Teaching Mathematics for First and Second Grades in Waldorf Schools

Book excerpt: For Waldorf teachers, math is often one of the more difficult subjects to teach. On the one hand, memories of our own schooldays can cloud our view of children's developmental needs, whereas on the other hand, Steiner's many indications do not form a cohesive structure for the math curriculum. Thus, many different ways of teaching were developed during the seventy-year history of Waldorf education. This diversity underscores the responsibility teachers carry for their lessons. This guide does not in any way intend to diminish this responsibility, but seeks to contribute to a unified view of Steiner indications for a developmentally appropriate math curriculum. Our approach may differ from some existing programs--mainly in its direct and quick beginning to math activities and its avoidance of pictures when introducing numbers to young students. There may be other differences as well.