TK - Kindergarten Program

Nurturing the Whole Child

Live Oak's Waldorf Kindergarten offers an enriching environment tailored to the holistic development of young children. Emphasizing whole-child education, this approach is developmentally appropriate, prioritizing socialization and movement as core components of learning. By surrounding children with natural toys and high-quality art materials, Waldorf fosters creativity and imagination. Storytelling and imaginative play are central to the curriculum, enabling children to explore narratives and express themselves freely. Implicit learning occurs through meaningful activities, such as gardening, cooking, and crafts, which cultivate skills like problem-solving and collaboration. These experiences lay a solid foundation for future academics, as children develop a deep understanding of concepts through hands-on engagement. This nurturing environment respects each child's developmental stage, ensuring a seamless transition to more formal education as they move through the grades. Through Waldorf Kindergarten, children learn to appreciate the beauty of the world and their role within it, setting the stage for lifelong learning and growth.
Ask any student on the Live Oak campus what their favorite class was and hands down, they say Kindergarten, describing the fresh baked bread, the stone soup, receiving their Little Ones and so much more.
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Warmth, Rhythm, Simplicity

Overview 2024/25

Live Oak’s TK-Kindergarten is led by some of our most experienced Waldorf teachers. Our program is teacher led and play based, with a full time aide in each class of 22 students.
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  • Rosemary: Transitional Kindergarten (two years of Kinder) for the young ones  4 - 5  year olds
  • Redwood: Kindergarten for  5 - 6 year olds​

​We offer half days from 8:15 AM - 12:30.
Aftercare is available through our onsite provider.
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Highlights​ of Live Oak's Program
  • Teacher led and play based​
  • Developmentally Appropriate
  • Socialization & Developmental Movement are prioritized
  • Storytelling & Imaginative Play​
  • Natural Toys & High Quality Art Materials
  • Food Program, Gardening, Handwork
  • Implicit Learning through Meaningful, Daily Work sets the Foundation for Future Academics
The Living Room setting of a Waldorf Kindergarten creates a gentle bridge between a young child being at home and feeling “at home” when they are with their school family. This sense of belonging and community are nourished from day one.

Experience the Magic

Establishing a Rhythm and Sense of Community

 Greeting the teacher at the door.
​Gathering in a circle.
Lighting a candle.
Saying a verse.
​Singing a morning song.
The “Star Window” song acknowledging who is here and who is not at school that day. To the children, they are singing a song… but they are also counting how many kids are present, and acknowledging their relationships.
In a Waldorf classroom, rhythm is the unseen architecture that supports and guides the learning environment without the need for constant verbal instruction or intervention. These daily practices serve as anchors that ground the children in a familiar and comforting routine. In the words of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, "Rhythm replaces strength,"

​Among the most cherished of these Waldorf Kindergarten practices are:
  • Greeting the Teacher at the Door: Each morning begins with a warm and personal greeting at the door. This interaction sets a positive tone for the day, making each child feel welcomed and valued. It establishes a personal connection between the teacher and the child, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
  • Gathering in a Circle: The circle is a powerful symbol of unity and equality. Gathering in a circle at the start of the day encourages a sense of community and cooperation. It is a time for shared experiences, where children can see and be seen by one another, reinforcing their place within the group.
  • Lighting a Candle: Lighting a candle is a calming ritual that signifies the beginning of the day’s activities. The gentle glow of the candle creates an atmosphere of tranquility and focus, helping children transition from the bustling outside world to the thoughtful and serene environment of the classroom.
  • Saying a Verse: Reciting a verse together is both a meditative and unifying practice. These verses often carry themes of gratitude, mindfulness, or nature, and help to center the children’s thoughts. This shared recitation fosters a collective spirit and prepares the children for the learning and exploration ahead.
  • Singing a Good Morning Song: Music is a vital component of the Waldorf Kindergarten experience. Singing a good morning song brings joy and harmony to the group, awakening the children’s senses and filling the room with positive energy. It encourages participation and sets a cheerful mood to start the day.
These rituals are more than just routines; they are essential elements that nurture emotional and social growth in young children. Through their participation, children develop a strong sense of rhythm, security, and connection to their community, laying the groundwork for their lifelong journey of learning and personal development.

Program Highlights

Whole Child Education means art, music, developmental movement and social emotional practices are integrated from the beginning.

Sharing a Meal - The Food Program

Snack time is learning time. This group activity teaches social interaction - “golden manners” - and direction following.  Food preparation, table setting & table clearing introduce students to counting basics and the science and math of cooking. Preparing and sharing a healthy, nutritious meal gives students a deep sense of satisfaction and joy that lasts throughout their educational experience and lives. Mention "Honey butter" to any person on campus, and you'll see a warm smile creep across their face. 

