Q: How is Literacy addressed in the Steiner Curriculum?
A: The Steiner approach to literacy is a holistic and creative method that begins with a rich development in oral language and the creative aspects of language, such as storytelling, drama, and poetry. Phonics is taught both in a holistic way, encouraging students to develop an ear for rhythm and intonation, as well as explicit phonemic lessons. Writing is taught through a progression of skills, using whole-body movement to create the shapes and movements needed for writing. The approach is designed to be flexible, addressing individual learning needs by using a variety of teaching methods.
Q: When do Steiner students begin learning to read and write?
A: Steiner students typically begin learning to read and write in first grade, around the age of seven. Before that, the emphasis is on oral language and developing a love of stories and poetry.
Q: How is phonics taught in the Steiner approach to literacy?
A: Phonics is taught in a more holistic way in the Steiner approach. Rather than just memorising letter sounds, students are taught to understand the sounds of language and to develop an ear for rhythm and intonation. During explicit lessons in phonemes and graphemes they are encouraged to use their bodies to physically experience the sounds of language.
Q: How is writing taught in the Steiner approach to literacy?
A: Writing is taught through a progression of skills, beginning with drawing and painting, then moving on to form drawing and letter writing. Students are encouraged to use their whole bodies to create the shapes and movements needed for writing. Students begin by copying writing to forming their own sentences and paragraphs.
Q: How does the Steiner approach to literacy address individual learning needs?
A: The Steiner approach to literacy is designed to be flexible and to meet the individual needs of each student. Teachers work with each student individually to help them develop their strengths and address their weaknesses. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods to engage different learning styles which include the development of fine and gross motor muscles to enhance learning.