The four temperaments that Rudolf Steiner identified -- sanguine (enthusiastic, active, and social), choleric (short-tempered, fast, or irritable), melancholic (analytical, wise, and quiet), and phlegmatic (relaxed and peaceful) -- can be profitably used to better understand children and their behaviour.

This useful guide for Waldorf teachers discusses ways to harness the tools of the temperaments, ranging from Class 1 up to individual subjects such as geography or chemistry in Class 8. It offers teachers the opportunity to engage with children more deeply and adjust lessons accordingly, for maximum learning effectiveness.

Translated by: Cynthia Eller