A Homelike Environment

The kindergarten teacher in a Waldorf school works with the young child by creating a warm, beautiful and loving home-like environment, which is protective and secure and where things happen in a predictable, regular manner.  Here the teacher responds to the developing child in two basic ways.

Firstly, by engaging in domestic, practical, and artistic activities which the children can readily imitate (for example, baking, painting and handicrafts), adapting the work to the changing seasons.

Secondly, the teacher nurtures the child’s power of imagination particular to the age. This is done by telling carefully selected stories and by encouraging free play. This free or fantasy play, in which children act out scenarios of their own creation, helps them to experience many aspects of life more deeply. When toys are used, they are made of natural materials. Pine cones, wood, cotton, silk, shells, stones and other objects from nature that the children themselves have collected.

The Curriculum

Rhythm – A strong and consistent rhythm carries the day and the week. This contributes directly to the child’s physical, emotional and intellectual well-being and development.

Free Play- During these times children have the opportunity to develop their social skills. Children are free to choose their activities and their playmates. Free play may include dressing up, playing with puppets, building with classroom materials including tables, chairs and play-stands, or playing house. All free play activities are initiated by children.

Main Morning Activity- A broad range of artistic and practical activities gives the children a clear perception of meaningful work, whether it be watercolor painting, beeswax modeling or bread baking. For example, by baking bread the child participates through the complete activity of grinding the wheat berries, measuring, sifting and mixing the ingredients, shaping the bread, and finally, enjoying the fruits of their labors by eating the bread for snack.

Morning Language Arts Circle- Morning circle is comprised of classical fairy tales, folk legends, songs, poetry, nature stories, finger plays and creative movement. Themes are changed seasonally.

Snack and Clean-up Time- Every morning a wholesome snack is prepared and enjoyed. For example, children help to prepare vegetable soup or apple sauce. Children and teachers work together to clean up after snack and to care for their environment.

Outdoor Free Play- Our playground includes a sandbox, tricycles, climbing equipment and all that is necessary for children to joyfully develop and test their physical abilities.

Storytelling- The teacher tells a story from memory every day. This provides children with the opportunity to create a richly detailed mental picture within their imaginations. These inner pictures of spoken words become the basis for making meaning out of symbolic written language in the grade school.

Early Childhood Programs 

Three and Five day Nursery program for children ages 18 months – 3 years

Children age 18 months to 3 years may enroll for either three days per week (Monday-Wednesday) or five days per week.  This program is offered with a half day (8.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.) or a full day (8.30 a.m. – 3.15 p.m.) option.

Three and Five day programs for children ages 3-6 years

Children age 3 to 6 years may enroll for either three or five days per week either full day (8.30 a.m. – 3.15 p.m.) or half day (8.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.) There are a limited number of three day spaces also available.

Parent-Toddler  Program – For children ages 12 – 36 months and accompanying adult.

Parents accompany their child in this program which meets weekly for ten weeks. We offer three such sessions, commencing in the Fall, Winter and Spring and parents may choose between attending on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday morning.

Under the guidance of our experienced early childhood teachers, the class comes together in a beautiful homelike setting to share insights about parenting and life with a toddler. The class includes free play, circle time, songs and poems and a puppet play. A wholesome snack is also prepared.

Enrollment to this program is limited to six families per session. To request more information about the Parent-Toddler Program contact office@phillywaldorf.com