Issue 14 | 17 Feb. 2007

Waldorf-style Education - From Buoyancee

Educationists may be familiar with what is known as the Walford system of education, that is hugely popular abroad. Now, this new age system is being introduced by Buoyancee at their Activity Centre (Anandashram, Bannerghatta Road, next to IBM and Bajaj Showroom) on Feb 21-22. The sessions will be conducted by experienced Waldorf teachers who have worked worldwide with children and trained teachers. What is this internationally acclaimed system and how does it work? Here's a peek into what this is all about:

The key principles of education during various stages are:

a) Kindergarten - Where the child's deep, inborn, natural attitude, belief and trust in reverence for the world are cultivated. Academics is de-emphasized and cultivation of pre-academic skills like literacy readiness through songs, games and fairytales are imbibed.

b) Lower Elementary Grades - The stress is on artistic elements (rhythm, movement, colour, form, recitation and music) not as a means of personal self-expression but of developing an understanding of beauty that is inherent in the world. Writing, Reading, Maths and the Sciences are taught by a 'main lesson teacher' who stays with the child from Grade One to Eight. What are 'frills' in mainstream schools like art, music, gardening, languages, craft and gymnastics are an integral part of the curriculum. Seasonal festivals are celebrated to connect humanity with the rhythms of nature and of the cosmos.

c) High School leads to an ever more conscious cultivation of an observing, reflecting and experimental scientific attitude to the world focused on personal experience, thinking and judgement.

To register call G. Manivannan on 94483 78949 or 2659 5872.