Introduction

List of 5 items.

• Imagination

  At Pine Hill, our early childhood classroom provides a warm and secure environment in which a child’s imagination and sense of self may flourish.

• Simple play

  Young children are supported in their natural development by an emphasis on imagination as explored through play, purposeful activity, movement, social life, art, and a rich tradition of oral storytelling.

• Rhythm

  Because a consistent, dependable daily rhythm provides a critical sense of security for a young child, daily routines balance indoor and outdoor free play with more focused artistic and practical activities such as baking, painting, or crafts, and with circle time including rhymes, songs, and storytelling.

• Beauty

  Our classrooms are designed to support a foundation of Waldorf teaching: the world is good and beautiful. Classrooms are pleasant and calm areas for working and playing our toys and art supplies are created from natural materials, and our outdoor areas includes playgrounds, grassy fields, and natural woods for magical adventures.

• Purposeful activities

  An essential aim of our early childhood programs is to protect and nurture each child's enthusiasm for school towards readiness for the elementary school years.
  

  • Songs, stories and rhymes cultivate intimacy with language while puppet shows and dramatic play strengthen the powers of memory and imagination.
  • Counting games and rhythmic activities build a solid foundation for arithmetic and number skills.
  • Painting and crafts help the children develop fine motor skills, coordination and the ability to concentrate.
  • Vigorous play develops their gross motor skills, proprioception, vitality, and further develops concentration.

  Seasonal activities and outdoor play deepen the children's awareness of the natural world, while colorful seasonal festivals foster connections to the cycle of the year.