Early Years in Steiner Waldorf education

Early Years in Steiner Waldorf education

Steiner Early Childhood education encompasses birth to seven years and most Steiner Early Childhood (EC) settings include sessions for parents and very young children. Children are enrolled in the kindergarten when they are 3. Each kindergarten group usually has about 16 children of mixed ages to rising 7 and is led by a specially trained kindergarten teacher.

Formal learning of the three R's does not feature in the Steiner EC curriculum in the belief that a child will learn these skills more effectively if he/she has had plenty of time and opportunity to develop socially, emotionally and physically first in a creative, secure and harmonious environment.

The kindergarten day follows a predictable pattern, alternating child-led time with a teacher-led activity. The day begins with a period of free play alongside a particular activity such as baking, painting, handicraft, followed by 'ring-time' (or 'circle time') when songs and rhythmical verses are spoken and acted out. Then the children get ready for 'snack time' around one table where the mood is relaxed and social. The children then play outside before coming indoors again to conclude the morning with 'story time'.

The strong sense of routine enables the child knows what to expect and fosters a sense of security. Very careful consideration is also given to the impact of everything in the kindergarten environment upon all the senses of a young child. There are no 'hard' corners, no strong colours and all the furniture and toys are made of natural materials, as is some of the equipment like beeswax crayons and sheep's fleece. Every kindergarten has a protected and safe natural outdoor area and where such space is limited, children are taken to a place where they can experience nature.

More details

For a more detailed look at Steiner Early Years please:-

Download and read More details about Steiner Early Years.pdf
(More_details_about_Steiner_EY.pdf - 124kb)

Download and read EY_Foundation_Stage_Guide.pdf
(EY_Foundation_Stage_Guide.pdf - 1278kb)