Download the article: Children Under Three: Some Thoughts About the Song Circle and Storytelling

One of the pitfalls when establishing a group for children under three, whether as part of a kindergarten for one- to six-year-olds, or as a separate group, can be that of taking kindergarten life and transferring it directly to the under-three group. The important thing to remember is that there isn’t a formula, and that we are still at the stage of observing and deepening our knowledge (through continual study) of the young child. Our observations can help us to formulate questions so that we can work consciously to create childcare that meets the needs of the children.

Download the article: Working with Parents to Reduce Children's Media Exposure

Excerpts from “An Exploration of Parent Education Practices Used by Waldorf Kindergarten Teachers to Reduce Media Exposure for Young Children in the Home,” a Master’s Thesis by Lauren Hickman.
We are well aware as Waldorf educators of the insidious damaging effects of screen time on the young child, on family life and relationships. Obesity, attention disorders, poor self image, violent or cruel behavior, and increased inability to focus and listen are hallmarks of the media exposed child. Parent education is a key component of a successful Waldorf early childhood program. Today’s teachers are charged with introducing parents to the concept of the harmful, limiting effects of movies, computer and cell phone games, and television as they relate to the young child.

Download the article: The I and the Body, World Conference 2012

The 2012 World Kindergarten Conference theme “The I and the Body” is especially interesting for working in the kindergarten and with groups of very small children. The IASWECE conference planning group has been active with the following questions:

From the spiritual world, from pre-birth existence, the “I” comes in, bringing its destiny, and forms the vessel of the body in the first years of life. Spiritual beings are also active in this process, accompanying the development of walking, speaking and thinking.

Download the article: Waldorf Education in Hungary

Budapest. The name alone gives rise to flights of fantasy. As I walk the streets here, I am struck by the complexity of these two cities—Buda and Pest—divided by the quiet, deep waters of the Danube. Much of Buda is a World Heritage Site and walking along the cobblestone streets it’s easy to get a sense of how life was 150 years ago. Budapest’s former reputation as a cultural center lives on in the ornate architecture on both sides of the river. Exquisite ironwork supports the balconies and the doorways, there are friezes, art-deco doors, free-standing sculptures, fountains, domes, palaces and churches everywhere, not to mention the grand hotels, slowly and quietly deteriorating here and there around the city. At night, with all the spires and domes, castles, bridges and palaces illuminated and reflected in the Danube, I feel as if I have entered a fairy tale and there is no more beautiful place on earth.

Download the article: Helping our Brothers and Sisters Around the World

WECAN acknowledges the severe disasters that have happened recently in Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, and elsewhere. We wish to raise awareness that we are part of an international organization (the International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education, or IASWECE) that is striving to bring hope and healing into struggling parts of the world. We hope to facilitate the sending of support of all kinds to our brothers and sisters around the globe. Please see the websites and addresses below for more information and opportunities to donate:

Download the article: The Blacksmith, A Michaelmas Circle

A wonderful Michaelmas circle verse for Kindergarten and home based programs.

Download the verse: Jack and Jill

An opening movement verse to gather the children's attention for circle.

Download the article: At Home I Have a Little Bed

A movement verse for early childhood programs.

Download the article: The Peter Stories

This is an excerpt from the book, Movement for the Young Child: A Handbook for Eurythmists and Kindergarten Teachers, a new edition of the book formerly titled Eurythmy for the Young Child by Estelle Bryer. Included are circles and games that Estelle Bryer brought together out of her decades of work in the kindergarten and can be adapted for nursery or kindergarten circles.

Keywords: early childhood, three year old, movement, speech, rhyme, preschool, home school, eurythmy gesture