Hidden in Plain Site: Might Play Support Executive Function Development?

• In Event: Eisner and the Arts in Education

Abstract

This study investigates a practice referred to morning rhythmical movement, used daily by teachers in Waldorf schools. The Waldorf curriculum was created by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, a contemporary of Dewey and Montessori, who shared their belief in active learning. Using interviews and observations of teachers, I noted and timed the teacher-led activities. They were categorized and then sorted each into three recognized components of executive function (EF): working memory (WM), inhibitory control (IC), and cognitive flexibility (CF). The teachers spent nearly half their time in second grade (54 out of 120 minutes) in these activates and stated that they employed them because they believed building foundational skill would enable students to better access the curriculum in the older grades.

Author

• Kimberly M. Telfer-Radzat, Sycamore Creek Community Charter School