An American social therapist will be presenting a talk this week in Bermuda.

Coleman Lyles is the president of the Camp Hill Community of California. His mother is Bermudian and he has two sisters who live here, making him a regular visitor to the Island.

Mr. Lyles said he usually comes here on holiday and this is the first time he has been asked to speak in his professional capacity. Local residents Deirdre Hill and Iris Grant have invited him to speak on the subject of childhood education as part of their initiative to raise awareness of Waldorf education.

Best known in Europe - particularly in Germany - Waldorf schools were once regarded as a bit alternative, but they have grown in popularity in the US and, according to Mr. Lyles, "Waldorf is not like an alternative school, that's a misnomer, it's neither conservative nor progressive, once a fringe movement, Waldorf is becoming a private school movement in its own right."

As for whether the methods have special relevance for Bermuda, Mr. Coleman said: "I think that the principles of Waldorf education have practical applications in almost any culture and social situation." Mr. Coleman's two daughters graduated from a Waldorf school.

Waldorf schools stem from the work of Rudolf Steiner, a Austrian philosopher born in 1861.

Rudolf Steiner developed the field of anthroposophy, described variously as a "science of the spirit" and "awareness of ones humanity."

In `Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out', Jack Petrash wrote: "Waldorf schools serve as advocates for children by offering an educational programme that promotes well-rounded development. According to Mr. Petrash, they also promote self-discipline - the ability to "do the right thing."

"When children develop the habit of clearing their desk and putting things away before they go out, it is easier for them to do what is expected of them even when they are in a hurry. A child's capacity to do what he doesn't always feel like doing will convey to homework, music practice, family chores and even to aspects of a job."

Another universal principle discussed in the book is that children should not be allowed to erect a wall of disinterest and refuse to make emotional contact with what they study. Steiner methods can give teachers inspiration for how to deal with kids who feel obliged to spend all their time acting "cool".

Mr. Lyles emphasised that Waldorf education is for normal children, but in the case of special needs children, the principles can be adapted as they have been in the Camp Hill school system.

His talk takes place tomorrow at the Bermuda Red Cross, Berry Hill at 7.30 p.m.