Parent - Child Program: Guidelines & Curriculum
The Parent-Child program is designed to provide a homelike, safe, and nurturing environment for both children and their parents or caregivers as the children take those first steps out of the home and into the world. We will provide playthings from the natural world and simple toys for the children, healthy organic snacks for all, and songs, rhymes and stories within a model of a rhythmic, structured morning that we hope may inspire home life in some way. We will also offer some simple crafts for the adults and will provide articles about child development and Waldorf philosophy to assist in your parenting journey.
DAILY RHYTHM
The daily rhythm will vary slightly based on the class you are in, however, a typical day will include inside play time while adults are engaged in work/crafts, clean up, seasonal circle time, snack, outside play and a story/puppet show. The Chickadee and class will also include a parent education component while the children play outside.
GUIDELINES
Children are free to play or to stay with the parent or caregiver. A natural progression is for the child to stay close to ‘their’ adult at first and to gradually move into play alongside and then with other children. The only expectation for the child is to sit at the table during snack (all food is to be eaten at the table) and to sit quietly for story. If your child is not yet ready or able to do this, don’t worry, they may simply sit on your lap or you may take them outside for a little walk and then return.
Activities -
We encourage the adults to be engaged in purposeful activity whether this is housekeeping in the room, a craft activity provided by the teacher or some project from home. When we are busy with our hands we are inhabiting the same ‘doing’ world that the children inhabit and they are provided with examples they can relate to and bring into their play. The adult work of cooking, sewing, knitting, cleaning or creating builds an atmosphere for children to feel secure in their ‘work’ which is exploring and learning about the world through their own imitative and creative play. Your child will feel your concentration and calm presence. When we do the everyday tasks of life willingly and well, the children learn directly the dignity of work and when they watch us create things they experience the wonder of transformation.
Most of the craft activities are offered as adult work and if the children are near by and interested, they can be inventive with our scraps, but work with scissors and needles is grown-up work and they will be thrilled to see what you are able to make for them to take home.
Conversation –
We look forward to the friendships that will arise among both parents and children, however, the world of the young child is one of action rather than talk and we would like to emphasize this mood in the room. Quiet social conversation while you work is welcomed, being mindful and respectful of the kind of space that we are creating.
Adult topics, in general, are best discussed away from young children. And even if they appear not to be listening, we have all experienced how they seem to ‘know’ what is going on.
There will be times when you are invited to silently observe the children. This is not only a special gift of full attention that we can give them, but an amazing opportunity to notice, see and hear in a new way ourselves.
Tidy time, Table setting, Cleaning -
It is important to understand that these activities are an integral and important part of our time together. It is through these mundane tasks that our children establish their relationship to process and to order (which builds the basis for sequencing and logic later on) Besides, this is ‘real’ work in their eyes - it is necessary, they can see what is happening and they can help. How we tend and care for the space can also be seen as a direct expression of our level of reverence for the world and for life. The young child learns through imitation, so please join in with joy and welcome your child’s help.
Circle and Story -
Circle time is full of songs, finger plays and movement which first and foremost is fun! These things also foster brain development, spatial awareness, coordination, adult-child interaction and budding social awareness. The children will join in as they are ready, but your involvement will draw them in. If they are very young, you can do the finger games for them or even on them, but don’t try to make them do it themselves - let them take it in as everyone else does it and come to it in their own time.
The story length will depend on the age grouping, but will always be fairly short and accompanied by puppets. We ask that the children sit with you. Some young children may not have developed the attention necessary for story or circle yet. It is fine if they can be occupied with something quietly. If they become too loud and/or distracting, simply take them outside for a short walk and then return.
Snack –
Please bring a piece of fruit or a vegetable that can be eaten raw. Our first task will be to cut these up to share later. When it is snack time, we will sit at the table and together say a verse of thanks and serve. We would like to stay together and keep each other company until snack is ended when we will clear the dishes, stack chairs, sweep the floor and wash dishes and napkins.
