The Spirit of the Waldorf School

The Spirit of the Waldorf School PDF Author: Rudolf Steiner
Publisher: SteinerBooks
ISBN: 9780880103947
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 212

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Book Description
6 lectures and an essay, 1919-1920 (CW 297) World War I destroyed the structures, values, and self-confidence that created the seeming greatness of the nineteenth century. In its place stood ruins and the shards of a civilization. In response to this, Emil Molt--the director of the Waldorf-Astoria Cigarette Factory and a student of Rudolf Steiner--decided to establish a school to educate people who could create a new culture. Thus, the Waldorf school movement was begun. Rudolf Steiner agreed to act as the school's consultant, and his insights guided the school in accomplishing this ambitious task. The goal of this education was that, through living inner work guided by the insights of Rudolf Steiner, the teachers would develop in the children such power of thought, depth of feeling, and strength of will that they would emerge from their school years as full members of the human community, able to meet and transform the world. These lectures occurred around the opening of the first Waldorf school. They serve as an excellent, inspiring introduction to Waldorf education as a whole. Here Steiner outlines--with freshness, immediacy, and excitement--the goals and intentions of a new form of education and speaks to parents of prospective students. He explains the school's guiding principles and describes how parents must participate, with understanding and interest, in the awakening of their children's creative forces so that a healthier society can come about. Contents: Introduction by Robert Lathe and Nancy Whittaker The Intent of the Waldorf School The Spirit of the Waldorf School A Lecture for Prospective Parents Supersensible Knowledge and Social Pedagogical Life The Social Pedagogical Significance of Spiritual Science Spiritual Science and Pedagogy The Pedagogical Objective of the Waldorf School in Stuttgart An essay by Rudolf Steiner from the Journal The Social Future German sources: Die Waldorfschule und ihr Geist (GA 297); "Die p dagogische Zielsetzung der Waldorfschule in Stuttgart," from Soziale Zukunft, Feb. 1920 (GA 24).

The Spirit of the Waldorf School

The Spirit of the Waldorf School PDF Author: Rudolf Steiner
Publisher: SteinerBooks
ISBN: 9780880103947
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 212

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Book Description
6 lectures and an essay, 1919-1920 (CW 297) World War I destroyed the structures, values, and self-confidence that created the seeming greatness of the nineteenth century. In its place stood ruins and the shards of a civilization. In response to this, Emil Molt--the director of the Waldorf-Astoria Cigarette Factory and a student of Rudolf Steiner--decided to establish a school to educate people who could create a new culture. Thus, the Waldorf school movement was begun. Rudolf Steiner agreed to act as the school's consultant, and his insights guided the school in accomplishing this ambitious task. The goal of this education was that, through living inner work guided by the insights of Rudolf Steiner, the teachers would develop in the children such power of thought, depth of feeling, and strength of will that they would emerge from their school years as full members of the human community, able to meet and transform the world. These lectures occurred around the opening of the first Waldorf school. They serve as an excellent, inspiring introduction to Waldorf education as a whole. Here Steiner outlines--with freshness, immediacy, and excitement--the goals and intentions of a new form of education and speaks to parents of prospective students. He explains the school's guiding principles and describes how parents must participate, with understanding and interest, in the awakening of their children's creative forces so that a healthier society can come about. Contents: Introduction by Robert Lathe and Nancy Whittaker The Intent of the Waldorf School The Spirit of the Waldorf School A Lecture for Prospective Parents Supersensible Knowledge and Social Pedagogical Life The Social Pedagogical Significance of Spiritual Science Spiritual Science and Pedagogy The Pedagogical Objective of the Waldorf School in Stuttgart An essay by Rudolf Steiner from the Journal The Social Future German sources: Die Waldorfschule und ihr Geist (GA 297); "Die p dagogische Zielsetzung der Waldorfschule in Stuttgart," from Soziale Zukunft, Feb. 1920 (GA 24).

