Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out

by Jack Petrash

Written by a teacher with more than 25 years of experience, this book offers a jargon-free view of Waldorf education and its philosophy of the importance of a three-dimensional education. Whether you're a Waldorf parent or teacher, or you just want to learn more about these innovative educational concepts, this book contains important ideas on learning that you can apply today.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0876592469
• ISBN13: 9780876592465
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Gryphon House
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.1" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Re: Concerned Parent

I have not read this book yet (though it's been heavily recommended), but I would like to respond to the concerned parent comment, which is one I've come across many times. As a Waldorf alum I can tell you that while it seems very wishy washy from the outside, the reality of Waldorf education is about as close to perfection as one can get. I am a very well adjusted adult actively participating in the world around me, with a very realistic view of my place in the universe. Waldorf education gave me the resourcefulness and healthy sense of being that allows me to take advantage of opportunities, and create opportunities of my own. Before you reject a system that has been proven over and over (which is more than the public education system can claim) take some time to speak with people who have experienced the system. I guarantee you we are happier with our education than most people you will meet. I'm not really sure if I'm allowed to do this, but I'd like to open myself up as a resource to anyone who has questions. You can get in touch with me at robinmarie [@] soasadesigns [.] com. If I've broken any rules I sincerely apologize.

Outstanding!

Wonderful and accessible introduction to Waldorf education. Petrash captures the essence of this beautiful pedagogical approach without burying it in the narrow lexicon often attached to Waldorf, AND without watering it down. He clearly articulates this nontraditional approach to educating children from nursery to grade 12.

Great book about the waldorf educational system

This is a great overview of the Waldorf education. It takes you thru the guiding philosophies, traditions and what the children do throughout the years of school. You will fall in love with the Waldorf approach to educating children. I read it while researching various educational systems for my child and set up a schhol visit as soon as I was finished with the book.

At last! An accessible description.

I've been a Waldorf parent for 4 years and have been pleased with the education and life experience my kids are getting at school. But I haven't been able to describe to people who ask about the Waldorf school what makes it so different, so special. I've found most of Rudolf Steiner's (Waldorf education's original mastermind) work to be impenetrable; probably due to weak translations, but still. I've read a lot of dense stuff in my day, but Steiner's is unsloggable. This book by Jack Petrash, however, I loved. It's written so 21st century mortals can understand it and relate to it. Right from the first chapter, I understood it and felt it understood me. In the second chapter I thought, "Oh, now he's really captured it. He should have put this chapter first." I thought that again about the third, fourth, and fifth chapters and then decided he probably had the order okay in the first place.

Excellent Overview of Waldorf Education

I've never read a book that explains the Waldorf Education philosophy in such a captivating way as this book! It is so enjoyable to read. The author uses interesting anecdotes from real-life situations to explain his ideas. The entire book is excellent, but the chapters on the three stages of childhood (preschool, grade school and high school) are so well suited to all parents that I wouldn't limit this book to only those that adhere to Waldorf principles. The author has been a teacher for over 30 years, much of that time at the Washington Waldorf School where he has taken three classes of children from grade one to grade eight. And if this book is any indication, he knows his stuff!