A Arte de Lembrar e Esquecer: Narrativas autobiograficas de

In this review of A Arte de Lembrar e Esquecer, the focus is on educators and researchers interested in how childhood memory shapes teaching practice. The book gathers autobiographical narratives from teachers in both public and Waldorf-linked schools and offers a reflective, practice-oriented exploration of imagination, play and emotion in education. Its single biggest reason to buy is the clear connection it makes between personal childhood recollection and concrete pedagogical sensitivity, useful for teacher formation and anyone exploring qualitative approaches in education.

Key Features

• Autobiographical focus: The book uses first-person narratives to reveal how teachers recall childhood experiences and how those memories inform their current practice.
• Waldorf-inspired method: It draws on Steiner's autobiographical exercise to structure reflection, providing a philosophical and practical anchor for the material.
• Mixed school contexts: Workshops were run in both a public school and a private school linked to Waldorf pedagogy, illustrating varied educational environments.
• Multiform expression: Narratives appear in multiple expressive forms, showing how creative modes can surface memories and emotional content useful for educators.
• Theoretical ties: Contributions from teacher formation research connect individual stories to broader pedagogical and methodological discussions.

Who It's For

This book is best for teacher educators, researchers in formation of teachers, and practicing teachers who want to deepen their reflective practice through autobiographical techniques and imagination-focused pedagogy.

Those seeking a step-by-step classroom curriculum or a textbook of early childhood activities may want to look elsewhere, as the work is reflective and qualitative rather than a prescriptive activity manual.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thoughtful linkage between childhood memory and classroom sensitivity that supports reflective teacher formation.
• Use of Steiner's autobiographical exercise gives a coherent method for personal reflection and practice.
• Examples from both public and Waldorf-linked schools offer varied perspectives and real-world context.

Cons

• The emphasis on reflection and theory means readers looking for practical activity sheets or detailed lesson plans will find limited direct classroom guidance.

Specifications

Our Verdict

A Arte de Lembrar e Esquecer is a thoughtful resource for educators who value reflective practice and the role of imagination in teaching. It pairs autobiographical exercises with teacher formation research, offering meaningful insights rather than ready-made lesson plans. For teacher trainers and reflective practitioners, it is good value as a stimulus for deeper pedagogical thinking and sensitive classroom approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book include classroom activities?
The book centers on autobiographical workshops and reflection rather than step-by-step classroom activities.

Which pedagogical tradition does it relate to?
It draws on Steiner's Waldorf autobiographical exercise and situates the material within broader teacher formation research.

Are the narratives drawn from different school types?
Yes, workshops were held in both a public school and a private school linked to Waldorf pedagogy.