WALDORF PHILOSOPHY "Waldorf taught me how to think for myself, to be accountable for my actions, to be a good listener, and to be sensitive to the needs of others. It also helped me to focus on the underlying importance of beliefs, and values that are the foundations of good leadership." - Kenneth Chenault, American Express Company Vice Chairman Through the Waldorf curriculum, the festivals, and the community life at Westside Waldorf School, we strive to give children what they need at each developmental stage, and we provide them with a balanced education. The curriculum itself is a work of art, and the techniques used in the classroom to draw out the children are masterful. See the Appendix for a summary of the curriculum. The Waldorf approach helps each student gain the inner and physical strength to flower into freethinking individuals. Artistic, cognitive, and practical lessons are all combined to nurture the strengths, potential and uniqueness of each child. Thematic learning, concentrated main lesson blocks, remaining with the same teacher over a course of years, are all Waldorf innovations that are now supported by research as enhancing the learning process. The educator's role extends beyond the teaching in the classroom, beyond helping to create positive relationships with and among the children. The teacher must balance thinking and deeds with the warmth of the heart.