Through the teacher's gentle guidance, a balance is achieved between the more active pursuits and the more receptive, quiet activities, such as drawing, painting, or listening to the daily story, which is told rather than read. I am struck by the fact that the more slowly trees grow at first, the sounder they are at the core, and I think the the same is true of human beings. Such trees continue to expand with nearly equal rapidity to an extreme old age. Snack is prepared with the children's help. Craft projects or handwork may be done.
Table is set for snack.
As learning for very young children is primarily noncognitive, in the Waldorf early childhood program there is no formal instruction in reading, arithmetic, or other academic subjects. Our intent is to provide a homelike setting that offers a rich exposure to language and culture in a warm social context. Daily stories, songs and poetry provide a basis for a love of learning and language. Counting games and rhythmic activities build a solid foundation for arithmetic and number skills. We don't know what the world will demand of our children as they become adults.