Forestglen Children's Haven

The Flow

 

Held in Waldorf form, our program encourages a balance of personal expression and development of will forces, all contributing to a child’s embodiment of their innate authenticity / gifts and connection to place here on Mother Earth. While there is freedom within our container, there is a strong sense of structure or rhythm, which emphasizes the need for both play and moments of an “in breath,” where intentional activities are shared. 

 

The rhythms that are developed within a child’s early years set the foundation for the rest of life, as does everything within a child’s experience and environment.

 

We take great care to provide an environment that supports a child to develop and thrive on all levels, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. This permeates all aspects of our Haven, from the materials chosen, activities, and content shared with your little ones. 

 

Materials are simple and natural, encouraging imaginative play, which lays foundations for learning and complex thought later in life.

 

We follow a seasonal flow, and bring activities, songs, and verses to support a deeper connection with the rhythms of nature, and how those are reflected both internally and externally. 

 

Activities include… cooking/baking, gardening, art projects, circle time with song and developmental movement and games, puppetry, and storytelling. 

 

These are woven into the day with intention, along with ample time for play. 

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On the Importance of Play

 

Healthy play is deeply important for children, especially during the first 7 years of life. This not only sets the foundation for brain development and coordination for later in life, but also is the place where children digest life experiences and integrate them in a healthy way. 

 

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Age Appropriate Material

 

Furthermore, we strive to meet children developmentally where they are at, bringing appropriate material and content, in an approach that honors where they are at individually to set healthy foundations for the rest of life. 

 

While foundations for mathematics and language are integrated into the Haven’s daily activities, we do not focus on them directly. Rudolf Steiner (founder of Waldorf education), as well as many modern developmental psychologists and brain scientists have confirmed, states that focus on academics is more appropriate when introduced after the age of 7. Thus, we offer an environment that invites cooperation, inspiration, imaginative play, connection to self and nature, and lays the foundations for healthy whole human beings. 

 

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Fostering Authenticity 

 

In our Haven, we strive to offer a pure space that fosters the innate love and authenticity of the little ones, and that is free of the influence of media and the conditionings of our modern world. 

 

This is reflected in the materials/content chosen, and also carries over to our approach with conflict resolution, supporting children in navigating conflicts with one another in a loving and compassionate way. 

 

We offer a non-disciplinary container that is held with strong guidance; in this non-harsh approach, children can learn from mistakes and find their way back to balance as they are held in a container of love, warmth, and care. 

 

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Overall, everything that we bring to Forestglen Children’s Haven is intentionally crafted with care, to support the healthy development, integrity and holistic well being of our future generations.

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Learn more about what to expect at a day at the Haven... 

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