Waldorf Matters … the art of Storytelling

Next, in our weekly blog series, we consider the importance of storytelling at Elmfield, and other Waldorf Schools.

The education at Elmfield places great importance on the art of storytelling, recognising the power of narrative to shape young minds and awaken their imagination. According to Steiner: “the art of storytelling is an art in the true sense of the word, and one of the most important arts in education.” This is because storytelling has the ability to engage children on both a cognitive and emotional level, helping to foster a deep understanding of the world and the people in it.

Great emphasis is placed, at Elmfield, on building relationships between students, teachers, and the community. Steiner believed that, “Education must help the child to develop into a harmonious person, with a healthy relationship to the environment, and to other people.” Storytelling plays a crucial role in this process, by providing opportunities for children to connect with others and learn about the world from a different perspective. Through hearing stories, children are able to gain insight into the experiences and emotions of others, helping to foster empathy, compassion, and understanding.

Furthermore, we recognise the power of storytelling to inspire creativity and imagination. We believe that: “the most important thing in education is to awaken joy and creativity, to help the child to find his own way, and to foster his own inner life.” Storytelling provides children with opportunities to explore their imagination and to use their creativity to make connections and find meaning in the world around them. The stories they hear and the stories they tell provide a space for children to imagine, dream, and play, helping to develop their individuality and creativity.

Storytelling is integrated into every aspect of the curriculum at Elmfield. From early childhood, children are exposed to a variety of stories, including fairy tales, myths, and legends, as well as real-life stories about the people and places they encounter in their everyday lives. Through these stories, children are able to learn about the world and their place in it, while also developing their language skills, memory, and critical thinking.

One key example of storytelling at Elmfield is the use of seasonal stories in the curriculum. During the winter months, for example, students may hear stories about the arrival of the winter solstice and the customs and traditions associated with this time of year. These stories help to connect children with the world around them and to understand the rhythms and patterns of nature.

Another example of storytelling here is the use of folk and fairy tales in the classroom. These stories provide opportunities for children to explore their imagination and to engage with the world in a more symbolic and metaphorical way. Through these stories, children are able to learn about the challenges and obstacles they may encounter in life, as well as the strategies and resources they can use to overcome them.

Finally, storytelling is also used at Elmfiled as a way of exploring and understanding different cultures and traditions. Students may hear stories from a variety of cultures and traditions, including Native American, African, and Asian cultures, helping to broaden their understanding of the world and to develop a more inclusive and culturally-aware perspective.

In conclusion, storytelling is an integral part of Waldorf education, providing opportunities for children to connect with others, to develop their imagination and creativity, and to gain a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it. Through its emphasis on relationships, storytelling helps to foster empathy, compassion, and understanding, while also providing opportunities for children to explore their imagination and to engage with the world in new and meaningful ways.

“The art of storytelling is one of the most important educational tools in helping children to connect with the world around them.” - Rudolf Steiner