The Children Karl Schubert Worked with

 

Down's syndrome

Down's syndrome children were known since 300 AD. They were known for:  

·         round, puffy faces,

·         slanted eye

·         epicanthic folds on the eyes

·         a short nose with a broad flat bridge

·         obesity

Discovered 1924

·         “Brushfield spots”, the white or grey spots that often appear on the irises 

In 1920s these children were expected to live until about 35. 

When the Special class was running, they still thought that Down's Syndrome, or Mongolism as it was known, was an ethnic "throw-back" We now know that it happens because of a missing chromosome.

Do you think life would have been better for the children in Karl's class if they had known about the true cause at the time?   Why or why not?

Even today, women who know they are carrying a Down's syndrome child can elect to abort. How does this compare with what the Nazis wanted to do?

 

Epileptics

Earlier people thought that epileptics were possessed by demons.

There are many types of seizures.

Epilepsy is characterized by a long-term risk of multiple seizures.

Sometimes the seizures are distressing to watch.

The same seizures are not labelled "epilepsy" if they are only temporary - perhaps after a head injury - or because of a tumour.

Medication can slow patients down or cause mood changes or drowsiness.

 

Why do you think the Nazis disliked epileptics?

Why did people think that epileptics were possessed by a demon?

Is there still prejudice about epileptics now? 

Have you ever seen a seizure? What could you do to make it less disturbing?

Why do you think epileptics made up part of Karl's classes?

What would their special needs be at that time?  

Bi-polar disorder

This disorder was formerly known as 'manic depression'.

The Steiner schools soon developed an aptitude for working well with bi-polar disorder but were better at working with students who were in the "depressive" phase.

It is particularly difficult to diagnose in children and often appears first in teenagers. 

There are several medications but most have side-effects.  

 

Why would the Nazis not have liked people with bi-polar disorder? 

Can your work out why Steiner teachers in general and Karl Schubert in particular were good with students with bi-polar disorder?

Many people have mood-swings. How does this differ from bi-polar disorder?

 

Karl Schubert - a biography

Vienna 1889

 Key stages in his life:

Born: 25 November 1889 in Vienna

Mother was Jewish but he was christened Catholic

1908 – Began to study linguistics and philosophy in Vienna. He met Rudolph Steiner that year. 

1916 - Married.

1917- His son was born.

In the Great War he was taken prisoner of war by the Russians. He came back to Vienna in 1918. 

1919 – Started working with Steiner

1934 – Had to stop teaching in the main school because of his Jewish connections but the special class could carry on.  It eventually moved into the house on Schellberg Street - Clara Lehrs's home. It only moved form there in the 1960s when the class became a school that was too bio.    

1944 - Came on a list for deportation because of his Jewish connections but was saved.

Note: he remained a catholic all of his life.

Died : 3 February 1949 in Stuttgart. 

Parents:

Father was a professional carpenter. He had been brought up in an orphanage. He was quite religious and encouraged the children to think of a spiritual life.

His mother had Jewish connections. She was educated and encouraged the children to be interested in literature.  

The children were brought up as catholic.

The Advent Garden

Karl Schubert invented the ceremony.

It takes place on the four Sundays before Christmas.

The children enter the largest room of the house.

There is a candle surrounded by moss and crystals.

An adult speaks.

The children leave the room with a candle burning.  

The growth of a school

1919 Rudolph Steiner asked Karl Schubert to set up the special class.

1964 the school was recognised by the state.

1969 it moved to new premises  

Three mysteries:

1. Why did he remain a Catholic even though he was interested in Anthroposophy?
2. How was he released from the deportation list?
3. Why weren't the children in the special classes sent to one of the euthanasia centres?