Hands-on Learning

The human being as a thinking creature, the mind to recognize the environment, reason, freedom and the power of judgment that leads to morality. Rudolf Steiner wanted students to be released as young adults in freedom and self-determination. One of the ways in which Waldorf schools aim to achieve this goal is by learning in extracurricular places, in everyday life in the real world. Students should be able to grasp and experience the world in a way that they could never have learned in a theory based classroom. Hands-on learning on farms, in businesses or at field measurements enables sensory experiences, promotes physical dexterity and trains students to plan, carry out and check their own actions. Living without parental supervision for a while, while teachers and classmates become social points of reference, can support independence and a focus on one's own individuality. This issue is dedicated to the topic of internships and the many aspects that this form of learning has for children and young people.

We also have lots of other great articles in this issue. Nina Luckner, a class teacher in Leipzig, describes an exciting cross-epochal project in which the students built globes, among other things. Sophia Heeg was a volunteer with the Freunde der Erziehungskunst in Brazil and describes her experiences. Jürgen Beckmerhagen was in Kassel for a very special lesson on the atom. And Susanne Bregenzer describes her motherly reactions to her sons' statements that all other children are allowed to do things that they are not. A former Waldorf student, now a Waldorf father, is the manager of an adventure museum in Kassel. We introduce him.

I wish you an inspiring read and a wonderful summer with lots of extracurricular experiences during the vacation!