Bob and I have always believed that Steiner delivered the seminar,
known in English as Foundations of Human Experience or Study of Man,
as information and insights to be used. It is, therefore, deeply
exciting to come upon a book such as Schoorel's The First Seven Years,
written as it is from someone who has been doing precisely that:
using and applying and developing a living understanding for the
material Steiner shared with the teachers of the original
Waldorf School. Schoorel's approach is wonderful - he takes a particular topic,
describes it thoroughly then moves on to relate it to physiology
and environment. So, for instance, when he discusses
"the birth of the etheric body", he not only offers a clear and
meaningful picture of what that means for the developing human
being, but then discusses what physiological changes mark this
process as well as how environment affects it. For anyone interested in or working with young children,
this book is a treasure to be turned to again and again.
It fosters understanding as it also gives much food for
the sort of thought that deepens and enlightens.
The First Seven Years is a gift to teachers, parents and most
especially to our children.
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