Maybe you have heard the words, “Waldorf Education” or seen “Waldorf toys“ floating around, yet you’re not sure what it is. Maybe you have seen some of the unique, handmade “Waldorf” gifts or your friend sends their kid to a Waldorf school. Maybe, you think it’s a movement that crunchy moms believe in, or maybe, the idea of it interests you but you just don’t understand it. Let me try to explain in the simplest terms what Waldorf education is and why I love Waldorf inspired toys.
Waldorf education comes from the teachings of Rudolf Steiner. Steiner developed a philosophy known as anthroposophy. This philosophy believes that in order to understand the workings of the universe, people must first have an understanding of humanity. The focus of education varies depending on what age or grade level the child is. The early years there is a focus on artistic expression. As the child matures, the process of scientific inquiry and discovery becomes the focus in upper school studies. Music and art are central components in a Waldorf education. Learning how to express thought and emotion is taught through art and music (source).
So, with that definition in mind, let me tell you why I love Waldorf and Waldorf inspired toys:
1. Waldorf Toys are natural and non-toxic. They are created with wood and safe for babies and toddlers to chew. In fact, many teething babies prefer the texture of wood to chew on as opposed to plastic. I like this teething toy (click here) for teething babies. It’s made of a circular wooden ring out of birch. The baby can safely hold and chew on it and you have the peace of mind that no harsh chemicals are getting into your baby’s body.
2. Waldorf schools use a hands on approach to education. There is much controversy surrounding the need for technology in education. Many Waldorf schools believe in a low tech approach to teaching…especially in the younger years. And, to me, it makes sense. Would you prefer your child learning from an iPad app or a teacher who is focusing on educationally nourishing the whole child?
3. Waldorf Toys are simple and promote imaginative play. Take a look at this AWESOME busy bag (click here). My kids have this set and they LOVE it. In fact, I need to order another one because they always fight over it. But, it’s so simple and creative. I keep mine in my purse and pull it out at restaurants and in the car for the kids to play with. The little people have no expression on their face so that the kids can create whatever kind of emotion that they want to. The little shovel and bowl has been created to do so many things from shoveling imaginative dirt to serving a pot of steamy “Stone Soup“. If I was to recommend ONE thing to keep in your purse for your baby, toddler or kids, it would be this.
4. Waldorf toys are often simple without a lot of detail. My daughter has THIS doll that she cherishes. It has no face. It has no expression. It’s simple and made of a beautiful antique hankerchief. Atop it’s head is a wooden birch ring, which makes it a perfect companion for teething babies, as well as assisting growing toddlers in their fine motor skills. Why do I love this doll so much? Because it’s not Barbie. It’s not a plastic doll with a fixed expression. This doll can be happy, but it can, also, be sad. I think this is so important for children to be able to create emotion in their imaginative play and not be forced to stick with a still, plastic face.
5. Waldorf toys encourage imitation. In a Waldorf school or a Waldorf-inspired home, you will see lots of toys that cause the child to imitate adults. One example of this include kitchen toys so that little boys and girls can grow up appreciating the importance of cooking and eating healthy. A few other examples include brooms/dustpans to imitate cleaning and tools, to imitate taking care of the house. These are so important to give to children so that they can imitate and learn to appreciate the value of real-life skills. Playing games on a computer or an iPad does not nurture this imitation in children.
Conclusion and Special Deal for My Readers:
These are just 5 of the main reasons why I love Waldorf and use Waldorf toys in my own home. I’m sure there are plenty more and I would love to hear from you!
Also, please visit my favorite Etsy store, Clover & Birch. Clover & Birch is where lots of my Waldorf-inspired toys came from. The shop owner, Taylor, carries lots of eco-conscious and vintage inspired toys and teething toys! She, also, makes a beautiful line of nursing necklaces (click here to see) that serve a triple purpose: a beautiful accessory for mommy to wear, a playful toy for your baby to play with while nursing, and a teething necklace for your baby when they aren’t nursing.
Great news! Taylor from Clover & Birch is offering all my readers 15% off if you order from her shop!
Click here to order and get 15% off Waldorf-inspired toys, teething necklaces, and more!
(Coupon Code: PALEO15)
