INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Lectures and abstracts
Philipp Reubke born in 1960, Waldorf student in Stuttgart and Berlin, study of philosophy, literature and education in Germany and France, Waldorf teacher in France since 1989, kindergarten teacher from 1995 until 2017. From 2010 til 2020 member of the IASWECE coordinating group. Since 2021, together with Constanza Kaliks, leader of the Pedagogical Section at the Goetheanum in Dornach Switzerland
Thursday (Sept 17th)“Waldorf Early Childhood Education – in the context of the beginning of the 20 century and facing the challenges of today
This contribution will describe some essential characteristics of Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education in the context of the history of Education since the 18th century and underline common points and differences with other alternative educations in the beginning of the 20th century (Adolphe Ferrière, Maria Montessori, Célestin Freinet). Based on this historical understanding, we will seek to answer the following question: What is the relevance of Rudolf Steiner pedagogical impulse for an for the challenges young adults face today—the environmental crisis, the social and political tensions, and artificial intelligence?”
Friday (Sept 18th) “Free play in Waldorf Early Childhood Education – in the context of the beginning of the 20 century and today”
This contribution will describe some essential characteristics of creative free play Steiner Waldorf Early Childhhod Education in the context of the history of Education since the 18th century and underline common points and differences with other alternative educations in the beginning of the 20th century
(Adolphe Ferrière, Maria Montessori, Célestin Freinet). Based on this historical understanding, we will seek to answer the question of the relevance of Rudolf Steiner pedagogical impulse for learning in preschools and kindergartens today.
Saturday (Sept 19th): Celebrating 100 years of Waldorf Early childhood education with kindergarten teachers and parents of the Baltic countries.
100 Years of Waldorf Childhood Education—Past, Present, Future”.
Looking back with gratitude and interest on the pioneers of Waldorf education can give us strength and inspiration for our work today. A lack of historical interest can easily lead to a lack of insight into what is necessary today. This is on the condition that we do not cling to external traditions, but rather recognize the essential intentions so that we can creatively develop what today’s children need.
Worshop: “Rythmical and musical activities in Kindergarten”.
In this workshop we will share, why the combination of music, mouvement and speech is so important in early childhood. We will exercise some archetypical important movement to include in our dances and circle games. We will practice some dances and circle games in English and some songs in the mood of the fifth as well as some traditional childrens songs.
Dr. Lauryna Rakickienė is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy at Vilnius University, a psychologist, and a researcher at the Centre for Child Development and Psychoeducational Research. Her research interests include children’s cognitive development, the early prerequisites for academic success, and child-friendly learning environments. She has authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, presents at international and national conferences, and engages in expert work and public education activities.
Friday (Sept 18th) What do children learn when we let them play?
The presentation will discuss our understanding of teaching and learning in early childhood and why developmental psychologists regard play as the fundamental activity of young children. Drawing on the latest scientific research, it will examine the developmental and learning opportunities that arise during
free, child-initiated play. Special attention will be paid to the cognitive skills developed through play— particularly executive functions—which are crucial for a child’s future adaptation and success in school.
Dr. Ramunė Dirvanskienė is a neuropsychologist and an associate professor at the Institute of Psychology at Vilnius University. She earned her PhD in neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh and gained clinical experience at the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, where she conducted neuropsychological assessments for scientific and pharmaceutical research. Her areas of interest include brain development and aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and neurorehabilitation. She is also dedicated to popularizing brain science; she is the author of the book *How the Brain Works* (*Kaip veikia smegenys*) and the founder of the portal Neuropaskaitos.lt.
Friday (Sept 18th) Sensitive Periods in Child Brain Development
The presentation will cover child brain development from birth through adolescence, discussing key stages of nervous system maturation and their significance for a child’s behavior, learning, and daily functioning. Special attention will be paid to sensitive periods in the development of sensorimotor and cognitive functions—times when the brain is particularly receptive to environmental influences, experiences, and targeted education. We will discuss how these “windows of opportunity” can be identified and utilized to foster the development of a child’s motor, sensory, attentional, memory, language, and other cognitive abilities. The presentation will also highlight the importance of early experiences, the environment, and appropriate developmental tools for a child’s holistic development.
Dr. Monika Skerytė-Kazlauskienė, PhD in Social Sciences, psychologist, lecturer at the Institute of Psychology at Vilnius University, and a member of the Child Psychology Center (a non-profit organization dedicated to child well-being).
I have been interested in play since the beginning of my studies, and it never ceases to amaze me; the more I learn, the more fascinated I become—and the more I realize how little we truly know about play.
Friday (Sept 18th) The freedom to play – do modern children have it?
Play is a child’s right and a need; thus, the question arises: how well are we, in the 21st century, ensuring opportunities for children to play freely? Nowadays, smart technologies, educational programs, extracurricular activities, and other adult-organized pursuits compete for children’s attention. We tend to expect that children will play on their own whenever they find a spare moment, yet do they have examples to follow—or anyone to learn from—when groups of children no longer gather in neighborhood courtyards? What can we do today to preserve the freedom to play for children ten years from now?
Prof. Albertas Skurvydas (Vytautas Magnus University)
Doctor of Biomedical Sciences
Friday (Sept 18th) Free and risky movement: its impact on a child’s physiological development, health, and future
Topic and abstract to be coordinated with Albertas D.
Rasa Ragauskaitė Driukienė is a long-time preschool educator, a practitioner of Waldorf early childhood education, a mentor, and a freelance lecturer. She is the Lithuanian representative to the International Association of Waldorf Kindergartens (IASWECE) and a graduate of the Integrative Pedagogy course.
Vilma Grigienė is a preschool and pre-school teacher who has been working at a Waldorf kindergarten for 14 years. She is a lecturer for parents and educators.
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Friday (Sept 18th) Free Play in a Waldorf Preschool—Best Practices and Problem-Solving
This presentation will introduce the concept of free play in a Waldorf preschool, share experiences on how to create an environment conducive to free, creative play, and review the conditions necessary for this type of play to flourish. It will also examine the most common problems that arise and experiences with their solutions. Special attention will be given to the role of the educator in the group.