GRS HomeGreat River School Kindergarten
Rhythm:
The morning begins with circle time, consisting of verses, nursery rhymes, songs, and circle games followed by a session of free play. A warm snack that was prepared with the help of the children is shared and followed by story time, which consists of either an oral story or table puppetry. The morning session ends with outdoor play time and/or a walk in nature. Each week has its rhythm as well; there is one day for baking, another for watercolour painting, a third for clay, and so on. Seasonal activities such as harvesting grain, planting bulbs, tapping maple trees, or gathering nuts serve to deepen the children’s awareness of the world around them. Seasonal festivals, which celebrate the bounty of the autumn or the advent of spring, foster a connection to the cycle of the year. Through such activities, which are taken up rhythmically, a child’s feeling for the cycles of life and of nature is strengthened. In later years this feeling may sustain a sense of well-being and a sense of connection to the natural world
Imitation and Beauty:
Since the surroundings in which children are raised and educated affect them deeply, great care must be taken to create an environment that is nourishing to the senses. Waldorf teachers therefore strive to create an environment where order and beauty prevail. Most of the imaginative toys and playthings are handcrafted from natural materials. The beautiful surroundings are simple and calming and the sense impressions that they engender promote the child’s physical growth and health. Because the materials used in the kindergarten are natural and real, they help the child develop a healthy relationship to the material world. Children also imitate our inner attitude. Kindergarten teachers therefore try to carry out everything they do with care. This will be reflected in the way they place an object on the seasonal table, or the way they put the toys away at clean-up time and make sure all the babies are tucked in and don’t have any cold toes sticking out. If parents and teachers approach common life tasks such as cooking or cleaning with reverence and care, children will develop a deep respect for work and for material things. If, however, such tasks are done quickly and sloppily, this will be reflected in children’s difficulties in finding meaning in life.
Ms. Monica Flamenco:
Monica brings twenty years of experience as an early childhood educator, working for the past 10 years as the lead Waldorf Kindergarten teacher at Vancouver WaldorfSchool. Monica began her career in education by receiving a degree in Montessori education in the United Kingdom. After discovering Waldorf education, she obtained her degree in early childhood education at the West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy. Monica’s passion lies in working with parents to create a harmonious rhythm for their children both in the classroom and at home. She takes great care and joy in the preparation of the crafts, meals, festivals, and seasonal routines that lie at the heart of a Waldorf education. Monica brings a love for teaching all ages and in addition to leading Great River School's Kindergarten classroom, she will also be offering parenting workshops throughout the winter and spring.
Kindergarten Registration Has Begun
To request an application or to schedule a tour, please contact the school office at 613-850-4797.
