Early Childhood – enjoying an unhurried childhood

Early Childhood, education is centred upon meeting the needs of the child’s developing motivation or will. A young child’s work is play. The Early Childhood program is focused around activity and play, in a colourful environment equipped with natural, basic materials. At Mansfield Steiner School, Early Childhood consists of Morning Star Kindergarten (a group for those turning four, and a group for those turning five) and Rosa Mundi Prep.

‘Morning Star’ Kindergarten

These smaller children are just beginning to socialise and to be comfortable away from their parents. Our sessions are largely devoted to largely devoted to free play, inside and outside.  Activities such as painting, baking or simple handcraft are offered. Morning tea is shared at the table and the session finishes with songs, finger-plays and a simple story, perhaps acted out with props or puppets. Opening and closing verses and the mealtime grace are repeated throughout the year and children feel secure with their familiarity.

Rosa Mundi Prep

Children need to be turning five years of age by April 30 in the year they are enrolled in Prep. This is a preparatory program offering extended activities over five days. The focus of this year is the continuing development of foundation skills. For example, foundations of reading and language skills are being laid through the verses, songs and rich language of storytelling.

“We are fully human only while playing, and we play only when we are
human in the truest sense of the word.” Rudolf Steiner