in early childhood turn out to be the most enthusiastic learners during the elementary years. Our preschool curriculum encourages development at a natural pace. As a result, children in our nursery and kindergarten classes are deeply engaged playing:
Waldorf early childhood classrooms are comfortable and home-like. Playthings are made from natural materials, simply shaped to allow the child's imagination to bring them to life: shells, stones, crystals, logs and branches, veils of rainbow-colored fabric, sheep's wool, wooden blocks, and cloth dolls.
Young children also love a purposeful task, and our curriculum puts this impulse to use in practical activities like bread-baking and gardening.
Click here to read recent educational research: The Importance of Play
Our Daily Rhythm consists of:
Purposeful tasks: preparing snacks, gardening, caring for the room, and working on simple crafts. Children develop an awareness of working on behalf of a group.
Morning circle: music and verses are accompanied by movement and gesture. Children learn to play cooperative games, respect boundaries, and follow directions.
Storytelling: enhances listening skills
Finger plays & rhymes: develop gross and fine motor skills, improve eye-hand coordination, and encourage a love of language.
Seasonal festivals and celebrations: enliven children's innate sense of wonder.
Outdoor play: running, climbing, sledding, and playing imaginative games. Our backyard is 185 acres of forest, marsh, and meadow.
Imaginative play: Cultivates children's inner lives and social skills.
The nursery program accepts children beginning at age 3 years old as of September 1. The kindergartens accept children beginning at age 4 1/2 years as of September 1. For more information or to request an application form, please send email to our Admissions Director, Tuija Voutilainen, or phone (781) 863-1062 x 510