K I N D E R G A R T E N
The Kindergarten is for children who are rising 5 and rising 6. At this age, the aim is to provide a wholesome and harmonious environment where the children can develop safely and joyfully - a home from home.
The work is focused on an indication, shared by Steiner and others, that in the early years, children are learning through imitating the world around them. This can be clearly seen in a young child who unconsciously imitates adults’ movements and gestures; this is later expressed in their imaginative playing.
Teachers aim to provide an example worthy of imitation, and to nurture the child’s imagination through providing opportunities for creative play, through singing, poetry, stories and puppet plays. The mornings consist of baking, painting and simple handwork and craftwork.
Rhythm and repetition are considered important for a child’s inner security and development. The mornings in Early Years follow a strong rhythm of structured activity and freer, constructive play. The greater rhythms of the seasons of the year are followed, and annual festivals including Michaelmas and Martinmas, Advent and Christmas, Easter and Whitsun and the Midsummer Festival of St John’s are celebrated, both in the kindergarten and later on, in the school.