Young children learn through touch and movement.

Infant and Toddler Playgroups

We are delighted to provide Waldorf playgroups for Parents and Infants and Parents and Toddlers. Led by early childhood specialist, Susan Sassaman, parents observe, move, and interact with their young children in a nurturing, playful environment. Each week, different themes focus on the foundations of movement development, the importance of rhythm, working with the senses, and building healthy habits.

Playgroups meet weekly in nine-week sessions; pre-registration is required. Please check with the school for drop-in availability.

EACH WEEK INCLUDES the following:

• Circle time, with songs, movement, and rhythmical verses
• Story told with puppets
• Organic, whole grain snack
• Child development conversations and sharing
• Crafts and activities for parents
• A focus on and support for healthy daily and weekly rhythms

Each session begins with gentle play as children and parents enter the room. This structure and the related activities help to create a self-assured, creative child and a peaceful, observant parent. Together, we create an environment conducive to healthy play and exploration. We discover the importance of a healthy rhythm in supporting the overall well-being of the young child both at school and in the home. Parents return home with much valuable information and experience, which they can use in creating their own home rhythms. We explore movement that offers ease, vitality, and balance. Parents learn about specific developmental movement needs and how to support integration and sensory development in the young child. Parents develop insight and intuition while observing children at play; understanding what they see and learning to offer what a child needs.

Sessions are throughout the year. New families are welcome at any time, space permitting. Space is limited to seven children per class.

Simplicity, love, beauty...the experiences of our Infant playgroup.

Acorn and Oaks Infant Program

Parent-Infant Program

This program is for parents with newborns through 12-month-olds, expectant parents, and grandparents. The class begins on Friday, September 10 from 9:00 to 10:30 am and meets on ten consecutive Fridays, with the exception of October 22. The program will take place in a beautiful space at the All Soul’s Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne.

The time will be spent observing the babies as they grow, learning simple nursery rhymes and finger games, sharing insights and questions, discussing child development and some of the concerns normal to all parents. Few new parents are surrounded by extended family and don’t find support for this dramatic change in their lives. Acorns and Oaks facilitates meeting and forming friendships with others experiencing similar joys and challenges. Expectant parents can see what’s ahead and learn from the experience of parents of newborns. Grandparents need not be biological grandparents; we welcome the wisdom of seniors in our community who would enjoy holding and helping with babies.

If you are interested in participating in this program, please fill out and send in the enclosed registration form with the payment. The cost is $100 or $75 if you are registered before August 25. Please call Pam Graham at 985-2827 ext 12 or email at pgraham@LakeChamplainWaldorfSchool.org if you have any questions about this program.

Playing, singing, and observing each other as parents and toddlers connect during playgroup.

Star Garden

Toddler-Parent Program: Wed & Thur Sessions Full! New Tuesday Session Just Scheduled

This program is for parents and toddlers (ranging in age from one to three). It is a ten-session program, from 9:00-11:00 am, held in a beautiful space at the All Soul’s Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne.The Wednesday or Thursday morning sessions are currently full! We have opened up a new Tuesday morning program beginning on September 7. The Tuesday program will be ten consecutive sessions with the exception of October 27.

This is a wonderful opportunity for parents with toddlers to meet in a structured playgroup guided by a Waldorf early childhood teacher. The morning will consist of time for free play, preparing and sharing a healthy snack, circle time of songs, lap games, and a simple puppet play. Parents will work on a simple craft and have time to observe the children. The parents will also discuss parenting, child development and Waldorf Education. The morning will conclude with outdoor play.

If you are interested in participating in this program, please fill out and send in the enclosed registration form with the payment. The cost is $200 or $180 if you are registered by August 25. Please call Pam Graham at 985-2827 ext 12 or email at pgraham@LakeChamplainWaldorfSchool.org if you have any questions about this program.