Preschool & K
updated February 10, 2010

New Preschool Program

Having been doing Waldorf for over four years, I have new and different ideas about how to go about it from the way I began; however, I am keeping my old curriculum on the site as well as many families find it useful in their transition to Waldorf.

For my old lesson plans, including 6 week units and newsletter topics, see the bottom of the page.

For my new list of the essential books & supplies and how to go about "homeschooling" with Waldorf for ages 2 and up, please click here: New Preschool Program.

Kindergarten

A list of a dozen books which builds upon the "New Preschool Program" above and will give you an excellent Early Childhood library!

Setting up the Playroom

Playroom Picture Gallery at Three Sisters Toys

My photos from the Kindergarten room at The Washington Waldorf School are available on the photo album for our Yahoo Group. Please join! There is no cost to join the Yahoo Group and we have 700+ members.

Photo Album link
(for Yahoo Group members)

The BEST book for setting up the play space, including what toys are developmentally appropriate at each stage and directions on how to make them is Toymaking with Children by Freya Jaffke. Find additional articles, free online patterns, and links to favorite vendors at our Waldorf Play page.

FREE Articles

The Vital Role of Play in Early Childhood Education - article by Joan Almon

What Are the Needs of Five Year Olds? - article by Joan Almon

Early Childhood Program at Portland Waldorf School

From Playing to Thinking: How the Kindergarten Provides a Foundation for Scientific Understanding - article by Eugene Schwartz

The Education of the Child in the Light of Anthroposophy by Rudolf Steiner - essential reading

Morning Verse for
Preschool & Kindergarten

(start by bending over touching your toes)

I w-a-ke in the morning

I stre-e-e-tch to the light
(slowly stand up and reach tall with your arms extended above you)

I JUMP (jump, keeping your arms up high) to the Sun

I am ready to start my day
(bring your arms down to your sides)

Old Preschool Program

These were my personal lesson plans as my children and I transitioned into Waldorf. I offer them here in case they are helpful to other families going through the same process but they are merely suggestions and NOT a prescription. Feel free to substitute books and activities based on what you have at home. Click here to see the Old Preschool Program.