New Amsterdam
Early Childhood Center

1 Avenue B
New York, NY 10009
(212) 982 1400

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The New Amsterdam Early
Childhood Center admits
children of any race, color,
and national or ethnic origin.

Reading materials abound for Waldorf education. Here are a few we've found valuable

Pregnancy/Childbirth

Special Delivery by Rahima Baldwin Darcy

Pregnant Feelings by Rahima Baldwin Darcy (currently out of print)

Raising Children

Books:

You Are Your Child's First Teacher by Rahima Baldwin Darcy

Work and Play in Early Childhood by Freya Jaffke (Anthroposophic Press) Classic look into kindergarten.

The Education of the Child by Rudolf Steiner were lectures on the recommended reading list when I was a young parent at the Rudolf Steiner School.  They were some of the first lectures R. Steiner gave on education.

Teaching As a Lively Art Essays by Marjorie Spock (Anthroposophic Press) is a book I have recommended to parents for years.  This book was also recommend by the teachers who participated in the Monday evening panel.  Marjorie Spock taught at the Rudolf Steiner School and she gives a wonderful picture of the curriculum in action in NYC.  She also happened to be the sister of Benjamin Spock.

The Way of a Child by A. C. Harwood (Sophia Press) is a classic picture of the education.

Toymaking With Children by Freya Jaffke (Floris Books) Gives simple pictures of child development, describes appropriate toys by age, and is a really good craft book.

Free to Learn: Introducing Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education (Early Years Series) by Lynne Oldfield

Ready to Learn: From Birth to School Readiness by Martyn Rawson and Michael Rose.  This book is a good resource for understanding what is important to teachers when we look at school readiness.

Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out by Jack Petrash

Waldorf Education: A Family Guide by Pamela J. Fenner, et al

Your Baby and Child: From Birth to Age Five (Revised Edition)by Penelope Leach

In a nutshell (Dialogues with Parents at Acorn Hill)by Nancy Foster

Free to Learn: Introducing Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education (Early Years Series)by Lynne Oldfield

Incarnating Child (Lifeways)by Joan Salter

A Child's Work: The Importance of Fantasy Play by Vivian Gussin Paley

Navigating the Terrain of Childhood: A Guidebook for Meaningful Parenting and Heartfelt Disciplineby Jack Petrash

Dear Parent: Caring for Infants With Respect (2nd Edition)by Magda Gerber

The Wonder of Boysby Michael Guran

Endangered Minds: Why Children Don't Think And What We Can Do About Itby Jane Healy

The Children of Cyclops- The influence of Television Viewing On the Developing Human Brainby Keith Buzzard

Articles:

The Serious Need for Play, by Melinda Wenner at http://www.allianceforchildhood.org/publications

The Importance of Play, in Pediatrics at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/119/1/182

Babies Know: A Little Dirt Is Good for You, in New York Times, January 27, 2009, Personal Health at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/health/27brod.html?em

A helpful comparison of Waldorf and Montessori found at: http://educationinjapan.wordpress.com/of-methods-philosophies/ii-does-method-matter-montessori-vs-waldorf/

NYTimes writer, Peggy Orenstein, on the importance of play at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/magazine/03wwln-lede-t.html