Parent & Child group
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Session Rhythm We follow a gentle and familiar rhythm in each session, losely based on a kindergarten morning. We begin the day by gathering in the garden, where we catch up over the week and enjoy a cup of herbal tea, while the children engage in digging, riding, or playing in the summer house. The session then moves indoors, where we come together for songs and rhymes. Afterward, we wash our hands before sharing a wholesome snack. Following snack time, the children engage in creative free play indoors while parents help clean up, and then move into an optional crafting activity. Children are free to drift between play and “helping” the adults as they wish. We end the session by tidying up the toys and closing with a goodbye circle and the farewell of the goodbye gnome. Children quickly come to know and love the rhythm, helping them feel safe and settled. If possible, please arrive on time, as this allows your child to ease into the flow of the morning without feeling rushed. Outside Time We aim to go outside in all weather, unless conditions are extreme. Outdoor play supports healthy movement, coordination, and joy. Please dress your child in layers and waterproofs, so they can fully enjoy outdoor play! Indoors and Ringtime When we come indoors, the children change into their slippers. They then have the chance to contribute the vegetable they’ve brought from home to the soup basket. We gather on the carpet for ringtime, where we enjoy seasonal nature-based songs, movement and rhymes woven into a story. Each song is repeated twice during ringtime and over several weeks, giving everyone time to learn. The children will join in as they are ready, but your involvement will draw them in. Snack Time We provide a wholesome snack for everyone to enjoy together, which is a wondeful social experience. At the table, we create a peaceful, mindful atmosphere. Before we eat, we say a simple blessing of thanks, : "Blessings on the blossoms and blessings on the fruit. Blessings on the leaves and stems and blessings on the root.” After the meal, we close with: "Thank you for the food, thank you for the food." Work and Play While children settle into free play, they engage with simple, natural toys and objects, using them in wonderfully imaginative ways. Parents are encouraged not to play with their children, but rather to allow them to discover and engage on their own terms. This approach nurtures their intelligence, independence, and imagination. Adults are invited to join in a craft or domestic activity, perhaps baking, sewing, or painting. Children may join in if they feel drawn to it, but there is no expectation. Engaged, focused adults help create an atmosphere of calm, freeing the child to explore. “Play is the work of the child.” Older children may naturally begin to imitate the adults and take an interest in their activities. The leader may choose not to provide structured tasks for the children, as imitation and open-ended play are at the heart of their learning. Guidance in Painting and Drawing During painting and drawing, we encourage children to express their own will. As much as possible, please avoid giving instructions, drawing for them, or adding explanations. This approach allows the child to just be in their creativity with joy, free from adult interpretation. Meaning is found through doing, rather than through words. Transition Through Song Moving smoothly between activities is key to a harmonious session. We use songs to guide transitions, allowing children to shift naturally from one stage to the next. Tidy-up Song: "I met a little tidy mouse, he said lets tidy up this house, tidy tidy here and there, tidy tidy everywhere, I met a little mouse one day, he said lets tidy up away, tidy tidy here and there, tidy tidy everywhere…" Singing helps children see tidying as a joyful activity, rather than a chore. Parents are encouraged to model careful tidying, as many families find this carries over into home life. Ring Time Invitation: "Who’ll come into my small ring, my small ring, my small ring?" (to the tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush) Children eagerly join the circle, feeling the gentle rhythm of the group. Handwashing Song: "This is the way we wash our hands…" This signals the transition to snack time, and children respond by rolling up sleeves eagerly, and washing hands in warm, soapy water. Saying Goodbye We bring a gentle close to our morning with our Star Fairy, who sings “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. The Story Gnome then bids farewell, and our closing song signals the end of our time together: "Goodbye now, goodbye now, we leave you now and off we go, goodbye now, goodbye now, goodbye to all of you." The Power of Imitation Rudolf Steiner, founder of the Steiner movement, emphasised that children, especially from birth to seven, learn primarily through imitation. Rather than directing or instructing, we trust in the child’s natural curiosity. There is no pressure to join activities, but children may observe, absorb, and join in when they are ready. Tip: Instead of asking, “Would you like to chop vegetables?”, simply say, “Mummy is chopping vegetables for the soup”, and allow the child to choose whether to engage or continue playing. Group Etiquette Creating a peaceful, harmonious group requires care from all participants. We strive for an atmosphere of reverence, quiet, and calm. This gives children the freedom to explore and enter into deep, creative play. Encouraging Calmness
Certain behaviours can disrupt the flow of the session and impact the group rhythm. To support a calm and safe space, we gently guide children away from:
Parents are encouraged to model gentle guidance, as small behaviours can quickly become group habits. Young children are deeply connected to their parents and naturally look to you first for guidance and boundaries. The teacher plays a supportive role, offering a model and a resource. While we may offer support when needed—especially for safety—we encourage each parent or carer to supervise their child(ren) throughout the session. Fire Safety In the event of a fire, our assembly point is in the rear garden by the shed. Fire doors require a firm push to release. We use candles to teach reverence. For safety, we use tea lights in lanterns, placed securely out of reach. Our Connection with Greenwich Waldorf School We are linked with Greenwich Waldorf School, which welcomes children from all backgrounds and fosters a deep respect for individuality. For more information please go to www.greenwichsteinerschool.org.uk |
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