Children need to develop an awareness and sensitivity to natural things. The earth is the children's first home. Before reaching into the sophistications of modern life, the Waldorf School gives the children a firm foot-hold in the natural world and opportunity for uncluttered observation. Our stories, songs and poems accompany the rhythm of the seasons and nature. In play, a simple, natural stimulation like a beautiful stone can awaken the child's own observation and awareness.
Young children learn primarily through imitation.
The Waldorf teacher is very careful to give the children positive, worthwhile things to imitate, through gestures, speech patterns and actions. Nature stories, fairy tales and fables are told aloud by the teacher and then acted out by the children. In stories of princes, princesses, witches and dragons, the characters together become for the children a picture of all the inner qualities we each have. How we deal with these forces are themes of the fairy tale, thus reinforcing worthwhile behavior and instilling a moral sense. This structure includes an attitude towards how we treat materials and each other, how we use our space.