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Cradle2crayons 02:28 PM 12-30-2013
Originally Posted by Heidi:
So...I finally got this written. I still have some editing to do for my class, but I thought you'd get the idea. I'm blocking out the school name, although it's not a big secret or anything. If someone googles their name, though, I'm not sure if they want my little take on things popping up.

My day at P** R** Waldorf School


I arrived at the Rosemary Kindergarten on a cold day in early November. I was greeted outside by one of the teachers, Anne-Marie (pronounced Annamaria). She welcomed me to the outdoor play yard. The children were already busy running about or playing. A few children climbed over the hills, some ran in and out of a playhouse, and a group of about 6 children strode around, carrying sticks over their shoulders, singing “Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to work we go.” When I asked if they’d seen Snow White, the teacher said “Oh, yes, the 8th graders put on a play for them last week”. I had meant the movie, but I didn’t let on. I knew from my reading that “screen time” was not encouraged in the early childhood years.


I was introduced to the co-teacher, Heidi, and several of the children. There were 15 children all together, ages 2 ½-6, and they had the most interesting names: Zephyr, Helen, Hudson, Zane, and Finn, to name a few.


Soon, all the children had arrived, and the teacher sang “Come Follow Me”, to gather them together. They all got to the gate, and went inside the school to get additional cold-weather gear on and go potty if needed. A quick look inside the classroom showed me a somewhat dimly lit room that smelled absolutely wonderful. A huge table (enough to seat 20) was already set with plates, bowls, glasses, napkins and utensils. In the middle was a centerpiece of natural materials and candles. A huge stock-pot of soup simmered on the stove nearby (hence the delicious smell).


Once everyone had “their woolies” on, and a few more children were clear that I would be spending the day with them, the Miss Anne-Maria sand “Come Follow Me” again, and we set off. We walked through town about a mile to the forest. Periodically along the way, stragglers were encouraged with “Come Follow Me” again. I was told that the teachers often use song to encourage the children instead of just talking.


Once we arrived at the forest, the children all gathered on rocks around the teacher for a circle-time. Miss Anne-Maria brought out a hand-made troll doll name Netroll from under her scarf. Netroll then told a story about an adventure with a friend. Afterwards, the children sang a song with the teachers, and then were dismissed to go play.


At this point, the teachers kept busy doing simple tasks like cutting wood blocks with a handsaw (I was put to work as well). The idea is to keep the teachers engaged, and limit interruptions of the children’s play. Teachers only intervene when real help is needed (and asked for), or in cases of danger. The teachers also brought along hammers (each teacher carries a backpack with a first aid kit and a rotation of tools) for the children’s use, and periodically they asking for one to look for treasure in the rocks. Other children made things from sticks and leaves, made a house for Netroll, or climbed up and down trees and boulders. They mostly kept busy adventuring and talking to one another. There was a lot of playing, and no arguing, fighting, or tattling.


After about one hour of play, the Miss Anne-Marie sang the gathering song again, and we headed the mile back to the school. Once inside, woolies and boots were exchanged for “inside shoes”. I was asked by several children were my “inside shoes” were, but I had not been asked to bring them, so we compromised by wearing my extra-heavy slipper socks. We did try borrowing a pair or two of extra shoes, but my feet were, unfortunately, too big.


We went inside and everyone took turns washing their hands, then sitting down in their spot for lunch. Once seated, the teacher reminded the children to speak softly. Everyone got situated, and the teacher sang a quiet song. Then, a candle was lit, and a poem “Candle Candle, Burning Bright”, was spoken. Then, soup was served to everyone (an organic vegetable soup). Everyone waiting until all the guests were served. A basket of freshly baked whole-wheat rolls were passed around, and organic cheese was sliced and given out. Miss Heidi explained (quietly) that the children had helped her make the soup and rolls the previous day.


Once lunch was served, everyone placed their napkins on their naps and ate quietly. For the first 10 minutes or so of lunch, talking is discouraged so everyone may concentrate on their meal. Then, the children are invited to visit quietly with their neighbors (no shouting accross the table). The children ate, and ate and ate! Some children had 4 bowls of soup, two rolls, and several slices of cheese.


Near the end of the meal, Miss Heidi shared a personal story about something her teenage son had asked for when he was sick (to build a fort in the living room). Then, Miss Anne-Marie told a story about some foxes they’d found while cutting wood at home. I was also prompted to tell a story (oh dear...put on the spot, I won’t share it here). Then, the children told a few little things, and soon lunch was over.


A high school girl came in to help with the dishes, and 2 older children were chosen to be her helpers today. Two more children were asked to set up the beds. They pulled out playstands, and arranged them carefully in groups around the room. Then, they used pastel sheets to create “walls” for privacy. The other children went back outside to play in the yard. The helpers joined them as they finished their work.


At 1:00, the children all went in to rest. Bathroom breaks, warm washcloths on their faces and hands, and lotion are part of the rest ritual. Then, the lights are turned off, and everyone lays down quietly for about 20 minutes. The teachers sit quietly and meditate during this time. By then, everyone is asleep, and the teacher might work on quiet handiwork while the children finish their rest. After a good 45 minutes, they gently wake the children, everyone goes potty, etc, and then they head back outside until school is over.


If I had only one word to describe my experience at the Pleasant Ridge Rosemary Kindergarten, it would be “lovely”. Happy children, learning, engaged in creative play, friendly to one another, well fed, exercised, and inquisitive.



PS: This school does "Forest Kindergarten" 2 days a week. The other 3, the time in the forest would be indoor free play, teacher-led projects, and story tie at the library. I have pictures, but if you want them, pm me and I can email them.
Oh wow. For a minute there I thought I was reading a professionally written fairy tale story. That. Was. Awesome.

Thanks for sharing that. It really did seem perfect.
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