Preserving The Spiritual Potential of Early Childhood

TITLE:  PRESCHOOL EDUCATION – PRESERVING THE SPIRITUAL POTENTIAL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

Today Gesine Abraham is my guest on the Voice of Change. Since the 1960's, Gesine has been applying Waldorf early childhood principles in a variety of settings, including Head Start, play groups, day care, and private Waldorf schools. She taught kindergarten at a private K-8 private Waldorf school in Southern Oregon for 10 years. Throughout these years, Gesine has also been actively involved in parenting education, providing presentations at parent evenings, workshops, and lectures.

Gesine earned her BA degree from the World Program of Long Island University. During her undergraduate studies as a World Program student, she attended the foundation year program at Emerson Waldorf Teacher Training Institute in England. She completed her second year of Waldorf teacher training at the Waldorf Teacher Training Institute in Detroit, Michigan.

 Since the 1970’s, the dominant trend in early childhood education and parenting practices has been to unduly pressure young children into being “super kids.”  The increased rate of hurrying children has led to a serious crisis. Concerned child development specialists and educators are warning about the loss of childhood itself.  The way out of this crisis is to penetrate to a deeper understanding of the core distinguishing characteristic of the young child—their magical consciousness. This is gained by placing the child’s magical consciousness within a broader framework of human potential.  From this vantage point, a deeper insight into the inherent purpose and value of early childhood is gained.  Preserving the glow and wonder of the child’s magical consciousness is what age-appropriate parenting and teaching practices are all about.  This provides a spiritual foundation for a more fulfilling life.  Join us for this conversation!