Book suggestions for families

Prospective and Current Trillium Families are encouraged to explore the roots of Waldorf education further. The following are suggested as excellent books to acquaint you with the Waldorf approach to child development and education, many of which are available in our store, Celebrating Sophia (link).

As part of the work of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Committee, book recommendations on a theme are made a few times each school year. The first set of book recommendations is on the theme of gender diversity including trans and non-binary gender identities. Members of the Committee have read all the books listed and recommend them without hesitation. Please click to view the recommended books: DEIJ Book Recommendations on Gender Diversity

Between Form and Freedom, by Betty Staley.

A practical guide to the teenage years.

Beyond the Rainbow Bridge: Nurturing Our Children From Birth to Age Seven, by Barbara Patterson and Pamela Bradley 

Educating as an Art, by Piening and Lyons (Eds.)

Essays on various aspects of Waldorf education. A good first book. 

Education Towards Freedom, by Frans Carlgren.

A survey of Waldorf education throughout the world with numerous color illustrations of children’s work as each aspect of curriculum is discussed. An excellent introduction to Waldorf education. 

Lifeways, by Davies and Voors (Eds.)

Relating questions of practical home life – marriage, money, roles, discipline, mealtimes, etc. – to the Waldorf philosophy. Good for enriching home life and for providing a practical extension of what your child is experiencing at school. 

Phases of Childhood, by Bernhard Lievegoed 

School as a Journey, by Torin Finser.

The author describes his eight-year journey with his class. Provides valuable insight into the curriculum and the relationship between the teacher, students and families. 

The Recovery of Man in Childhood, by A.C. Harwood. Discusses cycles of child-development and the Waldorf approach from early childhood through high school. 

Other Resources 

Heaven on Earth, by Sharifa Oppenheimer 

Work & Play in Early Childhood, by Freja Jaffke 

The 7 O’Clock Bedtime, by Inda Schaenen 

The Children’s Year, by Stephanie Cooper, Christine Fynes, Clinton & Marye Rowling Children at Play, by Heidi Britz Crecelius 

The Plug-In Drug, by Marie Winn 

Incarnating Child, by Joan Salter 

Toymaking with Children – Freja Jaffke 

Festivals, Family and Food, by Diana Carey & Judy Large 

Childhood, by Caroline von Heydebrand 

Who’s Bringing Them Up, by Martin Large 

You Are Your Child’s First Teacher, by Rahima Baldwin 

Miseducation: Preschoolers at Risk, by David Elkind 

A Guide to Child Health, by Michaela Glockler & Wolfgang Goebel 

Failure to Connect: How Computers Affect Our Children’s Minds-For Better or Worse, by Jane Healy

Endangered Minds – Why Children Can’t Think, by Jane Healy 

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