Phases of Childhood

The author of this book tells us that our children cannot become happy, wise, and skilled adults unless their education?from the very beginning?take into consideration the development of body, soul, and spirit. Drawing on the educational ideas and philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, Goethe, and Schiller, the author describes the three main stages of child development and the genetic and biographical potential revealed at each stage. He goes on to explore the practical application of these insights as an educational method in harmony with the child's developing relationship with the surrounding world.

Bernard Lievegoed (1905-92) was a paediatrician, educationalist and management consultant. He was founder of the NPI which pioneered new approaches to business management internationally.

Introduction 1. The Three Cycles of Development 2. The Physical Stages of Development 3. The Child up to the Loss of the Milk Teeth 4. From Loss of the Milk Teeth to Puberty 5. Development from Puberty 6. The Layers of the Human Soul 7. Development of the Self 8. The Stages of Thinking 9. Stages of Feeling: Artistic Development 10. The Development of the Will: Morality 11. Heredity and Individualization 12. On Education and Self-Education