I thought the best way to explain my shift from primary teaching in Qld Education to the world of Rudolf Steiner anthroposophy would be to tell a story ... it went a little like this ...
Once upon a time, there was a cosmic child named Lisa. Lisa lived in a world with humans who had forgotten that magic was magic everywhere. Lisa, however, had not forgotten. She loved that she was a cosmic child, born with the ability to do incredible things. Sometimes she could make objects appear just by intently wishing for them. She could feel people's emotions. There were tough days where she turned herself invisible and lonely days as she never really found a friend who felt and thought like her.
Lisa went to a state school, where she was surrounded by other children who had forgotten their have magic so she spent a lot of time in the library. Eventually, she made friends and learned to squash her powers down so they didn't bother her so much.
When Lisa was an adult she began to search for a magic school. She had heard they existed. She was a teacher now applying for jobs and soon an offer arrived in the mail. It was from a Kindergarten for magic children, just like her. Lisa was overjoyed at the possibility of finally being surrounded by others just like her . She had also made a very special magic friend who lived near the kindergarten. She packed her bags and set off for the magical kindy.
At the kindergarten, Lisa quickly made friends and flourished. She learned stronger magic from her friend and honed her powers. For the first time in her life, everything made sense. She was surrounded by people who were just like her, and she felt truly at home.
Lisa spent many happy years in the Cosmos of the magic school, learning and growing. And though she sometimes missed her old life and her old friends, she knew that she had found where she truly belonged.
I recommend this website https://www.waldorfeducation.org/waldorf-education/rudolf-steiner-the-history-of-waldorf-education
The body of work Rudolf Steiner published is as wide as it is deep. It is a lifestyle and in this modern age not for the faint hearted. I loved my time there and even if we adopted snippets of what Steiner recommended I believe the world would be a better place and our children would certainly be less anxious and have a deeply rooted positive sense of self.
A basic comparison between mainstream and alternative schooling
Alternative schooling is a term that refers to educational systems or approaches that differ from traditional, mainstream schooling methods. There are many reasons why some people believe that alternative schooling can be better than mainstream schooling, and these reasons will vary depending on the individual and the specific alternative school in question. One possible reason why alternative schooling may be better than mainstream schooling is that it can offer a more personalized and individualized approach to education. In mainstream schools, students are often taught in large classrooms with many other students, and the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the "average" student. In alternative schools, on the other hand, the educational experience is often tailored to the individual needs and learning styles of each student.
Another possible reason why alternative schooling may be better than mainstream schooling is that it can provide a more holistic and well-rounded education. In mainstream schools, the focus is often on academic subjects, such as math, science, and language arts. In alternative schools, on the other hand, the curriculum may be more diverse and may include a wider range of subjects, such as art, music, physical education, and practical life skills.
Finally, alternative schools may also provide a more supportive and nurturing learning environment than mainstream schools. In alternative schools, the emphasis is often on collaboration, communication, and community, rather than competition. This can create a more positive and inclusive atmosphere, where students feel more comfortable taking risks and challenging themselves.
Overall, the reasons why alternative schooling may be better than mainstream schooling will vary depending on the individual and the specific school in question. However, many people believe that alternative schools can offer a more personalized, well-rounded, and supportive educational experience.
This was certainly my experience. Purchase your Seasonal Units here
