The Activities of The Day in the Parent and Toddler Group

The morning starts with free play.  In this time the children play with the toys whose simplicity makes more demands on the children’s imagination than the more formed alternatives and makes play much more active and exercising of the imagination.

At the same time a number of activities are set up. This might be in the form of a play-dough table, baking, craft, in the kitchen or a dolls area.  Handcraft activity is often arranged so that parents can make things for the story session or nature table.

Next is story time.  Once the toys are cleared away parents and children sit together in a circle around the story table.  The table is set out with dolls, animals and natural scenery which reflects the season and yearly celebrations such as Christmas, Easter and Mid-Summer.  The story is told using the figures upon the table, songs and rhymes.  Retold for three or four weeks, this helps to link the children with the natural world around them and the cycle of the year.  After the story, seasonal songs and rhymes of “ring time” follow.  These are repeated so that they become well loved and familiar.

Following ring time the children enjoy a wholesome snack and a drink together including fruit, organic biscuits, fruit teas.  Weather permitting the children then go out into the garden for a walk.  You might need to bring wellies and coats!  The morning then ends with some circle rhymes and the Goodbye Song - until next time.

As young children learn though imitation, parents are asked to join in the routines of the morning and to help hold and create a calm and peaceful space where children are free to be as lively or as still as they wish.  A toddler-group leader will lead the sessions but parental involvement is welcomed and needed.  As well as involvement with the children in the activities, parents involve themselves in helping to set up or tidy away at the end of the morning and take turns at preparing the snacks. 

Steiner playgroups like Rainbow Parent and Toddler Group have a particular quality that is enjoyed by parents and children alike.