Our Philosophy
Healthy children! This is the main philosophy that is guiding our day. Even though it is a broad concept, it has practical aspects to it. Based on the holistic view of the child, the principles that form the base of our approach stem from the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Steiner's philosophical ideas have been put into practice in many aspects of life such as knowledge of the human being, art, agriculture, medicine, and education. In 1919 the first school was formed, for the children of the workers of the Waldorf Astoria cigarette factory at the initiative of Emil Molt, the owner and manager of the factory. This started a new movement in education and since then, many similar schools opened their doors on every continent.
As far as the early childhood is concerned, Steiner regards the first seven years of the child's life as the time when the senses are developing and the main tool the child possesses is imitation. The child sees the world as being good and wants to imitate it with its whole being. Therefore, during this important body building/ organ shaping/ sense forming time, the child can benefit from the purpose-filled environment and healthy nourishing food. The adults who shape the child's world are not just educators, but also people worthy of imitation. Each gesture is carried out with understanding of the young child in mind.
Another important aspect that is put into place on a daily basis is the regularity and repetition we can offer them in order to strengthen their sense of security and self-esteem. When each day has its own rhythm and the children are familiar with it, healthy habits can form; they are more peaceful and calm by knowing what to expect from one sequence to the next. This repetition strengthens them to their inner core, including their heartbeat.
Free play provides the sacred stage for the development of creativity and imagination. Therefore, the toys and tools the child is surrounded by have an open-ended quality, something that inspires transformation. Nature is the best example that comes to meet the child, and natural toys that are made by the adults have a deeper meaning to them. The children are also connected to the seasons and are offered songs, verses, activities and festivals that are nurturing this aspect.
Throughout the day, the children will have a flowing rhythm that includes snack preparation, washing dishes, getting dressed, circle time, story time, rest time, and indoor as well as outdoor playtime. The snacks and meals are created together, and are whole foods with nutritional value. The songs and verses are inspired by the nursery rhymes as well as other valuable sources that enhance language development for the young child. We repeat the same stories in a rhythmical pattern through the weeks, developing their memory and giving them a chance to make it their own.
The best indicator for the planning process are the children themselves. The present moment and where the children are in their development coupled with our true being and our understanding of the child are the main posts that establish our solid structure of the day.
Into my will
Let there pour strength,
Into my feeling
Let there flow warmth,
Into my thinking
Let there shine light,
That I may nurture this child
With enlightened purpose,
Caring with heart's love
And bringing wisdom
Into all things.
-Rudolph Steiner
At the beginning of the 20th century, Steiner's philosophical ideas have been put into practice in many aspects of life such as knowledge of the human being, art, agriculture, medicine, and education. In 1919 the first school was formed, for the children of the workers of the Waldorf Astoria cigarette factory at the initiative of Emil Molt, the owner and manager of the factory. This started a new movement in education and since then, many similar schools opened their doors on every continent.
As far as the early childhood is concerned, Steiner regards the first seven years of the child's life as the time when the senses are developing and the main tool the child possesses is imitation. The child sees the world as being good and wants to imitate it with its whole being. Therefore, during this important body building/ organ shaping/ sense forming time, the child can benefit from the purpose-filled environment and healthy nourishing food. The adults who shape the child's world are not just educators, but also people worthy of imitation. Each gesture is carried out with understanding of the young child in mind.
Another important aspect that is put into place on a daily basis is the regularity and repetition we can offer them in order to strengthen their sense of security and self-esteem. When each day has its own rhythm and the children are familiar with it, healthy habits can form; they are more peaceful and calm by knowing what to expect from one sequence to the next. This repetition strengthens them to their inner core, including their heartbeat.
Free play provides the sacred stage for the development of creativity and imagination. Therefore, the toys and tools the child is surrounded by have an open-ended quality, something that inspires transformation. Nature is the best example that comes to meet the child, and natural toys that are made by the adults have a deeper meaning to them. The children are also connected to the seasons and are offered songs, verses, activities and festivals that are nurturing this aspect.
Throughout the day, the children will have a flowing rhythm that includes snack preparation, washing dishes, getting dressed, circle time, story time, rest time, and indoor as well as outdoor playtime. The snacks and meals are created together, and are whole foods with nutritional value. The songs and verses are inspired by the nursery rhymes as well as other valuable sources that enhance language development for the young child. We repeat the same stories in a rhythmical pattern through the weeks, developing their memory and giving them a chance to make it their own.
The best indicator for the planning process are the children themselves. The present moment and where the children are in their development coupled with our true being and our understanding of the child are the main posts that establish our solid structure of the day.
Into my will
Let there pour strength,
Into my feeling
Let there flow warmth,
Into my thinking
Let there shine light,
That I may nurture this child
With enlightened purpose,
Caring with heart's love
And bringing wisdom
Into all things.
-Rudolph Steiner
