Why I am inspired by Waldorf Philosophy
Falling in Love with Waldorf Through Art
I am by no means a purist — I wouldn’t even call my self a Waldorf homeschooler —but I am highly inspired by the Waldorf Philosophy, and what really drew me to the Waldorf education in the beggining was the art. I was captivated by the way color flowed in wet-on-wet watercolor painting, how handwork like knitting (I haven’t mastered that one) and especially felting became part of daily learning, and how storytelling and creativity were woven into every subject. To me it felt like magic—a way of learning that spoke to the soul rather than just the intellect. Yes, it was the art that captured my heart. But as I explored more, I realized that every aspect of Waldorf education aligned with my values and beliefs about childhood. .
A Gentle, Soulful Approach to Learning
One of the most beautiful aspects of Waldorf education is the way it views the child—as a little soul, a tender seed coming into the world, full of potential and wonder. As a caregiver and guide, my role is not to rush their growth but to nurture, protect, and create an environment where they can unfold naturally. This deeply respectful and mindful approach to childhood is what draws me to Waldorf education again and again. I am trying to raise my children surrounded by beauty and good things, and that one really resonates with me. I used to watch horror movies and not think much about what I consumed in the news-media, but boy when I had kids it was like my soul turned raw and could feel the impact things like that had on me. My oldest daughter now have friends that ask me, why Mathilde is not aloud to watch or read horror stories, or consume stuff with very violent scenes and in Waldorf I found kindred spirits and can stand firm on my no.
Learning Through Rhythm and Connection
Waldorf education follows a gentle rhythm that aligns with nature and the child’s developmental stages. There is a sense of flow, balance, and predictability, which brings comfort and security to children. Instead of forcing rigid structures, Waldorf allows children to experience learning through movement, stories, and hands-on exploration, making knowledge something they truly embody and understand. I so thrive with the gentleness of the rhythms rather than a fixed schedule—I tend to get super stressed and pressed when trying to follow a rigid schedule with my kids— we will make it happen at all cost, being getting things done at a certain time or getting through todays curriculum. Waldorf thought me to be gentle not only with my kids but also with myself and just let the day flow in our everyday rhytmn.
A Deep Respect for Childhood
What speaks to me most about Waldorf is its deep reverence for childhood as a sacred time. In a world that often rushes children to grow up too quickly, Waldorf offers a haven of warmth, imagination, and play. It sees childhood as a foundation that must be tended with care, rather than something to be hurried through.
A Holistic View of Development
Waldorf does not just educate the mind—it nurtures the heart and hands as well. The focus is not on memorization and tests but on developing the whole human being. It is an approach that fosters creativity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. It allows for wonder and creativity and artistic expressions rather than memorization and repetition.
Final Thoughts
For me, Waldorf education is more than just a teaching method—it is a way of honoring the child’s soul, creativity, and natural rhythm. It allows children to grow in their own time, surrounded by beauty, warmth, and connection. That is why I love Waldorf, and why it continues to inspire me on this journey of caregiving, learning, and growth.
Even if we don’t get a curriculum I hope te keep getting inspiration by this beautiful philosophy. Thanks so much for reading! Here is a video where I explain a little more about how I use Waldorf in our homeschool:
