Waldorf Education: A Family Guide

by Pamela J. Fenner, Pamela J. Fenner (Editor), Karen L. Rivers (Editor)

Waldorf Education finds itself catapulted from its humble beginnings 80 years ago into the midst of the central educational and social issues of this decade. What draws parents and educators toward Waldorf Education today? "Waldorf Education - A Family Guide" offers a "first look" for parents and educators into the history, philosophy, curriculum, and traditions of this unique education. This comprehensive book is a collection of articles describing the world of Waldorf Education - the fastest growing independent school movement in the world.

Genres: Parenting, Education, Nonfiction

221 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a helpful overview of Waldorf education. I was mainly reading it to learn a bit about Waldorf philosophy of education and to gain tips for incorporating Waldorf values into our homeschool. The first three sections give an overview for each grade level, as well as some information about anthroposophy and Rudolph Steiner. (I loved the idea of teaching knitting along with reading and writing!)

The fourth section, "Family Life and Waldorf Education," was full of useful ideas — ways to structure home life, shape your environment, and celebrate events. The fifth section, "Celebrations Through the Year," gives specific ideas for holidays.

I found this phrase from a chapter on "Home Life" to be very moving: "There are precious few years when our child joyfully joins in an activity simply because Mommy or Daddy is doing it."

[NoBeatenPath · Rating 2 out of 5]

While some of the more superficial 'externals' of the Waldorf system of education are appealing to me, this book has confirmed that the basis of the Waldorf/Steiner version of education is not for me - it seems based on some very fanciful notions that I just can't get on board with. While I believe in children growing to be autonomous, creative individuals, I don't believe this has to do with spirituality, especially not when the book starts talking about personalities based on 'seasonal' qualities, bandying around terms like 'chloreric' and 'Phlegmatic' for basing learning strategies based on temperament, and anything to do with theosophy.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good overview of many topics a parent starting their child in a Waldorf school (or interested in Waldorf-inspired homeschooling) might be wondering about. I found the chapters on some of the more esoteric subjects (such as the concept of "humours" in Waldorf) more compelling than I had expected and actually somewhat helpful in conceptualizing the best ways to reach a child and help her learn. I only wish there had been a few more chapters, perhaps with a little more detail.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for a very basic overview if you are sending your kid(s) to a Waldorf school. Not terribly useful/detailed if you are thinking of homeschooling. Worth reading and having for the festivals and such if these aren’t already part of your rhythm (they are already for us, so I mostly just skimmed this part)

[Lindsay Evermore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful and informative. Not a comprehensive guide.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like a sales pitch for the education philosophy but it gives a lot of information about how Waldorf education is run that is if you can get past the 6 essays in the beginning that repeat the same origin story. The book is very short essays about different aspects of Waldorf Education written by over a dozen of educators.

[Robin Ballon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very basic introduction to Waldorf education. Good for families wanting a general overview.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

[Jen (bookscoffeedogs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly interesting read, I was hoping for more of a Waldorf philosophy and the reason behind it than this book provided, and it really made me wish I was the calm, patient, parent that we see Waldorf teachers as! Anyone interested in education styles would be reminded about how important each child is.

[Bug]

Highly recommended to me by very experienced teachers--So I feel confident recommending it without reading. Have not yet had time to read.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Textbook info about K-8 Waldorf Education. Good resources at end of book (probably available online too).

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the Waldorf style doesn't fit our family needs, I thought this book was a great primer on their philosophies.

[Kristen Iworsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple introduction to Waldorf education and the Waldorf way of living.