Children’s Garden Myrtle Beach
Source: Yan Rosenstein. Used with permission
My mother Nancy and her cousin Bev moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in order to escape the polio epidemics that were so prevalent in the U.S. during the 1950s. Recently, we visited their first home, which their grandfather built in 1940. To take photos outside, we parked at the house.
Yan Rotenstein was driving down the driveway with his children at the same time. Rotenstein encouraged us explore the backyard as they were leaving. Everywhere we looked we saw a vignette that allowed children to interact with their environment. We couldn’t help wondering why the home turned out to be a school. I was curious about how setting influences a child’s education so I interviewed Rotenstein and Courtney Steed from Children’s Garden Myrtle Beach. They shared their thoughts on the Waldorf educational model and how different environments can be adapted to support student learning.
Jenny Rankin (JR), please explain what Waldorf-inspired schools look like.
Courtney Steed and Yan Rotenstein, YR: Rudolf Steiners philosophy for educationIt is important to create a beautiful environment that encourages the child’s senses of aesthetics and provides a supportive, not distracting, learning environment. There are no right angles. The TeePee enclosed spaces and the earth mound structures are both round. Waldorf schools use organic materials, high quality art supplies, and a sustainable approach in order to create a natural environment in the classroom. The curriculum is based upon the key elements of Steiners’ holistic approach to educating the mind, body and soul of children.
Children’s Garden Myrtle Beach
Source: Yan Rosenstein. Used with permission
JR: What is the difference between this approach and traditional schools?
YR and CS: This holistic approach to education the child is what sets it apart from traditional schools. The natural environment and emphasis on movement and outdoor play are also important. Our daily curriculum includes yoga and ballet, organic gardening, as well as an hour of nature walks.
JR: How does the learning environment impact students’ growth?
YR & CS are a powerful combination. This approach to education is so powerful that it only takes a few moments to get to know students. As an example, they are tree climbers. You can see the coordination and agility that result from climbing trees daily (barefoot). The play yard also has a trampoline, slackline and zip line. They are confident children who are in tune to their bodies. They are always ready for whatever the day brings and walk around with an upright posture.
JR: Which combination of instructional strategies is most effective in teaching children?
YR and CS: Our teachers combine Rudolf Steiner’s holistic philosophy with a deep love for Mother Earth to educate our students.
Children’s Garden Myrtle Beach
Source: Yan Rosenstein. Used with permission
JR: You also run an adult-only retreat. What is the difference between the instruction for adults and the approach for children in the area of the environment?
YR and CS: What is the difference between teaching children and adults at our evening retreats? I think it is not that different. The environment priming the child or adult takes care of their guard, making them more excited for the future. Because the retreat is only for one night, it is used to shock the adult to normalcy by doing intense spiritual practices like gong, chakra mediation in a sweat lodge, and taking a freezing bath. A year-long curriculum can allow the child to experience the growth and change in a more gentle way.
JR. Thank you for taking the time to explain these different learning approaches and for all you do for others.