Playing is a Skill - Play based Learning

For ages 4-6, play based learning promotes neural pathway development, hones social skills and peer navigation, advances large and small motor skills and strengthens motor planning and coordination. Teachers consciously choose materials and playthings for the classroom that nourish a young child's senses and surrounds them in beauty. Artistic activities such as beeswax modeling, crayon drawings, sewing and finger knitting develop small motor skills and the ability to focus attention. Finger knitting encourages math basics such as counting and understanding interlacing patterns. ​
“In kindergarten the children learn sewing and woodworking. Our younger children make wooden boats while the older ones make their Golden Swords of Courage. This year the children made pouches for their Little Ones and many are working on felt balls, treasure pouches, and/or tic-tac-toe game pouches. They learn different stitches but the primary ones used are called “under the rainbow” (the blanket stitch), and “dolphin” (running stitch). Our kindergarteners are insatiable creators, always eager for the next project!” - Rebecca River-Teague

Little Ones

Little Ones are a significant part of the Waldorf curriculum at Live Oak and arrive during a child’s first year in TK-Kindergarten. Over the course of a few months, the Little Ones arrive in the classroom one-by-one, delivered by Mother Earth and carrying the names of the natural world like Rosemary, Dalylily and HoneyBee with a similar appearance to their child counterparts. The entire class celebrates the arrival of each Little One, and eagerly anticipates the arrival of their own.
“In our classrooms the Little Ones act as intermediaries between the children, allowing them to practice and explore a range of imaginative and social dramas. Through the Little Ones the children can create and re-create social encounters, dilemmas, disagreements, and adventures, all the time being in control of the outcome. In this way the children experience, practice, and play out a wide range of human emotions and social experiences. They also exercise their imaginations and their capacity for make-believe.” - Rosemary Kindergarten Teacher, Rebecca River-Teague

Traditions, Festivals & Rituals in Waldorf Kindergarten

The Lantern Walk: As the days grow darker, the children prepare lanterns for a quiet evening walk. The essence of the festival is to acknowledge the light that shines forth from each of us. This light needs to be protected, just as the lights inside our lanterns do, so they don't blow out.
6 year Birthday Ritual: The family is invited to the birthday circle and the 6 year old receives a crown, silk and a homemade book filled with art & warm wishes from their circle of peers.
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Fly Away Ceremony: At the end of  each school year, the TK students say goodbye to the rising first graders as they "fly the nest". These students become the kindergarteners that will lead next year's class.

Inside the Kindergarten

The Waldorf Difference

Waldorf is a thoughtful education that merges the latest understanding of human development, including neurological development, with a slower paced course of teaching to meet children (ages  4 - 6) where they are. While this pace and course of teaching is different than many schools in the United States, internationally speaking this model is most common.
How TK- Kindergarten looks different:
  • Creative Free-Play Indoors and Outdoors... in all seasons!
  • Developmental Movement is integrated (crossing the midline) for healthy brain development
  • Socialization is prioritized and a sense of belonging is cultivated from day one
  • Storytelling, singing, handwork and imaginative play create a foundation in the basics  (no worksheets)
  • Simplicity in clothing, food, wooden toys and natural materials like wool and silk 
  • High quality art materials such as thick watercolor paper, high pigment crayons & paint and molding with beeswax
  • Homelike environment that offers warmth, rhythm and simplicity
  • Nature Table honors the rhythm of seasons, traditions and a connection to the earth
  • No technology or iPads in the lower grades. (Current studies also affirm this approach.)
  • A request to parents and caregivers to limit media use and branded imagery on clothing through the primary grades supports all of the above.

The Role of a Waldorf Teacher

Teachers in a Waldorf Kindergarten play a pivotal role in cultivating an environment that nurtures the whole child. These educators are more than just instructors; they are guides and mentors who facilitate a learning atmosphere where children feel safe to explore and express themselves. In the words of Rudolf Steiner, they are "a worthy imitation."

Here are some key qualities and roles of Waldorf Kindergarten teachers:
  1. Understanding of Child Development: Waldorf teachers possess a deep understanding of child development, enabling them to tailor their teaching methods to suit the developmental stages of each child. This knowledge helps them to create age-appropriate activities that promote learning through play and exploration.
  2. Creative and Imaginative: Creativity is a cornerstone of Waldorf education, and teachers are encouraged to be imaginative in their lesson planning. They use storytelling, art, and music to engage children, fostering an environment where imagination can flourish.
  3. Guides to Socialization: Teachers facilitate social interactions among children, helping them to develop essential social skills. They model and encourage behaviors such as cooperation, empathy, and respect, which are crucial for building healthy relationships.
  4. Facilitators of Hands-On Learning: Recognizing the importance of experiential learning, Waldorf teachers create opportunities for children to engage in hands-on activities like gardening, cooking, and crafting. These activities help children to connect with the material world and develop practical skills.​
  5. Commitment to Continuous Learning: Waldorf teachers are lifelong learners themselves, continually seeking to deepen their understanding of educational philosophies and child development. This commitment ensures that they remain responsive to the needs of their students and the evolving educational landscape.
  6. Promoters of Environmental Awareness: By integrating nature into the curriculum, teachers instill a sense of appreciation and responsibility for the environment. They encourage children to explore the natural world, fostering a connection that is vital for holistic development.​

"A Worthy Imitation"

Through their dedication and expertise, Waldorf Kindergarten teachers inspire a love of learning and contribute to the growth of well-rounded, confident children ready to face the challenges of the future.

Why Waldorf Education Matters

Waldorf education does the early work of preserving an aspect of childhood that people can take with them into adulthood. One where you never stop being a child, while also being a stable, creative, mature, engaged and well-rounded young adult.

Experience the Magic of a Waldorf Kindergarten