Meadowlark Kindergarten
In our Waldorf-inspired Kindergarten, the children go deeper into the rhythm that was nurtured during the preschool years. They learn bigger stories, hold more responsibility in the classroom with their purposeful work, and are challenged in new and inspiring ways. The Kindergarten is play-based, though there is no shortage of learning going on, and the classroom is a bustling place as children explore new boundaries and navigate new and more mature social/emotional territory. Academic learning of reading, language arts, and math are introduced through activities that bring letters and numbers to life.
Our Kindergarten is generally a 2-year Program, which is common in the Waldorf Pedagogy, allowing a full embodiment and development to take place before the child begins the more intellectual activities offered in Grade One. Though it may seem paradoxical, allowing children this extra time and space, plus the opportunity to be part of a mixed-age community where each individual has a special role to play, ensures a much smoother and more successful transition into the grade years. Waldorf also emphasizes the importance of holding a protected space for children in the early childhood years, lasting until age seven, during which time a child’s senses must be nurtured and carefully tended to. The two-year Kindergarten offers the opportunity to remain in this space for the full early childhood period. We love this article, from the Philadelphia Waldorf school, on four unique aspects of Waldorf kindergarten, which sums up the beauty and the WHY a child benefits from another year in Early Childhood, and an environment inspired by Waldorf principles.
About the program
For children ages 4 years through 6 years old (children can turn 7 within the year with us).
Monday through Thursday from 8:20 am to 12:30 pm for the morning program, or to 3:30 pm for full days.
Attendance of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings is required, as each day holds a rhythm that flows into the next.
Weekly Rhythm:
Sample Weekly Rhythm
Monday: Hike day
Tuesday: chopping vegetables/soup making
Wednesday: bread making
Thursday: wet-on-wet watercolor painting
RHYTHM OF THE DAY:
Morning Program:
8:20am Drop-off
8:30 Welcome Circle, Outdoor play and nature walk
9:00 Creative Play and Activity following the Weekly Rhythm (above)
9:30 Story and Main lesson - academics are introduced through hands on activities, stories, and counting games
10:30 Snack - children help prepare snack, set the table, tidy up and then wash the dishes!
11:00 Outside Play
12:00pm Lunch
12:30 Half-day pick-ups
Afternoon Program (for full day children):
1:00 Quiet Time and picture books, followed by outdoor play and seasonal crafts for children who do not nap. Children who do nap will join the Preschool in the nap room, guided from room to room by teachers
3:10 Snack
3:30 Goodbye Circle