Soul Economy

Soul Economy PDF Author: Rudolf Steiner
Publisher: SteinerBooks
ISBN: 0880109416
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 437

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Book Description
13 lectures, Nuremberg, June 17-30, 1908 (CW 104) Initiation enables a person to see, understand, and communicate what may be observed with spiritual eyes. St. John's text arises from such an initiation. It addresses the fundamental questions of existence that every human being asks: Where are we? Where have we come from? Where are we going? And because it arises from esoteric Christian vision, it emphasizes the task of the individual: What am I, and what is my purpose now in this era of cosmic and human evolution? These talks by Rudolf Steiner unveil the mysteries of John's vision and show it to be a profound description of Christian initiation. As Rudolf Steiner says, "The deepest truths of Christianity may be considered quite naturally in connection with this document, for it contains a great part of the mysteries of Christianity--that is, the profoundest part of what may be described as esoteric Christianity." Steiner shows that the messages to the seven churches and the unsealing of the seven seals must be understood as an initiation text. Based on his initiation and on spiritual science, Steiner interprets John's insights into cosmic and human history. In this way, the spiritual images of John's writing--the twenty-four elders, the sea of glass, the woman clothed with the sun, the vials of wrath, the lamb and the dragon, the new heaven and the new earth, and the number of the beast--all take on new meaning. Since the previous painful century has closed, these important words have even greater meaning and significance. Readers interested in contributing their moral will to future generations cannot afford to pass them by. Includes images of the seven apocalyptic seals painted by G. Rettich in 1907, following sketches by Rudolf Steiner. This volume is a translation from German of Die Apokolypse des Johannes (GA 104).

Towards the Deepening of Waldorf Education

Towards the Deepening of Waldorf Education PDF Author: Rudolf Steiner
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781943582150
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 132

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Book Description
Rudolf Steiner worked closely with the teachers of the first Waldorf school, which opened in 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany. This book contains the esoteric information that Steiner gave to the teachers, published for a general audience for the first time, in association with the Pedagogical Section Council of North America.Previously reserved exclusively for teachers, the book includes verses for children and teachers, the presentation at the opening of the Stuttgart Waldorf school, and accompanying essays by experienced teachers, discussing the significance of Steiner's words.This linen-bound hardback book is a treasure for any Waldorf teacher and those interested in Waldorf education, with the aim of bringing responsible freedom to teachers and, through them, to children.

The Kingdom of Childhood

The Kingdom of Childhood PDF Author: Rudolf Steiner
Publisher: SteinerBooks
ISBN: 9780880104029
Category : Anthroposophy
Languages : en
Pages : 180

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Book Description
These seven intimate, aphoristic talks were presented to a small group on Steiner's final visit to England. Because they were given to "pioneers" dedicated to opening a new Waldorf school, these talks are often considered one of the best introductions to Waldorf education. Steiner shows the necessity for teachers to work on themselves first, in order to transform their own inherent gifts. He explains the need to use humor to keep their teaching lively and imaginative. Above all, he stresses the tremendous importance of doing everything in the knowledge that children are citizens of both the spiritual and the earthly worlds. And, throughout these lectures, he continually returns to the practical value of Waldorf education. These talks are filled with practical illustrations and revolve around certain themes--the need for observation in teachers; the dangers of stressing the intellect too early; children's need for teaching that is concrete and pictorial; the education of children's souls through wonder and reverence; the importance of first presenting the "whole," then the parts, to the children's imagination. Here is one of the best introductions to Waldorf education, straight from the man who started it all. German source: Die Kunst des Erziehens aus dem Erfassen der Menschenwesenhiet (GA 311). SYNOPSIS OF THE LECTURES LECTURE 1: The need for a new art of education. The whole of life must be considered. Process of incarnation as a stupendous task of the spirit. Fundamental changes at seven and fourteen. At seven, the forming of the "new body" out of the "model body" inherited at birth. After birth, the bodily milk as sole nourishment. The teacher's task to give "soul milk" at the change of teeth and "spiritual milk" at puberty. LECTURE 2: In first epoch of life child is wholly sense organ. Nature of child's environment and conduct of surrounding adults of paramount importance. Detailed observation of children and its significance. In second epoch, seven to fourteen, fantasy and imagination as life blood of all education, e.g., in teaching of writing and reading, based on free creative activity of each teacher. The child as integral part of the environment until nine. Teaching about nature must be based on this. The "higher truths" in fairy tales and myths. How the teacher can guide the child through the critical moment of the ninth year. LECTURE 3: How to teach about plants and animals (seven to fourteen). Plants must always be considered, not as specimens, but growing in the soil. The plant belongs to the earth. This is the true picture and gives the child an inward joy. Animals must be spoken of always in connection with humans. All animal qualities and physical characteristics are to be found, in some form, in the human being. Humans as synthesis of the whole animal kingdom. Minerals should not be introduced until twelfth year. History should first be presented in living, imaginative pictures, through legends, myths, and stories. Only at eleven or twelve should any teaching be based on cause and effect, which is foreign to the young child's nature. Some thoughts on punishment, with examples. LECTURE 4: Development of imaginative qualities in the teacher. The story of the violet and the blue sky. Children's questions. Discipline dependent on the right mood of soul. The teacher's own preparation for this. Seating of children according to temperament. Retelling of stories. Importance of imaginative stories that can be recalled in later school life. Drawing of diagrams, from ninth year. Completion and metamorphosis of simple figures, to give children feeling of form and symmetry. Concentration exercises to awaken an active thinking as basis of wisdom for later life. Simple color exercises. A Waldorf school timetable. The "main lesson." LECTURE 5: All teaching matter must be intimately connected with

