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Rating: 
Summary: an introduction for parents to Waldorf kindergarten
Review: I read this short (78 pg.) and easy to read book to learn more about Waldorf education in general, specifically, the Kindergarten years (ages 3-7). This book begins with Rudolf Steiner's view of child development from birth through age 7. Not much explanation is given, sometimes just one or two sentences to give a reason for why something is done a certain way. The author quotes Steiner a few times but I felt there was not quite enough information given and I feel some of the theories behind the actions are a little wacky and go against proven science and biology. For example, Steiner is quoted as saying the internal organs are not shaped fully until age 7 and that every exposure to external environment (parents, school, TV, radio) affects and shapes the internal organs. I learned that Waldorf schools' Kindergarten is a mix of ages 3-7. An outline of what activities are done throughout the day is covered, story time with fairy tales, song time, outdoor play and games, etc., with explanations as to why those activities are done and why they are done in a certain order. Extremely briefly described is that Waldorf schools celebrate many different seasonal festivals and Christian festivals throughout the year, and are repeated every single year. Very brief mentioning of the different drawing with beeswax crayons, painting with watercolors, using very crude/not very formed toys out of natural materials (and why), knitting, embroidery, and woodworking. Explanation that the children are introduced to work such as cleaning, washing cloths with a washboard, and ironing. Also discussed is the general tone and environment of the class which is described as a "protective mantle". I was disappointed that the topics were covered very briefly; I would have liked more detail. Seems like a big price for such a small and short book but it did give me a brief introduction to what the Waldorf Kindergarten schools are all about (no mentioning of what goes on in higher grades is written about here). I was left with wanting to know still more before I decide if Waldorf education is something that I want for my children. Currently I plan to homeschool and this book didn't give me much information on how to incorporate Waldorf principals into homeschooling, I guess I'll have to read "Waldorf without Walls" for that information. Lastly, I'd like to say I like the general activities that the children do in Kindergarten but just don't know if I agree with or know enough about Steiner's reasoning behind them, I will have to do more reading about Steiners' views before I can form that opinion.
Rating:
Summary: Fine- if only looking for highlights of Waldorf Kindergarten
Review: The author does an ok job of giving highlights of the types of activities that go on in a Waldorf Kindergarten and the daily rhythm. But that's mostly what this book gives - highlights with not nearly enough description, details, or explanations. It's not that you'd waste your time reading the book (you can finish it in about an hour), but you might not feel you got your money's worth. You might want to try "School as a Journey" by Torin Fisner (about the same cost but nearly 3x the length!) which gives outstanding detail (including actual stories and poems told in class) and theories behind classroom instruction when he shares his teaching experience of his own Waldorf Classroom from Grade 1 through Grade 8. Bottom line - if you want a light introduction to Waldorf Kindergarten, this book is fine. But if you love details with the how's and why's, you'll be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Fine- if only looking for highlights of Waldorf Kindergarten
Review: The author does an ok job of giving highlights of the types of activities that go on in a Waldorf Kindergarten and the daily rhythm. But that's mostly what this book gives - highlights with not nearly enough description, details, or explanations. It's not that you'd waste your time reading the book (you can finish it in about an hour), but you might not feel you got your money's worth. You might want to try "School as a Journey" by Torin Fisner (about the same cost but nearly 3x the length!) which gives outstanding detail (including actual stories and poems told in class) and theories behind classroom instruction when he shares his teaching experience of his own Waldorf Classroom from Grade 1 through Grade 8. Bottom line - if you want a light introduction to Waldorf Kindergarten, this book is fine. But if you love details with the how's and why's, you'll be disappointed.
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