Teaching Vowels, part 1

In 2013, I researched Steiner's indications for teaching vowels for the purpose of teaching reading. In researching this paper, 13 of Steiner’s essential books on education were examined. References were found in eight of the books. I compiled and organized the excerpts, and developed a list of 5 considerations for Waldorf teachers. I used these considerations to guide my planning and program for my grade one students. This and the next several posts will include excerpts from my research paper. Let's begin!

One: The Importance of Correct Pronunciation

According to Steiner, a child’s ability to identify vowel sounds, and to apply this knowledge, is founded on the teacher’s correct pronunciation.

“…when we converse with the children, if we are careful to pronounce long what is long, short what is short, sharp what is sharp, drawn out what is drawn out, and soft what is soft, we shall create for them the necessary foundation for correct spelling.” (Steiner, 200, P. 174)

The first vowel sounds that a child needs, the short sounds, are: a as in cat, e as in net, i as in bit, o as in hot, and u as in hut. While searching for appropriate material for short vowel instruction, I found it necessary to do what so many Waldorf teachers do every day – create my own. I began by seeking out Steiner’s indications for vowel instruction.