Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out [Paperback]

Jack Petrash (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2002

Written by a teacher with more than 25 years of experience, this book offers a jargon-free view of Waldorf schools with their philosophy of the importance of a three-dimensional education. Through learning experiences that involve all of the senses, children use a variety of intelligences to develop thought, feeling, and intentional, purposeful activity. 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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Jack Petrash's 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 Petrash's explanation of the curriculum's 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 -- Review

From the Inside Flap

Since their inception over 80 years ago, Waldorf Schools have offered a much-needed model for educational reform. Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out, provides a compelling, clearly written picture of the key components of a Waldorf Education. Through the insights and reflections of one of America's most experienced Waldorf class teachers, we are given a clear, common sense understanding of this uncommon education.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Gryphon House (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876592469
• ISBN-13: 978-0876592465
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #130,678 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

119 of 124 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At last! An accessible description., February 26, 2003

By 

Ellie Lief (Fair Oaks, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out (Paperback)

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.

65 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview of Waldorf Education, August 23, 2002

By 

Grace K. Sheehan "thesilverpennydotcom" (Cape Elizabeth, ME United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out (Paperback)

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!

52 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Re: Concerned Parent, April 16, 2008

By 

Robin Marie - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out (Paperback)

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.