Understanding Our Special Character

Steiner Waldorf education aims to develop the entire human being nurturing and developing all twelve senses.

In Steiner education, the concept of the twelve senses is fundamental to understanding the development of the human being. These senses are divided into three groups, each connected to different aspects of human experience:

1. Senses of the Body (Foundational Senses)

These senses help us experience our own body and establish a foundation for other senses:

• Sense of Life: Awareness of one's physical well-being or discomfort, hunger, thirst, and general vitality.

• Sense of Movement (Kinesthetic Sense): Awareness of one's own movements, including coordination and balance.

• Sense of Balance: Awareness of the body's position in space, helping maintain equilibrium.

• Sense of Touch: Awareness of external contact, helping differentiate between the self and the external world.

 2. Senses of the External World (Middle Senses)

These senses help us connect with the external world, forming the basis for social interaction:

• Sense of Smell: Awareness of scents and odors, providing information about the environment.

• Sense of Taste: Awareness of flavors, helping discern different substances in the mouth.

• Sense of Sight: Awareness of light, color, and form, providing a visual perception of the world.

• Sense of Warmth: Awareness of temperature, particularly the warmth of other beings and objects.

3. Senses of Understanding (Higher Senses)

These senses relate to our ability to understand others and engage with the world on a deeper level:

• Sense of Hearing: Awareness of sounds, including speech, music, and environmental noises, contributing to communication and rhythm.

• Sense of Speech (Word Sense): Awareness of the meaning and intent behind spoken words, enabling comprehension of language.

• Sense of Thought (Concept Sense): Awareness of the thoughts and ideas of others, allowing us to grasp concepts beyond the spoken word.

• Sense of Ego (I-Sense): Awareness of the individuality and selfhood of others, recognizing them as distinct beings with their own inner life.

These twelve senses are seen as pathways through which a child experiences and interacts with the world. Steiner education aims to nurture these senses holistically, ensuring balanced development. For example, a focus on movement and rhythm in early childhood helps establish a strong foundation for cognitive skills that emerge later. Similarly, artistic activities engage the middle senses, while higher senses are developed through storytelling, conversation, and social interaction.

By fostering all twelve senses, Steiner education seeks to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are physically, emotionally, and intellectually balanced.