Rudolf Steiner in the Waldorf School

Rudolf Steiner in the Waldorf School PDF Author: Rudolf Steiner
Publisher: SteinerBooks
ISBN: 9780880104333
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 262

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Book Description
Lectures and addresses, 1919-1924 (CW 298) "Ultimately, isn't it a very holy and religious obligation to cultivate and educate the divine spiritual element that manifests anew in every human being who is born? Isn't this educational service a religious service in the highest sense of the word? Isn't it so that our holiest stirrings, which we dedicate to religious feeling, must all come together in our service at the altar when we attempt to cultivate the divine spiritual aspect of the human being, whose potentials are revealed in the growing child? Science that comes alive! Art that comes alive! Religion that comes alive! In the end, that's what education is." --Rudolf Steiner, Sept. 7, 1919 Sponsored by the industrialist Emil Molt and inspired by the philosopher Rudolf Steiner, the first Free Waldorf school opened in Stuttgart, Germany, on September 7, 1919. Since then, the Waldorf movement has become international with many hundreds of schools around the world. This book contains all of the more-or-less informal talks given by Steiner in the Stuttgart school from 1919 to 1924. Included are speeches given by him at various school assemblies, parents' evenings, and other meetings. Steiner spoke here with spontaneity, warmth, and enthusiasm. Readers will find a unique glimpse of the real Steiner and how he viewed the school and the educational philosophy he brought into being. German source: Rudolf Steiner in der Waldorfschule, Vortäge und Ansprachen, Stuttgart, 1919-1924 (GA 298).

The Spirit of the Waldorf School

The Spirit of the Waldorf School PDF Author: Rudolf Steiner
Publisher: SteinerBooks
ISBN: 0880109807
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 214

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Book Description
9 lectures, September 15-22, 1920 and October 15-16, 1923 (CW 302a) Speaking to the teachers at the first Waldorf school in Stuttgart, Steiner asserts that the unfortunate presence of dishonesty and alienation in society today cannot be addressed without a completely renewed and holistic education. He states fact that successful teaching requires a living synthesis of the "spiritual gymnast," the "ensouled rhetorician," and the "intellectual professor." Of these, the formative effect of the rhetorician's cultivation of artistic speech is the most important. "It's impossible for true teaching to be boring," declares Steiner, and he offers several examples of how teachers can observe a natural phenomenon so intimately that its creative life can flow into the children through a teacher's own words in the classroom. He also describes, in spiritual scientific depth, how the actions of teachers directly affect the physiological chemistry of their students. From this perspective, education is really therapy, transformed to a higher level, and should be seen as closely related to the healing arts. Steiner also shows how the perception of hidden relationships between education and the processes of human development can kindle a heartfelt enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility in teachers for the far-reaching health effects that educational activities can produce. German source: Erziehung und Unterricht aus Menschenerkenntnis (GA 302a). Previous edition published in English as two volumes: Balance in Teaching and Deeper Insights into Education.

