What is necessary for education today, when social tensions are increasing and when war, hunger, and violence, as well as criminality and corruption scandals, occupy the daily news? Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, was convinced that social problems can be solved only with the help of a kind of pedagogy that educates the whole human being and education that strives toward what is truly human--respect for the autonomy of others, as well as loving interest and honesty in one's approach to them. To achieve this is not possible, however, unless teachers and parents acquire a deeper understanding of the being of developing children and the needs of each stage of development. This book addresses these questions and issues. Part I helps teachers and parents broaden and deepen their understanding of the growing child. Part II focuses on classroom activities unique to Waldorf education. Part III focuses on self-transformative work necessary for Waldorf teachers as well as for all adults.
