The Ways of Waldorf

Right now we are taking our preschooler to a Waldorf School. I haven't read too much about Steiner's philosophy, which is key to this school. I am gong through a very basic intro type of book right now to his works and I'm trying to twist my head around a few concepts. I'm hoping a Waldorf student or knowledgeable parent might email me to enlighten me a bit more (although I have very few readers as yet...ahem.)
So, kids don't start reading until they are like seven....that's right. 7!!! Seven years with no alphabet. I grew up with Sesame Street....I wrote "Jen is a mutt" when I was like four or something. (Thanks sis! lol) I always assumed that learning to read was the basic stuff of kindergarten. Not according to Waldorf. Their teachings encourage the use of play and freedom of growth, if I had to try and explain. (the two chapters I read put it much more succicently). I'm having a hard time twisting my thoughts around that. It makes sense when I read about it, but when it comes to application to my children....I don't know. I'm so used to a mechanical world where a plus b equals ab. Not how to form lines to learn how they feel. I am feeling a bit out of the loop still, but am going to learn more.
Waldorf is certainly still on the top of our list though. I do understand a bit of what they are aiming for, but I am not sure how to encourage it in our home life. No plastics are used there, toys are quite simplified to encourage imagination, and it's very hands on in all activities. I love love love that all, but when it comes to the curriculum, I am still stuck on the idea that kids learn things according to the rules. It's hard to let go of that idea I guess. I hope I am explaining things right - please correct me or help me understand if you are reading this and have some insight.
So, no reading till 7 in school. My daughter loves books. She absolutely loves to look at the pictures and pretends to read. Maybe it's a form of escapism for her too, as she doesn't watch much tv (dvd's). Which are, of course, not recommended to Waldorf students.
Anyways, there's my ramble for the night. Here's a great bread recipe that I did get from our friend Miss Polly :)

Acorn Hill Whole Wheat Bread (from Waldorf school)

1-2 tbsp dry yeast
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup warm water
-mix these in a small bowl to sit until bubbly

1 1/2 cups warm water
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/3 cup oil
1 tsp salt
6 cups (approx) whole wheat flour
-mix together the top four ingredients in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture plus three cups of the flour. Stir well, then add remaining flour, one cup at a time until dough is stiff enough to turn out onto work surface. (*I just knead it in the bowl, but whatever!) Knead for about 8-10 mins adding more flour as needed utnil dough is smooth and elastic. place in greased bowl to rise until doubled. punch down and shape into loaves or rolls. let rise until double and bake at 350 for 45 ins for loaves and 20 mins for rolls.

***tastes awesome with homemade butter!!! I have a super easy recipe for that too if you like!