Our pressure-free gentle approach is inspired by Waldorf Early Childhood Education and is noticeably different than that of other preschool programs. We focus on imaginative free play, healthy snacks and plenty of time outdoors, including weekly nature hikes. These activities support children's natural development and help prepare them for academics.
Each morning unfolds in the same reliable manner. Songs signal when it is time to move into a new activity.
Creative Play in the Garden
Upon arrival, the children play outside in the garden for about half an hour. When it is time to go inside, the teachers sing a song for the children to follow. After removing their outdoor shoes, the children put on their slippers.
The children are called to circle time by a song. During the circle time, the children are led through rhymes and songs that are accompanied by small movements. Most often, these songs and verses reflect the season of the year.
The morning snack includes an organic grain (alternating between oatmeal, millet, rice and bread baked by the staff and children) and a bowl of cut fruit. Families contribute one fruit per child per day to the fruit bowl. Soup made by the staff and children is served in the winter months. Meat and dairy products are not served. We strictly enforce a nut-free policy to ensure a safe environment for all children.
After snack, the children gather to listen to a fairy tale or an old folk tale. Sometimes puppets are used to enhance the experience. Often the children's hands are kept busy by molding beeswax while they listen to the story. The same story is told for a number of days.
Outdoor Play in the Garden
The children return outside for about a half hour of free play in the garden until it is time to go home.
The children experience the world during their inner-directed play. The teachers watch attentively and help as needed, although they do not get down with the children and play nor do they interfere except as necessary for safety or to resolve conflicts that the children have been unable to work out themselves. Every Tuesday the children are invited to the kitchen for watercolour painting.
After helping to tidy up, the children rest with soft pillows while listening to a small harp or another instrument. The children may have a turn playing the instrument if they wish. In small groups, the children are brought to the washroom to wash up for snack.
The children come to know what is expected on a weekly basis. Monday is the start of a new story and rice is served for snack. Watercolour painting happens on Tuesday and oatmeal is served for snack. Wednesday is the day that the children help to bake bread and buns and they eat millet for snack. Thursday is hike day and bread is served for snack. Friday is the day when the children help to make soup in the winter.
Hike on Thursdays
Every Thursday morning, the children and teachers hike to the nearby trails of the Royal Botanical Gardens or the Aviary in Westdale. Parents (and siblings) are welcome to join the hike.