Waldorf-inspired homeschooling
A steady rhythm, stories, art, music, movement and handwork, in blocks of a few weeks.
Waldorf education has been practiced for over 100 years, and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America describes stages from early childhood through high school. Waldorf-inspired homeschools keep a steady daily and weekly rhythm, tell stories, make art and music, and study one subject in blocks of a few weeks. Programs differ, so read what each includes.
Checked October 29, 2026.
What it is
Waldorf education began in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1919, with a school for the children of the workers at the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory; the factory's owner, Emil Molt, asked Rudolf Steiner to design it. It grew out of Steiner's philosophy, called anthroposophy. Waldorf programs weigh rhythm heavily (a steady day, week and year, often with seasonal festivals) and give a large place to imagination, stories, art, music, movement and handwork such as knitting. Subjects are taught in main lesson blocks of a few weeks, and children often make their own books. Formal academics start later than in many programs; reading instruction typically begins around first grade. At home, families usually keep the rhythm, the arts and the main lesson blocks, and differ in how much of the philosophy behind them they keep.
What a day often looks like
A steady morning rhythm: a movement or circle time, a main lesson on one subject for a few weeks, then stories, painting, music, handwork and outdoor play.
A first week to copy
| Day | What to do |
|---|---|
| Monday | Morning circle: a song, a verse and some movement. Main lesson (about an hour): begin this block's story, then draw it. Handwork: finger knitting or sewing. Outdoor play. |
| Tuesday | Circle time. Main lesson: retell yesterday's story, then new material, then write or draw in the main lesson book. Painting with watercolors. Outdoor play. |
| Wednesday | Circle time. Main lesson. Baking or another practical task together. Outdoor play. |
| Thursday | Circle time. Main lesson. Music: a recorder, a song or an instrument. Outdoor play. |
| Friday | Circle time. Main lesson: finish the week's page and tell the story aloud. Tidy and prepare a seasonal table together. A walk in the woods or a park. |
Free tools on this site
Strengths and watch-outs
- Watch out: It asks for plenty of hands-on preparation: art supplies, stories to tell, and a family rhythm to keep. Many programs also keep screens out of the early years.
- Programs built on this method come in faith-based and secular versions; the curriculum list labels each one with that single word.
Check your state
No method changes what your state requires. See the homeschool law for your state for notice, subjects and records.
Sources
- Association of Waldorf Schools of North America: Waldorf education (checked October 29, 2026)