sister and I went to Catholic schools and we had no trouble fitting in, or keeping up with the work. In fact my sister scored 98.5% in her HSC (or UAI now) and was consistently top of her grade throughout high school.

I think it is also untrue that they better suit ADD children, although the classes are generally smaller so they do receive more one on one attention. I think a lot of people think Steiner is for children with difficulties, which it is not. A lot of children with difficulties excell in education by using artistic methods, which is great but again, the school isn't necessarily designed for children with ADD etc.

In saying all the above, I have chosen not to send my child to a Steiner school, much to my Mother's dissapointment. This is not because I disagree with the teaching technique, rather the politics of the schools. Generally speaking, and this is VERY general - a lot of schools tend to attract some rather "odd" people, who have "odd" ideas like the misconceptions above which are then branded as "Steiner" ideals. In my experience, I found that the school begins as a Steiner, then parents and teachers have their own ideals which are often included in the ideals in the classroom and often ends up more as a "community school", giving Steiner schools a bad rep.

Like everything, it really depends on the schools. Some are stricter than others with both the Steiner ideals and the "community schooling" ideals. As to the politics, if I went into everything that happended to my Mum I would be here for days. I am definately not criticising Steiner schools, I just feel that my child would be fine in a state or Catholic school.

Sorry for the huge rant!

[cait]

Princess niamh, which school did you go to???

[cait]

I would have gone there had we not moved away!

I went to Blue Mountains Steiner til year 5, then went to a "Steiner" school in Northern NSW. My mum taught at both those schools and the one in Samford Valley, Brisbane.

If you don't mind my asking, which was the one you didn't like?