BALLARAT STEINER PLAYGROUP

The Importance of Rhythm
Rhythm helps to create a practicable and secure environment. We use songs, rhymes and actions to indicate we are approaching the next part of the day (please join in). This allows for smooth transitions and minimises discipline problems. We break the rhythm for special occasions, but otherwise see it as being of paramount importance to the young child and the group in general.
  Our rhythm accommodates the need for ‘breathing in’ and ‘breathing out’. Some children may at times prefer to play on their own. However all parents are encouraged to participate in the activities as eventually their child will follow.

Bread Time
This is our first activity for the day, so please enter quietly and assist your child in washing their hands and sitting down for kneading time. The children generally settle well if they are surrounded by quiet singing..

Free play (Craft for Adults)
Each session during inside free-play, parents are encouraged to participate in a craft activity. You may like to bring something from your home or you may like to volunteer to organise something for the group. We believe all learning in a playgroup occurs through imitation; therefore we endeavour to always set healthy examples.
 During this time the children have the freedom to play, totally self directed in a space that has been created just  for them.  This allows them to place their own perspectives on their play. 

Circle/shared meal
This is a coming together to welcome each other, the whole group, the day and ourselves. Our songs and rhythms are chosen carefully, usually verses relating to nature. We keep our voices and gestures simple to allow the child more freedom in their own perception. The songs then lead us into morning/afternoon tea where we share the bread that the children have kneaded and some fruit that has been prepared with care and love by the parent helper of the day. To create a calm and unhurried environment at least two helpers are needed during each session.

Story time
Stories are told at playgroup not read, this engages  the child’s imagination allowing them to create their own individual pictures. The teller presents the story very simply and slowly allowing the child the freedom to work the story themselves. The story also marks the end of the session.

Physical Environment
Bearing in mind that a child is a total sense organ, a sponge who soaks up all, we place a great importance in what we surround the child with.  Soft pink colours are used in our playgroup setting because they have a calming effect. (colour of  the womb) We do not wish to bombard the child’s senses with strong colours.
  Remember to always set healthy examples. They will imitate everything they see at this age.  Steiner playgroups strongly discourage television viewing for young children.

Natural Materials and simple toys
These are provided at playgroup because they have an inherent beauty and are a valued part of our environment. They can be used freely in any play and can take on many forms and uses. In addition they can be ‘put together’ in an infinite number of ways. Please leave your child’s own toys at home when you come to playgroup.

Things to Bring
Each family needs to bring a piece of fruit to share for the morning/afternoon tea.  Families are asked to take their shoes off before entering, therefore bringing slippers is suggested.  Fresh flowers are always appreciated and you may like to bring some craft e.g. knitting, woodwork.

Attendance
If a family with a permanent place misses three playgroup sessions without letting the organiser know, then their place will be offered to another family on the waiting list.

Fees
$80.00 a family per term per family.

Sessions Times for Ballarat Steiner School Playgroup
for parents with children

MONDAY 9.30am - 11.30 am
MONDAY 1.OOpm - 3.00pm
TUESDAY 9.30am - 11.30 am
WEDNESDAY 10.30am - 12.30 am
THURSDAY 9.30am - 11.30 am
FRIDAY 9.30am - 11.30 am

Newsletters/Notices
To keep up to date with what is happening in the Steiner community, we have weekly newsletters available at the school and by email.

Further Information
If you would like to know more about Steiner education, books and handouts are available.

Contact Details
Sarah Cottingham (The Playgroup Co-ordinator )PH 0400 321 159.
Messages can also be left at the school by phone or email.

ABN 87 514 837 927
www.ballaratsteinerschool.com.au                       Kinder /5341-8188
email: welcome@ballaratsteinerschool.com.au     School / 5341-8188