Kindergarten
A haven for the 3 to 6 year old, kindergarten offers a rich foundation for the young child and new family. Rhythm underpins the life of the young child as activities are tuned to the seasons, the months and the days. Imaginative play, simple natural toys, song and story all support the focus of nurturing and strengthen the senses and the physical body of the child.
Each day is
marked with a different activity such as planting
in the garden, bread baking, painting, walking in the woods, cleaning
and sweeping, a seasonal craft activity such as candle dipping or
working with fleece, and festivals such as Saint Brigid's Day. The
rhythms of greeting, of ring time where verses, games and stories
are brought to the children, and of sharing a meal together anchor each
day in the comfort of an anticipated and innate order.
Irish is interwoven through verses and stories and many other cultures are brought in the stories of the year either through puppet shows or the teacher's narration. Stories and their shaping and melodious power are vital to the life of the kindergarten. The repetition of rhythms and the pictures of a story are carefully chosen for the sense of universal connection and depth they offer the eager child.
Meal times are shared and the give and take of conversation is cultivated. The food shared is often grown and prepared by the children and is all organic.
The strength and enthusiasm of the young child who is supported in this way enables the child to step towards formal schooling kindled with a love for life. The kindergarten serves as a bridge between the familiar world of the home and the new world of the school.
Kindergarten building, with calming interior spaces and plenty of garden outside
We have two kindergarten groups, Cois Coille and An Grianán, with numbers limited to 18 in each and are considering opening a third, possibly in the Killaloe/Ballina area, as demand for places is always high. Please do get in touch with us if this would interest you.
Many of our kindergarten children come to us from Brigit's Garden, another local Steiner initiative offering childcare for 1-4 year olds in a warm and inviting setting.