Children's Class
For the children, the glorious life on the farm forms the foundation of experiences in circles, puppet shows, activities, arts, and crafts. With this healthy start for life, they go on to Waldorf schools, public schools, and home-schools. Seasonal festival celebrations are created for the families and the parents continue to attend evening parenting classes, receive articles and books regarding the different topics covered, and attend parent conferences to share insights about their child.

The Children's Class, a Waldorf inspired preschool was begun when the parents in the parent child classes requested a class for their child. Most of the children in the class have participated with their parent in parent-child classes at Stargarden for up to three years and are part of a community of families which have embraced the inspiration of Waldorf child development in their home lives. This association brings a full and robust life of healthy relationships and the depth, joy, and delight which happens when the life of the soul and spirit is cultivated.

The rhythm of the day builds confidence in the children that they can depend on life and participate happily in the flow. Transitions become joyous when life follows a rhythm. We begin by caring for the animals: chickens, bunny, angora goats, horse and kittens in the spring. We plant and harvest in the vegetable and berry gardens and fruit orchards. Often, nature walks inspire us as we discover the wonders of Mother Earth.

Our daily rhythm includes:
  • 9:00             Animal care and play
  • 10:30           Cleanup and gathering circle
  • 10:45           Arts and crafts
  • 11:15           Seasonal puppet show
  • 11:30           Wholesome Stargarden snack
  • 11:45           Creative play
  • 12:45           Cleanup time and developmental circle
  • 1:00             Hardy and healthy Stargarden lunch
  • 1:30             Rest time
  • 1:45             Story time
  • 1:55             Hat, coat and shoe song
  • 2:00             Goodbyes
The weekly rhythm of arts and crafts includes the following:
  • Wed            Drawing
  • Thu             Water Painting
  • Fri                Handwork, crafts, and baking
The children love learning to become skilled at arts and crafts. These include projects that are reflections of nature and the seasons that we experience. The farm offers many opportunities, such as apple sauce and juice making, gathering cones and other materials, pumpkin carving and much more.

The play is guided in a way that builds social skill and harmony in the group. Friendship is fostered through social inclusion, kindness and respect. Older children learn how to give a helping hand to younger ones and provide healthy role models. Wonder, gratitude and awe are cultivated in our activities and stories. The children are allowed to live in their world of dream consciousness that is filled with experiences of angels, gnomes and fairies. Their lively imaginations are embodied in their play. It is a world of truth, goodness and beauty which provides nourishment for their soul and spirit.
Maypole Gnome Circle Water Painting