The philosophy was developed by Austrian scientist and philosopher, Rudolf Steiner, who believed that social improvement and personal development had to go hand in hand.
“According to Steiner, the human being is a threefold being of spirit, soul and body, whose capacities unfold in three developmental stages on the path to adulthood: early childhood, middle childhood and adolescence. Each stage has a specific learning style and therefore teaching method.”
In this stage of childhood, the focus should be on developing the limbs through doing. Kids in this age group learn through their sense and through imitation, so providing a sensory rich environment is key.
Children in this age group are focused on developing the heart through their imagination. They learn through storytelling, drama, movement, art and music.
At this age, emphasis is developing skills such as coordination, balance, core strength, cooperation, resilience, self-regulation, personal boundaries, and relationships.
The classroom is a child’s first home away from home. It is a place of warmth, order, and beauty. It is an environment that nourishes the senses and fosters reverence for nature and the material world.