tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435910920779087689.post3541859017433856129..comments2024-03-28T19:42:29.858-04:00Comments on Transforming our Learning Environment into a Space of Possibilities: The Waldorf Approach: A home away from homeJoanne Marie Babalishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220145542703474742noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435910920779087689.post-6854462330111589852016-02-09T22:42:05.450-05:002016-02-09T22:42:05.450-05:00Hi Joanne,
My name is Christina, and I’m currently...Hi Joanne,<br />My name is Christina, and I’m currently a prospective teacher, seeking certification in Early Childhood Education. This blog entry is an interesting one!<br /> Who doesn’t want a better future for their children? You mention Oberman’s idea that “the centre is the imagination, which can only be unlocked with artistic talent.” I also agree with this.<br /> Spaces filled with open-ended materials from the natural world like this classroom in Toronto fully embody the approaches meant for children to be understood wholistically. Even from the outside, the school looked very appealing, not like a “typical-looking” school. The wood accents of materials and wooden structures used in the classroom give a calming mood. You can also see through the pictures that a lot of the materials are held in reused items, like jelly jars and flower pots. It also looks like the students have their own plant to take care of on their desk. This can create a sense of confidence and responsibility in a child when an adult give them a job like keeping a plant healthy throughout the school year. A lot of curtains and large tables are incorporated into the classroom as well, creating a home-like feel. <br /> You can also see pops of bubble gum pink, which doesn’t seem like a very natural color however, I have recently read an article for a course that mentions research has shown that this particular color reduces aggression in children (Greenman, 1987).<br /> Although an older resource, Greenman (1987) lists the important aesthetic aspects in a classroom that seem to still ring true in present-day classrooms. Looking at these pictures you’ve provided in your blog keeps reminding me about what Greenman mentions in his article. He asserts that a teacher may want to bring the natural light into the classroom; students can still see what they are doing while appreciating the sun from the outside of the classroom. He also suggests placing plants in the classroom and on the windowsill, which is seen in the photographs you posted here. He affirms that nature is a very important aspect of aesthetic because adding nature in the classroom creates complexity and novelty in the classroom, coinciding nicely with Oberman’s ideas mentioned throughout your post. <br /> What a great approach to consider using as an effective classroom environment! <br />Christina F.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05259861556123773624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435910920779087689.post-87020706099267449942015-12-23T10:41:35.309-05:002015-12-23T10:41:35.309-05:00Dear Susan,
Thank you for taking the time to comm...Dear Susan,<br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to comment and visit the blog!!<br /><br />What a beautiful testimonial to the Waldorf Approach indeed! I am quite intrigued by it, especially with regards to the learning environment. Have you come across any worthwhile resources?<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Joanne Marie BabalisAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13470003540781073350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6435910920779087689.post-48204558519715337432015-12-20T19:43:37.880-05:002015-12-20T19:43:37.880-05:00Hi Joanne; I've always included Waldorf in my ...Hi Joanne; I've always included Waldorf in my curriculum courses for 1st & 2nd year ECE students, so it's an approach I've had to study and read about extensively. Also, my three neices spent all their elementary school years in a Waldorf school, so I have seen the influences of this approach first hand. I love the emphasis on storytelling and movement and the arts as 'languages' for learning. Also the natural and respectful environments that the children care for themselves. In a way, the schools I've visited have been so rooted in the natural world, that they are almost spiritual in their feel....gentle, thoughtful, deeply peaceful and joyful. I admire the work they do tremendously, and can say I've only ever seen happy and engaged children during my visits. Certainly, my neices are self assured & love learning, so I guess that's the best testimonial!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13941199348612219521noreply@blogger.com