First off, what is Waldorf education like?
Waldorf education is a unique, holistic approach to learning that focuses on nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of each child. Instead of just memorizing facts, students dive into arts, music, nature, and storytelling, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Subjects are taught through immersive experiences, often with hands-on activities that align with the developmental stage of each age group. In a Waldorf school, you’ll find kids knitting, painting, playing wooden flutes, and learning to think independently—all without textbooks or grades in the early years. It’s learning that celebrates imagination and a sense of wonder!
Ok, now, what is forest school?
Forest school is an outdoor education approach where children learn and explore in natural settings, like forests or woodlands. Instead of a traditional classroom, the “classroom” is the great outdoors, with kids climbing trees, building shelters, and observing plants and wildlife. This hands-on, child-led approach encourages confidence, resilience, and teamwork, while helping kids develop a deep connection to nature. It’s all about discovery, creativity, and learning through adventure, rain or shine!
Waldorf and forest school “inspired”
Picture a homeschool co-op where kids get to learn by exploring the outdoors, creating with their hands, and just being kids. We blend the hands-on vibe of Waldorf with the free-spirited fun of forest school, so days are full of art, stories, and adventures in nature. Kids might be building adobe huts, creating intricate storylines at the mud kitchen, or learning to paint with watercolors—whatever gets them curious and engaged. It’s a relaxed, nature-first approach where everyone grows, learns, and finds a little magic along the way.
We also follow the rhythm typically found in Waldorf early childhood education— known as the “breathe in, breathe out.” This means we come together for circle time (breathe in), then allow free play (breathe out), come together for an activity, then free play, and so on. We also highlight typical Waldorf festivals and celebrations which often serve the purpose of bringing awareness to nature and its changing seasons.
Love what you’re hearing and what to dive in to more info?
Here are links to read more about Waldorf and forest schooling:
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