We will provide an organic whole grain and vegetable which is augmented by your contributions. It is a wonderful social experience as we all eat the snack that is provided. We ask that you save personal snacks for the ride home if needed. It may appear at first that your child will not like the snack, but it is our experience that children will try new things as they see others eating and generally come to love them over time. Please let me know if you or your child has any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Outside Play and Clothing –
Please bring a pair of indoor slippers that will stay on the feet or soft soled shoes for inside for both you and your child (imitation!). Also bring a sun hat, sunscreen and a change of clothes with you - just in case!
The weather close to the coast can be much colder than inland, so dress in layers and bring a jacket or sweater for you and your child. We may also go out on rainy days so please come prepared.
Outside play is when you can socialize with the other parents a bit more – knowing that interventions and redirection may be needed at times. The teacher may be inside preparing for story so you will be supervising your own child.
Discipline –
The young child is still closely connected with their parents and when the parent is present they will look to you first for guidance and boundaries. The teacher is secondary and is there as a model and a resource. We will step in at times when we feel we can be helpful or if safety is an issue, but each parent (or caregiver) must be aware of and supervise their child.
It is important to remember that these young ones are just beginning to learn social skills. The concept of sharing will only come slowly and cannot be expected until 4 or 5 years of age. The children are in the process of learning and practicing these social skills as we are practicing parenting skills. We all need patience and compassionate understanding.
Even at this stage, children can often work out differences themselves, if we give them a chance. Therefore, we suggest that you not intervene too quickly (unless safety is an issue) and when necessary, try stating what you observe; “I see you both want the ball,” and perhaps adding, “I wonder if there is another ball.”
Simple redirection is effective with very young children and rather than asking, “What do you want to do?”, the child is helped more by a statement like, “The gnomes could have a house over here!” or “I hear a baby crying. Let’s take her for a walk.” This requires imagination from us, but it’s worth the effort.
Sometimes there is simply no solution to the desire for the same thing and the toy itself may need to be removed to ‘take a rest’ and come out to play again later.
There are no recipes and age and development must be considered, but there are some ‘helpful hints’:
- Statements accompanied by action are more effective than explanations and negotiations
- Little stories and imaginations generate interest and change behavior
- Consistency, rhythm and repetition are a parents best friends - and a child’s
“Say you’re sorry” doesn’t work - this is another concept that comes later
Limit “no” to the really important things.
Discipline is an endless topic and we wish to respectfully learn from one another.
Good-bye –
There is sometimes a very short turnaround time before another class comes, so we must ask you to leave the room as soon as possible. It is best for other reasons as well that goodbye time is really a closing and doesn’t become the time for conversation as the adults linger to talk. Children are often tired and hungry at this time and when the parent’s attention is distracted the children are left unattended, this can be a time for tantrums and accidents to occur. If there is a wish to ‘hang out’ a little longer, by all means bring a lunch and go to the beach or a park together before going home - this will take care of everyones needs!
Media –
Our ideal is that the young child would not be exposed to media in all various forms. There is growing research and evidence that modern technology is detrimental to healthy development in young children. Please ask if you want to know more. We will share articles and want to explore this topic together with you.
Parent Meetings –
Each session will have meetings that are open to parents attending any of the Parent-Child classes. These are designed for a more focused time of discussion and questions around parenting and child development without the “little pitchers with big ears” being present – a time for ‘adults only’.
You are enrolled in Sanderling School as a member of the Parent-Child program. You will receive announcements of school events, festivals, lectures and workshops. There are many opportunities for parent education and involvement in the school community. You are warmly invited and we hope you will feel free to participate in any of these.
Registration –
There are two 17-week sessions per year. Each session requires pre-registration. This helps us to keep the classes at a comfortable size and to plan ahead. Pre-registration includes payment. It is important to pre-register to insure your space. There are no credits, refunds or make-ups.
Siblings – Younger siblings may attend Hummingbird classes at no charge until they begin crawling. At that point they are considered a participant and will be charged a sibling rate. It may be best to leave newborns at home for some time as they will be exposed to normal childhood colds and the like.
Register today for next session beginning end of January 2024: