The work of early childhood is play.
We believe that the children are the curriculum. Driven by play and exploration, we build our program based on the children in front of us, the principles of Waldorf Education, and inspiration from the natural world around us.
Waldorf Education is grounded in rhythm. Different from a schedule or a routine, rhythm offers predictability and space for flexibility that the children are able to rely on and find ease in. There is rhythm all around us; in our breathing, the rising and setting of the sun, in the life cycle of a salmon, or the growth of a tree. At the Westwind School we observe a rhythm in our daily, weekly, and yearly life. Seasonal festivals are celebrated with the community, monthly circle songs and stories are told, and a weekly rhythm of days are observed.
Our mornings in the forest look like this:
9am - Arrival, Free Play
10am - Morning Circle & Story
10:30am - Hearty Snack from Home (weekly bread day, teachers provide warm buns)
11am - Walk and Exploration (daily activities: drawing, woodworking, finger knitting, etc.)
12:30pm - Packed Lunch from Home
1pm - Dismissal
