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.