EACH DAY STARTS WITH A BLANK PAGE

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled."

We couldn’t agree more with the Greek historian, Plutarch. We draw on the natural curiosity of children to keep those fires burning. For example, our students learn from experimentation and interacting with their lessons. In a Waldorf school, we often approach lessons as Socrates did, as questions for students to figure out. In science classes, lab experiments come before the study of related facts. Students experiment, observe, and form theories about what they see. Only after they have delved deeply into the subject does the teacher lead them to uncover the underlying facts. We feel this is the natural progression of learning: experience, analyze, conclude. Then, students record what they have learned with their own writing and illustrations in blank workbooks--in effect, creating their own textbooks. This helps them to solidify and remember the knowledge. The results of this approach? Our students often complain when school isn’t in session! Quite simply, when children are placed in a rich environment where they can exercise a sense of curiosity and creativity every day, learning is simply fun! Click here to see samples of our student workbooks.

A WALDORF HALLMARK: ​​THE MAIN LESSON BLOCK

“The main lesson block assures that students have sufficient
time to experience a living process of learning.”

—Roberto Trostli, author of  Physics Is Fun: a Sourcebook for Teachers

It's when young minds are freshest that they focus best. That's why, each morning​ the class teacher begins with a two-hour ​m​​ain lesson block ​dedicated to a core subject. Thus, the rhythm of the day begins with the work that requires the most attention, and each academic subject can receive a full measure of ​attention​ over the course of the year. The​teacher has the time to enter each subject in depth and approach it in a variety of ways, enlivening​ each topic with poetry, drawing, painting, modeling and drama. Once an academic topic has been fully explored​--usually in ​3​ to 6 weeks​--​a new m​​ain lesson block is introduced. Subjects that require regular repetition in shorter lessons and are more social in nature occupy the later part of the morning and the afternoon. Scaffolding the main lesson are handwork and woodworking, Mandarin and Spanish, strings and music, eurythmy and movement, and more--all taught by specially trained teachers in a wonderful coordination and harmony of subject material throughout the curriculum. Thus, intellectual learning is always combined with artistic, rhythmical,​ and practical work. Click here to see how our curriculum works together.

AS THE WORLD SPEEDS UP, WE SLOW DOWN

A Decidedly Different Approach to Education

At Linden Waldorf School of Nashville, we take a decidedly different approach to education. As the world speeds up, we purposefully slow our students' educational experience, giving children time and space to grow. We believe children come to this world perfectly suited to learn, and we allow their natural curiosity to flourish. We meet them where they are developmentally and help them journey forward, while carefully protecting and preserving their childhood. Our rigorous core subjects are intertwined with rich play, time in nature, practical arts, and a vibrant arts education. The “extras” at Linden show up as positive traits, common in our graduates, but increasingly uncommon in today's fast-paced society. Our graduates are recognized by high schools and colleges as well-rounded, critical thinkers, imaginative and strong in body, mind and spirit. The Waldorf approach strives to educate the whole child who, as an adult, will be capable of imparting a sense of purpose and place in the whole world and uniquely suited to meeting the challenges of an unpredictable future. If you’re looking for something different for your child, perhaps Waldorf Education is for you. 
Click to learn about opportunities to visit our campus and discover how Linden educates the head, heart, and hands.