Customer Reviews

Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out

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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.

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!

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.

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.

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 concrete suggestions in this book. It reads like a brochure for a Waldorf school--gives very little of the history or the "how-to" of Waldorf education. One of the few books I have ever returned to Amazon.

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. I was very disappointed by the lack of specifics contained in this book. Mr. Petrash goes on and on about the theory behind Waldorf schooling but does not offer much information as to exactly how subjects are taught. After finishing the book, I didn't feel like I understood the nuts & bolts of Waldorf education any better than before I began. I wish Mr. Petrash had focused less on the "woo-woo" and more on the pragmatics.

I am glad that I read this book, however, because it convinced me that Waldorf education isn't right for my family. It seems clear that academics are de-emphasized in favor of other concerns. I'm all in favor of a "well-rounded" education, but Waldorf goes too far for my tastes. Academics aren't the only thing that matters but they are very important to me. And they just don't seem to be given high enough priority in Waldorf education IMHO.

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.

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. Some of the examples were enlightening, but others convinced me that this man is probably a more compelling speaker than written author. It's a slim book; easy enough to check it out of your library or local Waldorf school to look through before deciding if you'll need it on your shelf permanently. I am 45 pages into "Beyond the Rainbow Bridge" and find it more my style, although it refers specifically to younger children which may be seen as a limitation - not shared by "Understanding Waldorf Education" - by some.

Edit: 6 weeks later, I have to say more of this book stuck in my head than I would have guessed at first. Perhaps the author is a more effective pedagogue than I gave him credit for ;D

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. I believe a Waldorf education is based on Anthroposophy so I wish more of that was actually discussed in the book - yet again I think it's something they like to "hide" from you. Great book as part of your research but do your research online too - google Waldorf Anthroposophy.

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 brief moment of insanity) considering Waldorf for our daughter. Having read the book, I was far better prepared to challenge the director's delusional utopian drivel on numerous levels. I think anyone who is considering Waldorf as an "education" option for their children SHOULD read this and read it carefully, but consider all the while how unequipped for the REALITY of life this approach will leave them. Read and be warned.