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Philosophy

Our Mission

Our Mission at the International House of Waldorf-Steiner is to support the individual growth and development of each child based upon the principles of Dr. Rudolf Steiner's educational philosophy.
We maintain a small class system within a caring family environment. Each child's unique character is embraced and nurtured towards developing an independent, thoughtful being with the creative thinking skills necessary to thrive as a "citizen of the world."
In addition to the regular program, and unique to Tokyo, the school also offers a special program designed for exceptional students who need specific, professional support.
Like all Waldorf schools, our school emphasizes a multi-sensory, joyful approach to learning that aims to nourish, protect and develop the spiritual, intellectual, and physical capacities that are within all children. This is accomplished through the integration of vital artistic activity (drawing, drama, music), along with self-exploration of academic subjects, which fosters an awe and reverence for the wonders of life and nature. It creates an appreciation for one's own humanity, cultivating respect and compassion for others.
The students develop a joy in learning, natural self-discipline and other inner resources to enrich them individually and in community as they fulfill their chosen destiny in life.
A Quest for Eternal SpiritualityThe Waldorf Education was developed by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), an unique humanist and scientist, who gave profound insights, not only into the human condition, but also medicine, agriculture, the arts and the sciences, and education.
Rudolf Steiner's philosophy of child development places great importance on the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical nature of each age level. Furthermore, it encourages the development of a receptivity, an openness, to learning in addition to the development of healthy physical bodies. He realized that children must develop basic physical, social and creative abilities along with the nourishing of the spirit in order to be well prepared for greater intellectual learning.
For more in-depth information about the Steiner method of education please check these websites:

Children's Works

At Waldorf Schools, arts and music are woven throughout the curriculum to nurture imagination, creativity, and the joy of learning. After reading a story, children draw vibrant pictures with beeswax crayons, transforming the letters they've just learned into colorful, lively creatures. Inspired by the stories, they may experiment with creating their own music, which could eventually evolve into a class play for the term.

Waldorf education emphasizes teaching all subjects in a creative and artistic manner. Many new and often challenging ideas are introduced in imaginative, rhythmic, and always enjoyable ways. This approach emotionally engages students and fosters their enthusiasm for learning.

Art

The curriculum includes dedicated time for teaching specific artistic skills unique to the Steiner education system. Activities such as beeswax modeling, Waldorf-style drawing, watercolor painting, and various forms of sewing arts (for both boys and girls) are incorporated into the weekly schedule.

Eurythmie

A music specialist provides instruction once or twice a week throughout the grades, focusing on singing as well as string and wind instruments. Students at the International House of Waldorf Steiner have the opportunity to learn to play the lyre and flute under the guidance of trained instructors. In the upper grades, music teachers introduce music theory and the fundamentals of writing musical notation.