Life in the Preschool
Preschool at Marin Waldorf School consists of a small, intimate group of children, ages two years nine months to nearly four years old who come together two, three, or five mornings a week with a lead teacher and an assistant teacher. Both teachers are fully trained and certified in Waldorf education and have experience in early childhood settings.
Our teacher-led preschool program is very nurturing and rhythmical in nature. Activities are planned at the same time each day, rotating through the week. This rhythmical element ensures a strong sense of consistency, order, and security – essential to the healthy development of the young child. Everything that is done in the class has a purpose, instilling a sense of joy and care for every task. The atmosphere is homelike and the focus is on play.
The preschool room is structured to offer a variety of play activities, both individual and group. Outdoor playtime is scheduled every day, even in rainy weather. During the morning, children have ample opportunity to run, jump, climb and engage in circle activities.
At the beginning of every week the teacher prepares a simple story, accompanied by rhyme, song and puppetry to which the children sit and listen. The underlying purpose is to cultivate the child’s imagination and strengthen memory; skills that will be further developed in the Waldorf Kindergarten.
The children help the teachers to prepare a healthy, wholesome mid-morning snack, which is then enjoyed by the class.
Throughout the year and the changing seasons, a number of festivals are incorporated into the daily and weekly rhythms of the preschool. Each child’s birthday is celebrated with at least one parent present. Opportunities to observe a variety of multi-cultural and ethnic celebrations present themselves throughout the year.
Preschool Daily Rhythm
8:30am-9:00am - artistic activity (painting, soup & bread making, movement & speech)
9:00am-9:15am - circle time - small and large motor skill integration
9:00am-10:00am - morning circle activities gross motor skills and sensory integration
9:15am-10:00am - structured indoor free play using natural toys
10am-10:25am - clean up / quiet time
10:25-10:45am - organic snack
10:45am-11:45am - outdoor play in a designated playground
11:45am-12:00pm - language arts - story time
12:00am-12:45 - lunch
12:45pm - dismissal or aftercare to 3:05pm or 5:20pm.
