The Seasons philosophy has been created to provide an enriching, warm and nurturing experience for young children that allows their physical, creative, social, emotional, spiritual and cognitive development to unfold and grow. From Steiner we have integrated the following:
The warmth and richness of the environment is immediately noticeable as you enter, using many natural materials. The strengt
h of a healthy rhythm to each day balances the children’s need for freedom with our aims to educate them. Like breathing there is a contraction (where we are together, eating, dancing, singing, listening to stories, playing educational games) and release (freedom for the child to choose). From this we utilize simple and effective early literacy, writing and numeracy games to those who are ready, real life experiences through baking, gardening, caring for the environment and teach practical steps towards independence. These activities greatly appeal to young children and meet many of their developmental needs. Reggio Emilia, a philosophy enthusiastically embraced, the vision that every child has unlimited potential and is eager to interact and contribute to the world. Children are active participants in their own learning. The environment becomes the third teacher. Our aim is to use the garden as an outdoor classroom with as many varied resources an inside; Music, group games, construction, role play, art, science etc. Outdoor play has the added bonus of helping reduce stress through activity, fresh air and daylight. Our art program promotes exploration through the provision of varied materials and celebrates the value of the process. Since some of the children we work with are emergent and pre verbal it is important that we do not close off this avenue as a means of communication and self expression. Therefore although we model the use of tools for the children there is an emphasis on free expression. Every creative effort is appreciated for what it means to the child. RIE – predominately in our 0-2 years age group
What does RIE mean? “Resources for Infant Educarers” (RIE) was founded by Magda Ge**er who developed this gentle respectful way of being with infants through her experience as a student of Emmi Pikler, a world renowned Hungarian Doctor and paediatrician. In our nursery we refer to RIE as “Respect for Infants Everywhere”
We have a physical environment for rolling, turning, crawling and creeping and appropriate objects for manipulation, Daily life creates opportunities for learning how to learn, and experimenting and overcoming obstacles through own efforts
