The toddler groups provide a space for parents and their children aged 0-3 to meet each other and experience a Steiner-based environment. Each session begins with the children working real bread dough which will be baked and eaten for their snack break. The toys are simple natural objects such as baskets of shells and wood which encourage imaginative play.
The emphasis in the toddler group is on creating a homely atmosphere, with special attention given to the rhythm of the session so that transitions from one activity to another occur in a calm mindful way. There is also a simple blessing sung at snack time that brings a spiritual focus for the children and parents before sharing the food together.
There are seasonal craft activities for parents, a library of books on a range of topics including Steiner education and early childhood, lots of support for their parenting-not to mention the aroma of fresh baked bread and cups of tea. The toddler groups can act as a lifeline to parents who often see themselves as being isolated and undervalued in society.
The kindergarten caters to children between the ages of 3 to 6, and is a gentle step for the young child between home and school. The teacher's role is to support the children's play and act as a role model rather than telling them what to do. Inappropriate behaviour is transformed through play instead of by punishment.
Traditional fairy tales and nature stories are used to address the feeling life of the child and gradually awaken an understanding of right and wrong. A typical day will include:
The children are taught in mixed ability classes according to age. The class teacher guides their learning and development. During this time, the children can develop love, trust and confidence in the authority of their teacher, and the teacher grows to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the children.
This relationship between child and teacher is enhanced and supported by close co-operation with parents.
The day begins with a main lesson, which lasts nearly two hours. During this time, the class will study a single subject using activities such as walking and clapping rhythms, writing, singing, movement, games, plays, poetry, painting, drawing and modelling.
A well-taught main lesson involves the child's whole being, and this concentrated approach enables the children to develop and deepen their feeling and understanding for the subject. As Steiner schools value academic skills as much as conventional education does, artistic activities are not a substitute, but are used as part of the way these academic skills are developed.
Specialist teachers in languages, crafts, music, art, gym or other subjects will work with the class, but the class teacher remains inwardly central to all aspects of class life. Wherever possible, other subjects and activities the class participates in will reflect the current main lesson theme.
Because our education consciously develops a lively will, and alert, responsive feelings, we avoid early over-emphasis on intellectual skills. Social skills and experiences and moral awareness are gained through working with others.
Teachers strive to recognise individual gifts and skills, while encouraging co-operation, support and respect. Children grow to appreciate the abilities of their classmates.
For children who need extra help in their personal and/or academic development, we offer support in numeracy, literacy and in specialised therapies such as painting, speech formulation and rhythm work which may be recommended.
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