A Creative Approach To World Languages At The Susquehanna Waldorf School
The joyful teaching of world languages in Waldorf schools was initiated by Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education. He proposed that world languages should be taught from an early age to make the best use of the powers of imitation that enabled the children to first learn their native language. He recommended that two world languages should be taught beginning in the first grade. Susquehanna Waldorf School follows this recommendation with Mandarin during grades 1-8, Spanish during grades 1-4, and Classical Latin during grades 5-8.
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The Waldorf education approach to teaching modern world languages is based on the idea that the primary purpose of world language acquisition is to develop the ability to communicate. All world language teaching in Waldorf schools can also be said to deepen the inner life of the student as the following quotes elucidate. | |
“Language instruction in the Waldorf School trains the capacity for human sympathy; it is social pedagogy; it is a pedagogy of peace, not through discussion of becoming informed, but through the cultivation of the ability to perceive.” Johannes Kiersch, author of Language Teaching in Steiner-Waldorf Schools. | |
“A person who sympathetically enters into another language opens doors in the soul, becomes sensitized to other peoples and other modes of experiencing reality, and not least of all, learns to understand his or her language better. The new language provides a subtle, contrasting counterbalance that helps offset the one-sidedness of the person’s native tongue and culture.” Michael Navascues, Waldorf Teacher and Professor of Spanish Language at the University of Rhode Island. | |
Class 3 - Shelter Projects
In Waldorf education, the third grade is a pivotal year of hands-on learning and exploration. From tending to the land to constructing beautiful projects like picnic tables and benches, our students immerse themselves in practical skills that shape their understanding of the world.
Through the shelter projects, our young learners gain insights into diverse cultures and their relationships with nature. Each shelter tells a unique story, illustrating each inhabitant's culture and geography as interpreted by our creative students.
The students learned so much during this project, not the least of which was managing time and expectations and learning to pivot when the original plan did not work. These are important lessons in frustration tolerance, resilience, and emotional agility.
All the students presented their projects to other students and teachers in the school and articulated what they learned to peers and upper classes. They wrote about what they imagined it might have been like to live in their chosen shelter. This project provides the foundation for later geography, history, and even some physics lessons down the road.
Congratulations to Class 3 on their remarkable achievements!
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Solar Eclipse At SWS
We were united in awe this week as we bore witness to the breathtaking spectacle of the Solar Eclipse. Our journey to this celestial event was not just about observing, but about understanding. In anticipation, our students delved into the intricacies of solar eclipses: how we use science and math to calculate when they will occur, why they occur, and the diverse ways in which they have been revered and observed across cultures.
From the rich tapestry of global traditions, we gained insights into the eclipse's significance. Native cultures hold a deep reverence for the cosmos and share stories and rituals that illuminate the eclipse's spiritual dimensions. The Cherokee shared stories of the sun and moon embroiled in a celestial game of chase. The Inuit have a tale of the great celestial dogs that swallow the sun, each narrative added layers to our appreciation of this cosmic dance.
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As the eclipse drew near, our classrooms buzzed with activity. Some students expressed their understanding through vibrant chalk drawings, capturing the eclipse's beauty on paper. Others crafted cardboard viewers, allowing them to observe the eclipse shape through reflections. Explorations into ancient techniques, like using water reflections to observe the crescent shapes, offered a glimpse into the ingenuity of our ancestors. | |
This day went beyond observation; it was a celebration of curiosity and community. Together, we stood beneath the darkened sky, humbled by the grandeur of the universe and the boundless possibilities of human discovery. | |
2023/2024 Annual Report
SWS's Annual Report has a lot of great information including a letter from the Board, Financial Report, ExtraGive, Strategic Plan, Marketing & Admissions, EITC, Parent Guild, Roots and Resilience, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion! Click below to read the Letter from the Board and to access the 2023-24 annual report.
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The Mighty Thor from Class 4 play, "The Death of Balder," during their Norse Mythology block. | |
Class 6/7 illustrations inspired by, "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus," by Dusti Bowling. | |
Class 8 explored exploring relationship between a circle’s radius, diameter & circumference in geometry. | |
Working With Your Hands Is Good for Your Brain
Waldorf educators understand the essential importance of applied arts, handwork, artwork, and handwriting in education.
“Skills involving fine motor control of the hands are excellent training and super stimulation for the brain,” says behavioral neuroscientist Dr. Kelly Lambert. Her research has found, for example: "Handwriting is associated with 'far more elaborate' brain activity than keyboard writing."
"We evolved in a three-dimensional world, and we evolved to interact with that world through our hands.”
We could not agree more!
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Spring Open House
Saturday, April 13, 9:30 am
15 W. Walnut Street, Marietta, PA
Discover an education that empowers students through language, music, nature, and hands-on academics.
We invite you to explore a curriculum where early childhood is rich with language, movement, and imaginative play; where science, math, and history are enlivened with art, music, nature, and creativity; where children are engaged, inspired, and motivated to become lifelong learners. Our academically rigorous curriculum is enriched with music, orchestra, three world languages, handwork, practical arts, and more! Come see if our school is the perfect fit for your family.
During the open house:
- Tour our inspiring classrooms & view student work.
- Learn how we educate the whole child from pre-k through 8th grade.
- Meet our dedicated faculty.
- Children are welcome!
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Race Against Racism
Saturday, April 27th
Fun Run: 8:30 am, Race: 9 am
Musser Park, Lancaster City
Join the Susquehanna Waldorf School team during this year's Race Against Racism on Saturday, April 27th, at Musser Park in Lancaster City. The Kids Fun Run starts at 8:30 am, 5k race starts at 9:00 am. For all those not racing, please join in on the fun and cheer on our team!
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May Day
Wednesday, May 1st
Stepping Stone: 10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Kindergarten: 11:00 am - 11:45 pm
Grades: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
15 W. Walnut Street, Marietta, PA
Grandparents and Loved Ones of Early Childhood students are invited to join us on Wednesday, May 1st, from 10:45 am to 12:00 pm. Enjoy refreshments and May Day dances and songs around the May Pole.
Grades students will begin their festivities at 1:30 pm, starting with a traditional Morris Dance performed by Class 8. Maypole dances by class will follow.
All are welcome to attend this beautiful celebration of Spring! Hope to see you there.
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Calling all alum and alum families! We are so excited about our new official SWS Alum Association! This group, initiated by the SWS Development Committee, aims to reignite the connections among Susquehanna Waldorf Alum and fortify our cherished community.
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