Kindergarten

The rich language of stories, songs and verses enhances the child’s language development, a precursor to reading skills. It also helps the children to develop the capacity to create their own visual images; future reading comprehension and creative thinking will draw strongly on this capacity.

The nature of play, focussing on natural materials such as wooden blocks, seashells and pinecones, enhances the development of imagination. This is a cornerstone of future openness to new ideas and creative problem-solving, a hallmark of Waldorf education.

Children spend generous amounts of time outdoors every day, in all weather. Environmental stewardship, so crucial to our children’s future, begins with this strong relationship to nature.

Age groups are mixed: younger children can learn from older ones, and older children can learn how to be helpful to others and be reminded of how to play, a vital component of neurological, motor and academic development.

Activities include unstructured play time indoors; watercolour painting, drawing, and beeswax modelling; circle time with rhymes, songs, finger plays and movement ; storytelling accompanied by stand-up puppets to provide concrete visual experience and rich language materials; a nutritious snack prepared daily; vigorous, energetic outdoor play and regular adventure nature walks; special activities such as the fall Lantern Walk and a birthday story and celebration for each child.