To the point...

"It is as if they are learning alongside their grandfather..."

This statement began an unforgettable day in a Waldorf Steiner Kindergarten in Germany. Observing at first hand the calm, unhurried day for the three- to seven-year-olds in rooms filled with exciting materials and objects.

Beautiful pieces of wood weathered in nearby Lake Constance, silks arranged in rainbow colours and snuggly sheepskin in hand-made baskets big enough to accommodate four children at a time.

The adults went about their everyday occupations; woodworking, sewing and ironing. The children became inquisitive, modelled the behaviours of the grown ups, asked questions and became involved through choice. Rain restricted access to the outdoors, but we found time to remove shoes and socks, and paddle through the puddles. The kindergarten children observed the students making music, performing and studying. Parents and the community played a full part, coming in and out of the school and its grounds, and joining in with activities. Truly an extended school in action.