Give Them Time – an analysis of school readiness in Ireland's early education system: a Steiner Waldorf Perspective

Abstract

This paper examines a Steiner Waldorf Perspective to School Readiness and applies that international ideology to educational practice and curriculum policy in modern Ireland. The case for a later school start is championed with strong arguments underpinning the reasons why a later start is better in the long run for children's formal learning capacity and enthusiasm. Current primary school curriculums for the early years are also analysed and catalogued against Steiner philosophical best practice in early learning to promote a child-centred early learning curriculum within the Irish primary educational system.

Keywords:

• school readiness
• early years
• primary education
• Steiner Waldorf
• Ireland