THE PRIMARY YEARS

“Our highest endeavour must be to create people who are able, of themselves, to impart purpose and direction to their lives” Rudolf Steiner

Primary school children enter a phase where they are keen to learn, explore and act out their rich imaginative life. It is now appropriate to use this imaginative, pictorial life for more concrete matters; writing, reading and arithmetic as well as science, geography and history. But to the child, it is not simply the acquisition of knowledge that is important; they need the strong guidance of an adult to provide a sense of security while they explore the nature of their world and themselves.

‘Imparting purpose and direction’ in fact requires discipline and perseverance. Often the mistake is made in allowing children free reign with their imaginations and impulses: often accused of being ‘free schools with no discipline’, in fact a Steiner Primary School is a place of well structured activities led by a teacher who establishes themselves as a genuine authority in the life of the child.

Steiner teachers endeavour to stay with their class throughout the primary years, gradually leading the children to cultivate an independent thought and action. How is this done? Imagination – pictures – the arts.

Maths introduced through pictures

Colour pencil on black Water colour from class 6 embryology

Evolving portrature	Form drawing class 6 - Greek style

Class 1 letter forming	G for goose?	Y not?