Grade 7 students mentor grade 2 students in reading.
In a recent article in The Atlantic, the author writes that college students, even at elite colleges, may arrive on campus never having read a book cover to cover. They have read excerpts and short articles, but have trouble keeping up with the course load requirement to read a book or more in a week because they haven’t experienced this before. In addition, their attention spans are shorter, they can’t keep up with the pace, and they are less able to persist through challenging texts.
At Waldorf schools, we fundamentally believe in reading and storytelling. Student’s love for reading is nurtured through an immersive approach. Early years focus on oral language, storytelling, and literature-based learning, developing a love of story that helps build concentration and foster the joy of reading. In the later years, students all read the same book to support the skill of discussion and critical reading of texts. Reading and stories are integrated into all academic subjects, and taught in an artistic and multisensory way. Students may be asked to write an essay, create an artistic rendering of what they have read, and present their findings to the class. Waldorf students are given the opportunity to read complex historical and literary texts, develop strong reading habits, talk about what they have learned in small group discussions, and create oral presentations. All of this supports a lifelong love of reading and learning.
In addition, our older students mentor our younger students in reading support. Not only does this foster strong connections, it helps the older students learn how to be patient teachers, approaching each child differently and meeting them where they are.
Want your child to love reading? Try Seattle Waldorf School.
