Importance of Play

According to Montessori, the essential dimensions of play are:

* Voluntary, enjoyable, purposeful and spontaneous

* Creativity expanded using problem solving skills, social skills, language skills and physical skills

* Helps expand on new ideas

* Helps the child to adapt socially

* Helps to thwart emotional problems

 If play is the work of the child, toys are the tools. Through toys, children learn about their world, themselves, and others. Toys teach children to:

* Figure out how things work

* Pick up new ideas

* Build muscle control and strength

* Use their imagination

* Solve problems

* Learn to cooperate with others

Play content should come from the child’s own imagination and experiences.

Formal learning of the three R's does not feature in the Steiner EC curriculum in the belief that a child will learn these skills more effectively if he/she has had plenty of time and opportunity to develop socially, emotionally and physically first in a creative, secure, enabling and harmonious environment. The foundation skills in literacy and numeracy are laid through an environment rich in hands on activity and play and where language and communication are enabled through a rich oral tradition.

The kindergarten day follows a predictable pattern, alternating child-led time with a teacher-led activity. The day includes a period of free play which could take place inside or out, and alongside a particular activity such as baking, painting, handicraft. The day flows with regular and repetitive activity, such as Ring-time (or 'circle time') which includes songs and rhythmical verses, music and movement. The snack, prepared by adults and children is shared together around the table, where the mood is relaxed and social. Other activities include painting, drawing, crafts and the domestic arts such as cooking, baking, cleaning and care for self and others. The strong tradition of oral storytelling and puppetry are a part of the...