Kindergarten at Orana

The first seven years are critical in determining the future wellbeing of children, according to the Steiner approach, as this is when the fundamentals are laid for later learning, lifelong physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth.

Our beautiful Kindergarten is characterised by a warm atmosphere and provides guidance for healthy, holistic development where teachers have a vital role in modelling a child’s natural urge to experiment and explore.

Learning is grounded in working artistically, spiritually, practically and intellectually. The values underpinning our education are:

• Gratitude
• Responsibility
• Collaboration
• Inclusivity
• Diversity
• Initiative

These engender self-worth, enrich relationships and develop a deep appreciation of each student’s place in this world.

• Self-initiated play with natural and nature-based play materials as the essential ‘work’ for young children.
• Play that makes it possible for young children to digest and understand their experiences.
• An awareness that young children learn through imitation, through the experience of diverse sensory impressions and through movement.
• Architecturally designed Kindergarten classrooms and gardens, providing play areas that embrace our natural bush landscape whilst also ensuring structure and protection and the possibility of taking risks and meeting challenges.
• A focus on real rather than virtual experiences.
• Artistic activities such as storytelling, music, drawing, painting, rhythmic games and role-modelling to foster imagination and creativity.
• Predictable rhythms throughout the day, week and year that provide security and a sense of the interrelationships and wholeness of life. Seasonal and other festivals are celebrated according to our cultural and geographical surroundings, fostering in children our connection to and custodianship of the natural environment.
• The ACARA-approved SEA Curriculum Framework, blended with age-specific pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills, consistent with the best of early learning education and responsive to current educational research.
• Teachers who are qualified and experienced in Steiner philosophy and pedagogy.

A predictable daily rhythm provides children with structure, security and a sense of calm. A typical day in Kindergarten includes:

8.30am Children arrive, put away their belongings, greet the teacher and engage in the outdoor environment.

9.00am Nature walk: encouraging children to enjoy, exercise and observe the natural environment.

9.45am Morning Tea

10.00am Morning Circle: teacher-led experience rich with finger games, songs and movement.

10.30am Indoor self-directed play.

11.30am Every child helps to pack away and set the table for lunch.

11.50am Oral story or puppet show.

12.10pm Long table lunch: a vegetarian meal prepared by the children and educator.

12.40pm Quiet time – handwork and stories.

1.35pm Outdoor play.

2.45pm Afternoon tea and goodbye verse.

3.00pm End of day.

Children also engage in drawing, painting, music and bread making on a consistent day each week.