Reply to Waldorf vs Montessori?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I would describe Waldorf as based on "humanity" not Christianity. The children learn about humanity and its various beliefs and practices through history: Nordic gods and legends, farming practices and shelter building, the Old Testament, Greek history/gods, then Roman, Ancient Persia and the East, etc.  My 8th grader is now studying American history and a more modern era of history in the world (South Africa and Apartheid).

In my experience, I had more of a solely "christian" slant in public school back in the 70's. Here there are traditions and cultures brought in from all around the world and we're lucky enough to have a diverse parent population.  Snacks are brought in to experience food from another culture and stories shared to describe religious holidays and practices.

The form drawing is amazing in any grade. It really ties in using both sides of the brain and hands.  The drawings look deceptively simple but as an adult who's tried to emulate what the kids are doing during parent-teacher night I was surprised at what it took to accomplish the task (the kids' were better than mine, easily).

Here's a very good description of Waldorf education through the grades (I chose a different school so that it was not related to WWS).  http://www.capeannwaldorf.org/grades-1-8/detailed-curriculum-descriptions

Regarding the link posted above about Montessori v. Waldorf: I have to say that I can't agree with the assessment that "When academic subjects are studied they are taught in a more traditional way, the teacher talking, the children at desks being taught in a group."

For example, my second grader is learning her times tables while standing up and reciting aloud poems while they stomp their feet to emphasize the sum and clap their hands to count off the factors.  I'd say more but the Waldorf school link I put in here describes it in plenty of detail.  Note the drawing next to Grade 6 - Rome is one portion of their math work.  Not typical by any means, it really engages their whole mind and body.   
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I am not an expert, but it seems misleading to me to suggest that it is not based on Christianity.  It's not solely a Christian school, but the four holidays that are central to the curriculum are certainly Christian, as well as seasonal.[/quote]

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