Parent and Child Groups
Many of the UK Steiner schools have Parent and Child groups for parents with young children under 3. There are also many Parent and Child groups organised by parents in places where a Steiner school or kindergarten has not yet been established and these are run from homes, community centres, church halls or in suitable outdoor spaces. In many areas these groups offer parenting classes and also welcome mothers-to-be, mothers with new babies.
Despite their diverse circumstances all these Parent and Child groups share common principles such as respect for the young child, keeping groups quite small, maintaining a calm atmosphere and caring for the environment. Traditionally these groups have used a similar routine to that followed by our Kindergartens - free play and craft activity, then tidying away, snack, songs followed by outdoor play and then perhaps a story. This routine gives the children a sense of security.
Simple equipment and toys made out of natural materials are used and wholesome food, presented in an appealing way, is provided at snack time, when the table is laid with a cloth and vase of flowers. Some Parent and Child groups are run completely out of doors in parks, woods or other natural surroundings.
These Parent and Child groups, whether part of a school or not, all offer an excellent introduction to the Steiner approach to the young child and also provide an opportunity for parents to meet and support one another.
If you would like to find out about where your nearest Parent and Child Group is then please contact the SWSF office who will put you in touch with the parent and child representative.
Recommended Reading List
- The Parent and Child Group Handbook
Author(s): Dot Male
Publisher: Hawthorn Press - You are Your Child's First Teacher
Author(s): Baldwin Dancy
Publisher: Hawthorn Press - Storytelling with Children
Author(s): N Mellon
Publisher: Hawthorn Press - Work and Play In Early Childhood
Author(s): Freya Jaffke
Publisher: Floris Books
ISBN 0-86315-227-9 - All Year Round
Author(s): A Druitt, C Fynes-Clinton, & M Rowling
Publisher: Hawthorn Press - Festivals, Family and Food
Author(s): D Carey & J Large
Publisher: Hawthorn - What Babies and Children Really Need
Author(s): Sally Goddard Blythe
Publisher: Hawthorn Press - The Singing Day and The Singing Year
Author(s): Candy Verney
Publisher: Hawthorn Press - Creative Play with your Baby
Author(s): Christopher Clouder & Janni Nicol
Publisher: Gaia Books - Creative Play with your Toddler
Author(s): Christopher Clouder & Janni Nicol
Publisher: Gaia Books
