Waldorf schools honor and protect the wonder of childhood. The classroom offers a secure home-like environment where childhood naturally unfolds. Waldorf education is founded upon a consistent philosophy of child development that guides the curriculum. Teachers are dedicated to creating a genuine love of learning within each child, working always in a manner appropriate to the growing individual.
Our First and Second Grade
To learn about our first, second and third grades, please click here.
Our Kindergarten
Our Kindergartens are, first and foremost, places for creative play. In a secure and home-like setting, children of mixed ages (at least to 6-years old) are active in play, living out the axiom that "the work of the child is play." The children learn about themselves and their world under the guidance of two teachers. Natural, open-ended materials, which lend themselves to a variety of uses, are provided in the classroom.
During the first part of the morning, with gentle encouragement, the children take up these materials in wonderfully imaginative ways. Tree stumps, chairs and play cloths arranged as a Metro train one day may be formed into a royal castle the next. Such play fosters the development of flexible and creative thinking. Other activities such as baking, painting and craftwork also form a part of the free-play time.
After free-play, the children sing and move together during circle time when songs, verses, and rhythmic games help, in an artistic way, to build important language skills and physical coordination. Circle time is built around the seasons -- the ever-changing picture of the natural world around us. A wholesome organic snack and outdoor play are always a part of the morning. Our time together concludes with a story. Stories and puppet plays are carefully selected and presented. The wisdom of age-old folk and fairy tales and the beauty of nature stories unfold before the child in expressive language.
The rhythmic repetition of these daily activities strengthens and nourishes the child. Throughout the year, as well, we observe a rhythm. Fall, winter, and spring, each brings a particular seasonal observance. Harvest time, the advent of winter, and spring are celebrated in an experiential, non-sectarian way appropriate to the young child who lives strongly in nature and its changing faces. We strive to present simple, universally meaningful images in these festivals to support and nurture the child's sense of wonder and reverence. Our observances are non-sectarian since our school welcomes families of all faiths. We honor the diverse.
Our Parent-Child Program
The Parent-Child program is a simplified Kindergarten morning designed to provide the first school experience for the younger child (at least 2 1/2 at the start of the school year) who is not quite ready for separation from the parent. A parent attends with the child in a one-day a week classroom program. Guided by the teachers, the parent is involved in simple, purposeful tasks, while the child can help or play freely. With the support of the parent and with the help of trained teachers, the child can begin to move into a more social play experience.
Through classroom participation, parents can experience first-hand the Waldorf approach to early childhood education and can deepen their understanding of the young child and specifically of their own child. Regular parent evenings offer a time for study and discussion on topics relevant to the challenges of parenting the young child and provide an opportunity for questions and for sharing, especially about the classroom experience.
Our Afternoon Program
Potomac Crescent Waldorf School offers an Afternoon Program for children enrolled in the Five-day and Three-day Kindergartens.
The Afternoon Program complements the morning Kindergarten: the same Waldorf education principles and care shape the program. The morning program flows into the afternoon program, creating a seamless transition for the child. The Afternoon Program offers a time to receive nourishment, rest, digest the morning activities, socialize, and play.
The program begins at noon, with a brief time outside, followed by lunch. Children bring their own lunches. There is an early pickup time, for those children only staying for lunch. Then children prepare for rest with a ritual that is not rushed. The morning is so full for the children that the afternoon should allow for them to breathe in and digest their morning: lots of "soul warmth" is provided for them. After a 30-minute rest, in a darkened room, the children are gently awakened. Those who need to rest longer do so, and the rest enjoy coloring or making a craft. Depending on the day of the week and/or weather, they may garden, go for walks to collect "treasures" for a craft, go to the playground, or stay inside for part of the time with a planned activity. Children wash their faces with lavender water before being picked up at pick-up time.
Starting in the Fall of 2007, the Afternoon Program will be offered Monday through Friday, from noon until 2:45 pm. Children may enroll at any time during the school year for one or more days each week. Space is limited, however, and there are no "drop-ins." Those who start part-way through the year will have their tuition prorated. The application for the Afternoon Program is different from that for the other classes, and students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Financial assistance is not available for this program.
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