The Kingdom of Childhood : Introductory Talks on Waldorf Education

By Rudolf Steiner

7 lectures, Torquay, UK, August 12-20, 1924 (CW 311)

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.

This volume is a translation of Die Kunst des Erziehens aus dem Erfassen der Menschenwesenheit, volume 311 of the Complete Centenary Edition of the works of Rudolf Steiner, published by Rudolf Steiner Verlag, Dornach, Switzerland.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0880104023
• ISBN13: 9780880104029
• Release Date: July 1995
• Publisher: Steiner Books
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Some wisdom on the development of children

This book is easy to read, because it contains transcripts from 7 lectures. Steiner has observed children at different stages of development and describes - with examples - what the needs are of children at different stages, in terms of education. Very practical for teachers, and good to think about for parents.

Understanding Waldorf Methodology

This book is very readable which is probably a rarity from Steiner. These were lectures to beginning Waldorf teachers I assume so they are not so heavy and you don't need all the anthroposophy background to get through the lectures. This is a good book to read or have around if you are sending your kids or considering sending your kids to a Waldorf type school. The teachers at these schools tend to talk about the children in the context of Steiner and for years I did not have a clue what they were talking about. I also did not have a clue why they do the things they do at Waldorf schools. After reading these lectures, I now know where they are coming from, at least up to 12 years of age. This is a must read book for parents of kids in Waldorf school if they really care about the underlying philosphy of the methodology used at the schools.