The Waldorf Approach
in early childhood

In our classrooms, children gradually become accustomed to working within a group, listening to stories, interacting with a teacher, and following a daily routine, while at the same time being supported in their development as individuals through the encouragement of creative play, practical life skills, and artistic opportunities. Our classrooms are of mixed ages, which benefits the social development of the children. Transitions are carefully planned and smooth, ensuring that the children feel predictable and safe and can focus on their main work—playing and learning.

Each teacher deeply understands the young child and the need for movement, as well as the child’s devotion to learning about the world through imitating everything he or she experiences. We follow seasonal rhythms and, in parallel, honour your child’s gradual transition from home to school and from childhood to adulthood. We like the children to experience processes, learn basic self-care skills, and develop a deep respect for their environment.

Nature Connection and Art

The children participate in music, outdoor play, and arts and crafts. Music is woven into daily activities and transitions. Outdoor play leads to a rich understanding of the earth’s seasons, providing a sense of stability and a foundation for deeper study of plants, animals, weather, geology, and other natural sciences. Artistic activities encourage the child’s natural sense of beauty, colour, and form, as well as their development of fine motor skills and concentration. Our regular visits to the school garden further enrich their connection to nature.

Purposeful Work
and Imaginative Play

Creative play and purposeful work are key elements of our Early Childhood Programme. We encourage children to imagine and play, both following their own initiative and learning to cooperate with others. As Albert Einstein said, "Play is the highest form of research."

Purposeful work develops children’s sense of responsibility and connection to the world around them. Children participate fully in routine projects such as baking, sweeping, washing dishes, and digging in the garden.

Shared Meals

Each day, children share a family-style meal, helping to prepare the food, set the table, and wash up afterwards. An emphasis on gratitude, intentional preparation, and table manners develops valuable lifelong social skills, a sense of responsibility, and an understanding of the source of our food.

Festivals

Festivals are a special part of life at our Waldorf Kindergarten. Celebrating seasonal festivals creates a connection to the natural rhythms that sustain us and lays the groundwork for cultural and social diversity. Some key early childhood festivals include an autumn harvest, an indoor winter garden spiral, spring basket grass-planting, maypole dancing, and more.