A modern art of education

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This collection features 14 lectures delivered in Ilkley, Yorkshire, in August 1923, offering a comprehensive introduction to Waldorf education. Steiner outlines his pedagogical philosophy, emphasizing the integration of science, art, religion, and morality as the foundation of education. He presents a new developmental psychology, detailing how children's consciousness evolves and how subjects should be taught to foster individual growth and inner freedom. Steiner argues that children must engage with the right subjects at the right time to cultivate the inner freedom essential for navigating modern life. The content includes discussions on Greek education, the Middle Ages, and the relationship between spirit and body. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the connection between thinking, feeling, and willing, particularly in relation to children's developmental stages. The curriculum covers various subjects, including reading, writing, nature study, arithmetic, geometry, history, physics, chemistry, crafts, language, and religion. Additionally, Steiner addresses memory, temperaments, physical education, and art, culminating in insights on the organization of a Waldorf school. This volume serves as an invaluable introduction to Steiner's educational approach, highlighting the need for a holistic understanding of human development.