Which school is right for my child?
Pressure to perform, full classes, early selection for secondary schools - many parents wonder whether mainstream schools can do their child justice. Alternative forms of school are becoming increasingly popular, with Waldorf and Montessori leading the way. We provide an overview of alternative school models and ask: What is different?
Montessori schools: learning at your own pace
Montessori schools were founded by the Italian doctor Maria Montessori (1870-1952). Based on the guiding principle "Help me to do it myself", she developed an approach that focuses primarily on the independence and individuality of the child.
Montessori schools have a very open teaching style in mixed-age classes. Children should learn in a natural way, without being influenced in their own activity and joy of learning by punishments and rewards. The core element is free work, in which the children can work on their own, in pairs or in groups at their own pace with the teaching materials of their choice. The teachers see themselves as learning observers and learning guides who support the children's learning and development process.
Most Montessori schools in Germany are elementary school. As a result, pupils aiming for the Abitur often have to transfer to a mainstream school. There are now 400 Montessori schools in Germany, including over 100 secondary schools.
Advantages
As a school without grades, Montessori education offers a pleasant learning environment and promotes fear-free learning without pressure to perform. The Montessori school is open to all children and is particularly suitable for children with special needs.
To consider
Not every child can cope with working independently. Some children prefer to work according to clear rules and structures.
Waldorf schools: Learning by touching
Waldorf schools are based on Rudolf Steiner's anthroposophy. The focus is on holistic learning on a cognitive, social and action-oriented level, characterized by very practical and illustrative lessons.
This does not follow a fixed curriculum, but is divided into epoch and subject lessons. In epoch lessons, a subject is studied intensively with the pupils over a period of several weeks. One example is the agricultural epoch, in which the children grow grain in the school garden, harvest it later and use it to bake bread. Epoch subjects include subjects such as German, arithmetic, history and geometry. Subjects that require regular practice, such as art, foreign languages (from Year 1!) or eurythmy, are dealt with in specialist lessons.
There are no grades, but rather individual learning reports about the child. The class teacher plays a special role at the Waldorf School, accompanying the pupils for much of their time at school.
The standard school year is twelve years, but more and more Waldorf schools are offering an additional 13th school year to prepare for the Abitur. There is also a special Waldorf diploma.
There are now around 200 Waldorf schools in Germany. Most of them are privately run or parent initiatives.
Advantages
In addition to imparting knowledge, manual, practical and creative skills are also strongly encouraged. Great importance is also attached to art, theater and music. Children receive individual support and no child has to leave the class if they do not achieve their learning goals.
To consider
In Waldorf schools, parents are expected to show a high level of participation and identification with Rudolf Steiner's world view. Parents should also implement the educational concept at home.
Public schools are catching up
The "normal" district schools (also known as Sprengelschulen) have also developed further in recent years. Many have integrated modern teaching methods and offer great projects. A big advantage of district schools is that they are close to home: the children don't have a long commute to school and their friends live nearby.
Other alternative school models
There is now a wide variety of alternative schools and school types. You can find an overview here:
www.netzwerk-innovativer-schulen.de
A good transition and the family as a base camp: what children need for a positive time at school
- If parents organize and accompany the transition from childcare center to school well, they can support their children significantly - regardless of the type of school they choose. Here are a few tips:
- Before the transition to school, talk to your child about the upcoming changes and find farewell and transition rituals to bring the childcare center period to a close and make room for something new. For example, you can work with your child to clear the nursery of toddler toys and equip it for school or organize a sleepover party for their kindergarten friends.
- At the start of school, many children are overwhelmed by all the new things. Therefore, plan fewer leisure activities than usual, especially in the early days, and slow down the pace at work if possible.
- Show a positive attitude towards the school and the teachers.
- Create a good base camp at home as a starting point for school - with a nice start and end to the day, meals together, conversations, plenty of exercise, opportunities to retreat and relax - and enough sleep.
- Make sure that the subject of school does not determine your whole life: The family is not a second classroom, parents are not teachers.
Maternity protection, child benefit & co.: the pme parent advice service
Our parent counselors support parents in all matters from pregnancy to the child's adulthood. Personally and confidentially. We are there for you online, by phone or on site.
You can find more information here: Parental counseling.
