School as a Journey [Paperback]

Torin M. Finser (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0880103892 | ISBN-13: 978-0880103893 | Publication Date: October 1, 1995 | Edition: P

School As a Journey is a lively, colorful, and absorbing account of a class teacher's journey with his class, from first grade through the eighth in a Waldorf school. Told in a straightforward humorous style, it is an excellent introduction to the inside of a Waldorf classroom. This book is written especially for parents and educators as well as anyone new to Waldorf education. It is filled with eductional tips and resources and will prove invaluable to those already teaching. It is extensively documented, for those who wish to go more deeply, including references to the works of Rudolf Steiner and others in Waldorf education.

"Torin Finzer's School As a Journey is an inspiriing account of one teachers odyssey. Along the way, he reveals the secrets of good education in any setting: effective partnership with parents, a strong sense of collegiality among the staff, and -- above all -- the presence of dedicated teachers who are motivated by a sincere love and respect for their students." -- Ernest Boyer, President, Carnegie Foundation

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

TORIN FINZER, Ph.D., is currently director of the Waldorf Teacher Training Program at Antioch New England in Keene, New Hampshire. He has taught at the Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School, both as a class teacher and as a subject teacher.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Steiner Books; P edition (October 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0880103892
• ISBN-13: 978-0880103893
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #411,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding depiction of a Waldorf school 1-8 grade cycle, January 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: School as a Journey (Paperback)

I bought this book because of my interest in Waldorf education and it does a superb job of demonstrating the practical application of this rich curriculum. But it is much more than a book about a Waldorf school. It is the warm, human story of a teacher who himself struggles to do the best for the children under his care. An inspiration to all teachers (I have purchased 6 copies to give away !) and a very approachable introduction to Waldorf education.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First-person view of the Waldorf Education, August 10, 2001

By 

Suzanne E. Anderson "Author of Mrs. Tuesday's... (United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: School as a Journey (Paperback)

As the other reviews explain....this is a teacher's story of his unique journey with the same group of students from their entry into school as first graders through eighth grade. What an interesting idea....for the teacher and student. The consistency of teaching from one year to the next, ties in perfectly with the developmental model of the Waldorf curriculum. And with the right teacher, the students much derive a great deal of support and nurturance.

I picked up this book because I was interested in learning about the Waldorf system. This book accomplished that goal. Now, I'd love to read a book by an adult/student who has gone through the Waldorf system, on to college, and their perspective.

Parents who are contemplating or have enrolled their students in a Waldorf school will benefit from this book, and be reassured by the teacher's dedication. Other teachers will gather new ideas for presenting material and be inspired by this teacher's love of his work and his students. A win-win situation.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars interesting, easy to read introduction to Waldorf education, November 23, 2000

By 

christinemm - The Thinking Mother (Houston Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: School as a Journey (Paperback)

A teacher's synopsis of teaching his class from grade 1 through 8 in a Waldorf school. Mr. Finser is enthusiastic and motivated and it is clear that he loves teaching and loves his students. This was a wonderful introduction to what a Waldorf education is all about. I recommend it for as the first read for parents interested in learning what Waldorf education for grades 1-8 is about. (If one is interested in Waldorf Kindergarten, I suggest "Work and Play in Early Childhood" instead.) This book is easy to read. I found just the notion of the same group of students staying together for so many years, and keeping one teacher as the main lesson teacher throughout was fascinating. Mr. Finser explains what is taught during each year and goes into detail about the unconventional methods used. One example is using motion-exercises to teach multiplication. We are introduced to the Waldorf-approach to artwork, circle time, music making and songs, eurhythmy (a movement exercise), and how and why myths, legends, and fairy tales are used as teaching tools. The author includes the applicable poems, myths, and fairy tales rather than simply stating that they are used in the classroom. One of my favorite sections was a collection of poems written by the students. Mr. Finser states in the preface that he will not attempt to give a lengthy description and explanation "of all the dimensions of the Waldorf curriculum and the stages of child development as seen from the Waldorf point of view, or of Anthroposophy, the spiritual orientation that underlies it" and he remains true to that statement. For example, a lengthy description for what eurhythmy is and why it is important is not discussed. For further information or explanation, both the author and I urge the reader to further explore the writings of Rudolph Steiner (the founder of Waldorf education) or other writings... The book closes with an essay written by Joan Almon on the subject of Waldorf education as a method of teaching creative thinking and the goals of Waldorf education.