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.
Understanding Waldorf Education
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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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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
119 of 124 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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
Format: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!
57 of 63 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
the title of the book says it all
I'm confused how one can leave a poor review because they thought this book was something else that it's not. The title clearly says what the book is and about. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mommy of 2
Pleasant teaser but light content
I'd say that this is a good introduction to the "feel" of Waldorf methods. I had hoped for more in-depth discussion of technique but did not find that here. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Lauren D. Matheson
Reads like a Waldorf Wikipedia entry
Poorly written, poorly organized. I was looking for a book that would help me try to incorporate Waldorf play into my children's home life, and was disappointed by the lack of... Read more
Published 22 months ago by S. Gupta
Not the book to read if you want to learn the "how" of Waldorf...
I read this book because a number of families in my local homeschooling support group follow the Waldorf philosophy and I was curious about the approach. Read more
Published on October 13, 2009 by CrimsonGirl
Great book as part of your research
This book is really great for outlining what a Waldorf Education is about. I'm very happy that I read it while considering sending my child to a Waldorf school. Read more
Published on June 2, 2009 by D. Turner
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... Read more
Published on April 10, 2008 by Teresa M. Woods
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. Read more
Published on October 22, 2005 by lisa martin,lisa martin
Serves as a warning!
This book does a fair job of conveying the Waldorf philosophy. It provided a useful forearming prior to the Waldorf School indoctrination pitch that I endured when seriously (a... Read more
Published on January 30, 2004 by Concerned Parent
Inside This Book
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Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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