Charlottesville Waldorf School’s Playgarden for children ages 2-3 years features play-focused activities with natural toys to support and strengthen the development of young children at a natural pace, free from technology and early academic pressures.
Our daily rhythm encourages free and imaginative play both within the classroom and outdoors, along with verses, songs, teacher led finger games, and seasonal stories. A warm and wholesome snack – such as oatmeal, brown rice or homemade bread – is provided each day. The children may join the teacher in snack preparations or they may continue in their play as they wish.
Appreciation and reverence is modeled for the children on a daily basis through mealtime blessings, care for our environment through cleaning and tending, and respect for each other, for ourselves, and for our toys. Ample time is spent outdoors in all but the worst of weather! From gardening, to bug hunting, to leaf and flower collecting, to splashing in puddles to catching snowflakes, our toddlers joyfully experience the many wonders that nature has to offer them as they navigate their journey through the year.