About Preschool Philosophy | Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School

Glenaeon Preschool Valuing Childhood

Love and emotional warmth create the basis for the child’s healthy development.

These qualities are expressed in what lives between the adult caregiver and the child, in the children’s behaviour toward one another, and among the early childhood educators, parents and the surrounding community. Young children absorb and imitate the mood of the teachers and the program. Teachers strive to be worthy of imitation and filled with gratitude, love and warmth.

Children who live in an atmosphere of love and warmth, and who have around them truly good examples to imitate, are living in their proper element.

Dr Rudolf Steiner, 'The Education of the Child'

A Childhood Held with Care

At Glenaeon childhood is a vital and irreplaceable phase of development.

Rather than rushing young children toward formal learning, we value and protect time for play, movement, imagination and connection. These early experiences form the foundation for later academic, social and emotional growth. In a world that often moves quickly, we offer a calm, steady beginning.

Learning through Imitation

Young children learn through imitation. They take in not only what is said, but how life is lived around them.

This places a quiet responsibility on the adults in their world. Our educators focus on being worthy of imitation. They approach each day with care, purpose and warmth. Everyday actions like preparing food, tidying or caring for materials become powerful learning experiences. At Glenaeon, children are not instructed in how to be; they experience it.

The Environment as Teacher

Children live deeply in their surroundings so a calm, ordered and beautiful environment supports a sense of security and wellbeing.

From this foundation, children are able to explore, engage and learn. We give careful attention to the rhythm of the day, balancing activity and rest, movement and stillness, so that children can feel both held and free.