Waldorf education’s approach to reading and writing is different from traditional methods seen in public schools. This has led to a common misconception that Waldorf students are taught reading “late,” but the truth is that Waldorf educators are instead building foundations for reading comprehension before decoding. This leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of content students read and ultimately enhances comprehension.

Two articles, from the Detroit Waldorf School and the Waldorf School at Moraine Farm, thoughtfully and thoroughly discuss the Waldorf approach to teaching reading and writing in our early grades classrooms. 

Authors Dianne McGaunn and Kat Marsh, in the Waldorf School at Moraine Farm article, “Early Literacy Learning in Waldorf Education,” sum it up this way:

“Literacy development in Waldorf schools cultivates awareness, appreciation, and skill in both the spoken and written word, following a developmentally sound approach that helps to ensure that students claim a love of literature, language and writing as part of their birthright.”

Read More: Deep Literacy: The Waldorf Approach to Reading and Writing  |  Early Literacy Learning in Waldorf Education
Photo Credit: Monadnok Waldorf School