Early Childhood
The Waldorf Early Childhood program truly and uniquely speaks the language of the young child. It does so by being keenly aware of the child's inner and outer growth and development. One of the fundamental elements of a Waldorf Early Childhood education is rhythm. Attention to rhythm relating, for example, to the repetitive words and actions of a particular game, the pattern of activities within the day, or the cyclical elements of the natural world helps to develop a feeling of security in the child, allowing him to move through the world with ease and confidence. When he knows what to expect, he feels comforted and supported. The daily and seasonal rhythms, which are so reassuring to young children, are emphasized through such activities as songs, storytelling, painting, baking, nature walks, and creative play.
Imitation is the primary mode of learning at this age: in the first seven years of a child's life, he learns through doing. He wants to move, explore, and create. Hence the Waldorf teacher strives to build an environment worthy of the child's imitation, and to value and nurture the child's innate capacity for wonder, reverence, and awe. The classroom is a pleasing and inviting space filled with warm colors, natural materials, simple toys, and objects from nature, and the children are encouraged to use this space and these objects to imitate the world around them through imaginative play. The seeds planted in the Early Childhood Program will spring forth in the child's later life, manifested as a love of learning, ability for creative thinking, an appreciation for beauty and the arts, and a connection to the world in which he lives.
vide texto integral em http://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/edu_childhood.cfm
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