A jargon-free view of Waldorf education and its philosophy of a three-dimensional education. Since their inception over 80 years ago, Steiner-Waldorf Schools have offered a much-needed model for educational reform. The author provides a compelling, clearly written picture of the key components of a Waldorf education, focusing especially on child learning experiences that develop thought, feeling, and intentional, purposeful activity. Ideal for parents and teachers, this book gives a common sense understanding of an education which answers modern needs in almost 900 schools across the world.
The book is convincing without preaching. One has the feeling, Id trust Jack Petrash with my children.-- Martyn Rawson, Steiner Education, March 2004Ive been a Waldorf parent for 4 years but I havent been able to describe to people who ask about the Waldorf school what makes it so different and so special. Ive found Steiners work to be impenetrable. This book by Jack Petrash, however, I loved. Its written so 21st century mortals can understand it and relate to it.-- Waldorf parent, CaliforniaThis is a deeply soulful and intelligent book on child development. If all teachers were like Jack Petrash and more schools followed the Waldorf-Steiner principles, there would be viable alternatives for home educators. This book is about imagination and change in both the child and the educator. It taught me a lot and best of all, left me with the feeling education is FUN.-- Carolyn McCourt, Education OtherwiseThis book is ideal for parents and teachers alike, and Jack Petrash speaks from many years of direct experience as a Class Teacher.-- Kindling: The Journal for Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Care and Education, Spring 2004Understanding Waldorf Education is a look into the creative methods employed for generations at the Waldorf School in Washington. Youth workers and educators, as well as parents, will find some insight into communicating important lessons to children who might balk at the standard delivery of information.-- Youth TodayJack Petrashs eloquent, wise and deeply moving book gives me a new found appreciation for Waldorf education. Even though I have been a Waldorf parent for nearly twenty-five years and a Waldorf teacher for nearly two years, I found Petrashs explanation of the curriculums three-fold approach fresh and illuminating. Whether you are a parent, an educator, a policy maker, or simply a person interested in human growth and learning, read this book. You will learn how relevant education through the head, heart, and hands can be for our children and for the future we hope to create.-- Eric Utne, Founder of the Utne Reader
