The Kindergarten is a nursery school based on the Waldorf educational system, set in the beautiful surrounds of Rosemary Hill Farm, a 200 hectare working farm in the east of Pretoria. When you walk through the doors of The Kindergarten you cannot help but be transported back to the land of imagination and imitation; of elves and fairies, princes and princesses, castles and knights and anything and
everything the mind can conjure up. You immediately become aware of the warm, homely environment: a sanctuary in which the children can feel both comfortable and safe whilst exploring the world around them. This rhythm and repetition forms the basis of our curriculum. A consistent and gently flowing daily and weekly routine is observed and seasonal celebrations help them follow Mother Nature’s rhythms. Multi-functional toys are invitingly displayed allowing the children to make good use of their inherent imagination, creativity and ingenuity. They can play with shells, wood, handmade toys and other natural items and materials. During free play the children get to construct creative, and sometimes elaborate, designs as well as build important physical and social skills as they learn to work together with others in one space. In this way the children also learn to take care of their space when it’s pack-up time and they all join in song: “Let’s tidy up together, let’s tidy up together, as children like to do.”
They bake together (teaching them the basics of mathematics and science), take turns setting the table (counting) or engage in various crafts. Hearty breakfast and lunch is served with everyone seated around the table: a verse is recited, the candle lit and happy chatter ensues. Each day includes the very special ritual of circle time. The whole class follows the teacher’s actions, joining in song and movement purposefully planned to develop both fine and gross motor skills as well as perfect the art of self-control. The children listen to the teacher telling a seasonal folk or fairy tale embroidered with rich imagery and language that they come to understand and use in their work and play. A good portion of the day is spent outdoors experiencing the natural wonders of the playground and the farmyard. The children get to climb ropes and wooden structures, build with sand, plant and tend to the gardens and care for the playground and nature through real, practical work which builds a great sense of responsibility amongst them. The overall vision in The Kindergarten classrooms is to help the toddlers become loving, good and kind individuals, taking pride in their growing sense of independence and capability. At The Kindergarten educating the whole child (hands, heart and mind) is actively lived every day.