Education in Search of the Spirit

Education in Search of the Spirit PDF Author: MR John Gardner
Publisher: SteinerBooks
ISBN: 1621510808
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 267

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Book Description
Real education will always seek to strengthen what is best in the human soul: its longing for the experience of spiritual truth that brings into the self an objective appreciation of the noble aspects of its own nature, together with a subjective sense of real affinity with the rest of humanity, the earth planet as a whole, and the great cosmos above and beyond. The premise of this book is that a human being is a being of body, soul, and spirit, whose core is "eternal spirit," from which center one should strive to live. From this perspective, the aim of true education is to help our children activate this deepest center in themselves. For this, living, intuitive thinking must be brought to life in a new way. The organ for such thinking is the heart, where will and feeling join in uniting self and world, morality and truth, love and action. This book is in three parts. The first poses the problem; the second describes the Waldorf approach as a solution; and the third deals with questions of special interest to parents and educators alike, such as authority, discipline, and freedom; the nature of "genius"; and the question of cultural pluralism. The first edition of this book was titled "The Experience of Knowledge" in response to a clear call for experience in education. Certainly, if the sole purpose of education is to acquire information, learning becomes dry, abstract, and deadening. To have meaningful consequence in a person's life, "coming to know" must become an experience. Too often, however, such experience is understood simply as doing - field trips, class projects, and so on. But "doing," if unconnected to the whole person, is just activity. To become true experience, it must speak out of, and toward, a student's secret center: the spirit. Hence, the author affirms that authentic education is always in search of the spirit.

NATURE SPIRITS

NATURE SPIRITS PDF Author: RUDOLF STEINER
Publisher: Rudolf Steiner Press
ISBN: 185584530X
Category : Parapsychology
Languages : en
Pages : 216

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Book Description
Based on knowledge attained through his highly-trained clairvoyance, Rudolf Steiner contends that folk traditions regarding nature spirits are based on spiritual reality. He describes how people possessed a natural spiritual vision in ancient times, enabling them to commune with nature spirits. These entities - which are also referred to as elemental beings - became immortalised as fairies and gnomes in myth, legend and children's stories. Today, says Steiner, the instinctive understanding that humanity once had for these elemental beings should be transformed into clear scientific knowledge. He even asserts that humanity will not be able to reconnect with the spiritual world if it cannot develop a new relationship to the elementals. The nature spirits themselves want to be of great assistance to us, acting as 'emissaries of higher divine spiritual beings'.

Founding a Science of the Spirit

Founding a Science of the Spirit PDF Author: Rudolf Steiner
Publisher: Rudolf Steiner Press
ISBN: 185584298X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 172

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Book Description
Previously published as At the Gates of Spiritual Science, these lectures offer a fine introduction to the whole of Rudolf Steiner's teaching, as well as including valuable material which is not to be found elsewhere. With great clarity and precision, Steiner speaks of the fundamental nature of the human being in relation to the cosmos, the evolution of the Earth, the journey of the soul after death, reincarnation and karma, good and evil, the modern path of meditative training, as well as giving answers to individual questions.Throughout, Steiner's emphasis is on a scientific exposition of spiritual phenomena. As he says in the final lecture: "the highest knowledge of mundane things is thoroughly compatible with the highest knowledge of spiritual truths."

The Spiritual Ground of Education

The Spiritual Ground of Education PDF Author: Rudolf Steiner
Publisher: SteinerBooks
ISBN: 9780880105132
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 168

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Book Description
9 lectures, Oxford, England, August 16-29, 1922 (CW 305) These lectures follow from those presented in Soul Economy. Given during a conference on spiritual values in education and life and attended by many prominent people of the time, Steiner's Oxford lectures present the principles of Waldorf education at the highest cultural level. The Manchester Guardian reported: "Dr. Steiner's lectures...brought to us in a very vivid way an ideal of humanity in education. He spoke to us about teachers who, freely and unitedly, unrestricted by external prescription, develop their educational methods exclusively out of a thorough knowledge of human nature. He spoke to us about a kind of knowledge needed by the teacher, a knowledge of the being of man and the world, which is at the same time scientific and also penetrates into the most intimate inner life, which is intuitive and artistic." These lectures form one of the best introductions to Waldorf education. Contents: Introduction by Christopher Bamford The Spiritual Ground of Education The Perception of Soul and Spirit The Spiritual Ground of Physical Education The Art of Educating Young Children The Art of Educating Older Boys and Girls Teachers As Artists in Education The Organization of the Waldorf School Moral Teaching & Eurythmy in the Waldorf School Teachers in the Waldorf School German source: Die geistig-seelischen Grundkr fte der Erziehungskunst. Spirituelle Werte in Erziehung und sozialem Leben (GA 305).