This collection of articles, stories, songs, circles, and puppet plays provides thoughtful reflections on the cycle of the year and on the nature of each season, along with many practical ideas and materials to bring into the classroom.

In the introduction, editor Nancy Foster explains that many of the beautiful festival celebrations we may think of as "Waldorf" originated not in the first Waldorf schools, but in the European cultural and religious tradition in which they were embedded. This presents a challenge for us today as we strive to renew our celebration of the seasons of the year, bringing the healing forces of a rhythmic life to the children. As Nancy says, "The inner and outer work of teachers continues to be guided by our commitment to anthroposophy and Waldorf pedagogy. The growth and development of the children in our care still follow the archetypal laws revealed to us by Rudolf Steiner's research. At the same time, the realities of our school communities present us with a context that challenges and inspires us to re-examine some of our cherished festival traditions in order to welcome and include fully every child and family." Freya Jaffke, Joan Almon, Holly Koteen-Soul‚îú‚åê, Steve Spitalny, Helle Heckmann, Nancy Foster, Barbara Klocek, Cecilia Karpoff, and Marjorie Thatcher are just some of the contributors who have lovingly shared the fruits of their research and practice in this volume.

Author: Nancy Foster