Waldorf Pedagogy In Early And Preschool Education

Reformama pedagogije tijekom dvadesetog stoljeća proizašli su brojni pedagoški koncepti. U želji da se djecu odgaja vodeći se slobodom u radu i igri, javljaju se novi alternativni pedagoški pravci. Kao takvi, pristupaju svakom djetetu kao individui i odgovaraju na njegove potrebe u odgoju i obrazovanju. Jedna od takvih upravo je i waldorfska pedagogija. Nastavni plan i program waldorfske pedagogije odvija se prema uputama njenog osnivača Rudolfa Steinera. Za Steinera odgoj je pitanje koje je duboko utemeljeno u društvu, odnosno nerazdvojno povezano kao i sa svim ostalim područjima ljudskoga života. Waldorfska pedagogija temelji se na holističkom pristupu, a najvažnijim smatra obrazovanje misaonih sposobnosti, praktičnih iskustava i bogatstva kreativnosti čime djeca ostvaruju optimalni razvoj. Zasniva se na antropozofskim načelima, odnosno antropozofskom duhovnom pogledu na svijet, što obuhvaća dušu, tijelo i duh čovjeka. Antropozofija kao duhovna znanost služi kao znanstvena podloga waldorfske pedagogije. Navedene metode waldorfske pedagogije primjenjuju se u brojnim vrtićima i školama, s ciljem promicanja što veće slobode u odgoju djece. U waldorfskom vrtiću odgojitelj ima ulogu duhovnog pomagača u djetetovu razvoju i nastoji osigurati uvjete kako bi dijete moglo izraziti svoju unutarnju snagu i individualnost. Ujedno, odgojitelj u svom poslu snosi veliku odgovornost u prvim i najvažnijim godinama djetetova života, stoga je bitno da svojim svrhovitim aktivnostima bude uzor i poticaj djeci, bilo to u radu ili igri. Steiner smatra kako su odrasli model koje dijete treba oponašati, stoga je važno ne dirati u djetetovo ''Ja'', već njegovati djetetove osjećaje, brinuti o djetetovoj intelektualnosti, brinuti da razviju radne i stvaralačke navike i ono najvažnije pripremiti ih za život.The pedagogical reforms that marked the twentieth century in a whole, have resulted with numerous pedagogical concepts. In an effort to raise children to feel free in both, activities and play, new alternative pedagogical directions are being set. As such, they aproach each child as an individual and respond to his or her needs whether in upbringing or education. Waldorf pedagogy uses this concept of work with children. The curriculum of Waldorf pedagogy is carried out according to the instructions of its founder Rudolf Steiner. Steiner questions the upbringing and claims that is deeply rooted in society. He also believes that upbringing is related to all the other aspects of human life. Waldorf pedagogy is based on a holistic approach and promotes the development of thinking skills, practical experiences and creativity wealth which help children to reach their full potencial. It is based on anthroposophical principles too, built on an anthroposophical spiritual worldview which encompasses the soul, body and human spirit. Anthroposophy as a spiritual science represents the scientific base of Waldorf pedagogy. Waldorf pedagogy methods are applied in kindergartens and schools all around the world, with the aim of promoting freedom in the upbringing of children. In the Waldorf kindergarten, the educator has a role of a spiritual helper in the child's development and provides conditions for the child to express his inner strength and individuality. At the same time, educator has a great responsibility in first and most important years of a child's life. It is important for educator to be a role model and encouragment to children, whether in activities or play. Steiner believes that adults are the model a child should imitate and follow, so it is important not to disturb child's ''I''. Instead, we should nurture child's emotions, child's intellectuality, take care of developing work and creative habits and, most importantly, prepare them for life