Basic Principles
Rudolf Steiner (18611925) is generally credited with founding the Waldorf approach, known for its attention to aesthetic beauty and the spirit. He was an Austrian who believed that children learn by imitation and sensory stimulation for about the first seven years of life. Steiner coined the term anthroposophy (Trostli, 1998)what Gardner might call intrapersonal intelligence, or knowing and understanding one’s true nature. Like Montessori, Steiner believed the purpose of education was to allow children the freedom to develop their inner potential. He also believed that learning should be driven by children’s interests and questions.