hi mommies
long time no "see" u all. Just decided to pop by today and suddenly read all these BAD reviews on Waldorf education by blessedbaby. Felt the need to "defend" them
Blessedbaby
I'm a little appalled of the things u said about Waldorf...from our conversation last time, i tot u did extensive research of both montessori and waldorf system, but coming in here and sprouting almost nonsensical stuffs about Waldorf being all fairy tales and daydreaming REALLY proved that u know literally nothing about Waldorf. If u dunno something in-depth enough, DO NOT anyhow bash them and say u dont believe in fairy tales. Are u implying that parents worldwide (me included) who chose Waldorf are parents who believe in fairy tales? Waldorf is NOTHING fairy tale. Yes, it encourages kids to be creative, but reading what u wrote about Waldorf clearly points to me, u have the same misconception of Waldorf education systems as of other parents.
I'm not into bashing Montessori, but if u want to compare, here's what I think of:
1) Montessori kids are rigid and NOT independent. Contrary to what u said, WALDORF kids are the ones that promotes independence and waldorf kids are more gentle and sharing. Montessori encourage kids to work at their own play/work station and no sharing in the early days.
2) Montessori promotes only ONE way of learning style. If a stacking block is provided the child can only learn ONE way to play with it, ie stacking it vertically, god forbids if the child play with it any OTHER way, she/he will be corrected immediately. Whereas in Waldorf, the child is free to play with and explore the block in any way he/she likes (with the guide of the teacher) cos Waldorf believes eventually the child WILL learn the vertical stack. THIS encourage independence. AND creativity. It does NOT promotes daydreaming and fairy tales.
From my discussion with Waldorf parents worldwide, esp HK, Waldorf kids in HK successfully immersed themselves into intl schools. They may have a hard time initially (about 3-6months to adapt) but becos of their ability to adapt and learn fast the fun way (learning is not stressed as academic but the fun way), they will excel the normal students who were being spoon fed the knowledge (ie Montessori)
Personally, i dont believe in one system being superior than the other. There will always be 2 side of a coin and pros and cons to any system. But the key thing is to KNOW more in-depth before giving out your comments like this.
It is widely known that Waldorf education was founded much earlier than Montessori. a TRUE Montessori way a decade ago is a rigid way (which works for some parents) hence the MOntessori now has actually adapted SOME of the Waldorf way ie LEARN THRU PLAY. Lots of other education center has adopted this form of advertising which was derived from the original Waldorf system. There's not much TRUE Montessori schools anymore, particularly in Sg. (I dunno much about Oz so shall refrain from commenting on that)
I'm sorry with all the CAPS but honestly, i wish u refrained from bashing the Waldorf system if u havent done in-depth research (i know u said u did, but it's obviously not the case here). I'm not defending them simply becos Rylee is in a Waldorf school but i really believe in it. Rylee's going to start Reception Year at 4, and Primary 1 at 5yrs old here in most of the intl schools anyway, so she'll be out of the system in a year or so. But if they have a primary school of waldorf, i'll be the first to sign up. But that doesnt mean i'm a parent that BELIEVES or LIVES in a fairy tale.
Disclaimer Note : No offense to mommies in Sg that DO NOT believes in Waldorf and going the conventional route. Pls accept my apologies if i offended anyone in the process of explaining myself and educating Blessedbaby on her bashing comments.
Thanks
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