Story time and puppetry play important roles in our curriculum. When children listen to stories they develop an ability to listen, to remember, to sequence the elements of a story, pick up the subtleties of characterization, and perhaps most important of all, to imagine. Countering the artificial noise of electronic stories and digital media, our […]
Young children come to know and understand the world around them though movement. Our preschool and kindergarten circle time lets the children live freely and naturally into their joy of movement, while simultaneously stimulating their imagination. Woven out of archetypal activities of life and experiences of nature, the rhymes and songs in our circles nourish […]
Children engage in a broad range of skill building, allowing them to expand their attention and focus, improve their dexterity and develop an appreciation for aesthetics. Painting, coloring, beeswax modeling, wet wool felting, sewing, and finger knitting are a few examples of the artistic opportunities in our program. Practical activities include snack preparation, washing and […]
At the heart of our early childhood program is our understanding that self-initiated play is critical to the healthy development of all young children. As soon as they learn something new, they start to play with their new capacities, practicing and testing their skills until they tackle more and more difficult tasks. Therefore, ample time […]
Although myths abound, written accounts about Santa Lucia “the saint of light”, or Lucia of Syracuse, tell us that she was martyred for her faith in A.D. 304 at the age of 20, after having distributed much of her dowry to the poor. Many countries celebrate Santa Lucia’s generosity and bravery with varying traditions, ranging […]
On December 5, Great Oak School students can be found polishing their boots and setting them out in anticipation of Saint Nicholas’ visit that evening. When the children arrive on December 6, a small gift will be waiting for them in their boots. In Waldorf tradition, this celebration is about more than just a treat. […]
