The Magic Acorn     
 A Program Of The Ridgeview Community Church
174 S. Valley Road        
West Orange, NJ
        
(973) 945-8424   
Contact Us at: themagicacorn@yahoo.com
                                                             Instructor: Amy Heneghan    (973) 945-8424
The Magic Acorn
Where the Potential to Grow is Limitless
Working with Waldorf Principles

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Home.Waldorf Philosophy.In the Classroom.Our Community.Photo Galleries.
Home.Waldorf Philosophy.In the Classroom.Our Community.Photo Galleries.
Waldorf Philosophy - Educating the Whole Child; Mind & Soul

Developed in 1919 by Austrian philosopher and educator Rudolf Steiner,
Waldorf Education is based on a profound understanding of human development
that addresses the needs of the growing child.
 

 

Waldorf teachers are interested in students as individuals and strive to to educate the whole child—the heart and the hands, as well as the head.  The curriculum recognizes that the child is not an adult, and consequently learns in a very different manner.  

 

Rhythms of class are inspired by nature and involve watching and working with others.  The focus is on the arts, such as music, drama, sewing, and painting as well as everyday tasks such as preparing and sharing a meal and socializing.  The belief is that these skills are as essential to a complete life experience as academic subjects.  

 

When you enter a Waldorf classroom, the first thing you will likely notice is the attention given to the space. The walls are usually painted in lively colors and are adorned with student artwork. The decor speaks to comfort, warmth, and nature.  

 

The overall intent is to provide a home-like setting that encourages the unfolding of the imagination through a rich exposure to language, culture, and the natural world.

The Magic Acorn is a Waldorf-inspired program

That means that our program works with principles of early childhood Waldorf education, but has modified some of the philosophy or methods that a traditional Waldorf school may use.

IMITATION DRIVES CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT FROM BIRTH TO 7 YEARS OLD

 

As a baby, children are at the most absorptive stage and  are open to all external influences.  The many milestones achieved in a period of three or four years are remarkable achievements and include being able to stand upright, to speak, and to think  The young child learns through a combination of latent ability, instinct, and, above all, imitation.

 

Imitation is the special talent that characterizes the first years of life. The young child mimics everything in the environment uncritically - not only the sounds of speech, the gestures of people, but also the attitudes and values of parents and peers.

The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson