Daily and Weekly Rhythms
The Kindergarten Day
After arrival the day begins with a practical or artistic activity. There is profound satisfaction in the luminous colours that come from painting on wet paper, or in making bread which is later eaten in the snack time.
When this is cleared away plenty of time is given for
the development of
imaginative play, not forgetting the importance of tidying up afterwards. Now
it is “ring time”: songs, finger plays and simple movements are used in
rhythmic activities that the children do together.
For their snack the children sit around the table and talk quietly amongst themselves, or their teacher can introduce a topic to direct their thoughts in a fruitful way. Later the children put on their outside clothes and go to the garden where no matter what the weather they can play in the open or quietly watch the passing miracles of nature.
Then comes the story telling, when the children listen to and fill with their own imagination the contours of the tale, sometimes the same one for as long as a week. At first the story is an adventure, then a new friend, then a companion; so the story becomes a gift for the child’s growing soul.
The Rhythm
In the kindergarten the daily activities are interwoven with weekly and seasonal rhythms. The daily activity follows a weekly cycle: thus Monday is painting day and Wednesday is baking day. The games in “ring time” have a seasonal flavour and the story is often connected to the time of the year. There is a nature table in the kindergarten room hosting natural objects of the season. At the various festivals of the year parents are able to join with their children in simple seasonal celebrations.
Participation in this weaving of rhythms gives the children a strong sense of security in the world and self. They step ever more confidently into their growing bodies which allows them to unfold individual gifts in good time.