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Our School Day
 Rudolf Steiner, creator of the
Waldorf School movement, emphasized the
openness and impressionable nature of children in their first 7 years of
life. Within the reliable routine of our school day, children are given many
opportunities to learn about themselves and the world through movement,
song, and self-directed play. Our school rooms are orderly and beautiful.
Our toys are simple and carefully crafted, becoming whatever the child
desires. Our school day begins with free play and
activities or crafts. Circle time brings everyone together for a story and
songs, followed
by a healthy snack—of homemade bread, soup or fruit—then outdoor play in the
garden, play yard and pine woods. Our changing nature table brings the
outdoor realm into our classroom. Seasonal changes and rhythms influence our school day. Children learn about
the natural world through stories, crafts, songs and verse. We go apple
picking, press cider, gather sap and boil it down.
Seasonal festivals
are an
important part of the children’s experience and include a harvest festival
at Michaelmas, a lantern walk, an Advent spiral walk, and a May Day
festival. Each child’s birthday is also a special celebration.
A Glimpse into Story Time
After story has ended and a quiet pause holds the story gently before us, we blow out our candle, hold hands and recite:
"Now we all take a hand, as firmly on the earth we stand. May all we do and all we say be good and kind in every way."
For more about the Waldorf Kindergarten, please read : The Kindergarten Day by Rena Osmer :
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