Little Lorikeet
Steiner Preschool

The Little Lorikeet Preschool aims to provide a sanctuary of safe play for children with a close community feel amongst parents, based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner.

 

At preschool, the environment is prepared to meet the child's nature and needs. Their dream-quality and timelessness is nurtured in a rhythmic and joyous environment, together with other families who are also striving for a more wholesome and quality space for their children. The aim of Steiner preschool is to develop a sanctuary of safe play for children and an oasis of peace and friendship for parents.  The child needs to experience and live in an environment where goodness is personified - where adults can carry the child with a kind of reverence, where the child senses, "I can trust this adult. It is safe to be here. I do not need to fear and withdraw."

 

Young children are best in a 'home like' environment, which means a building that the adults care for like their own home.  The adults need to love and embrace the building.  We have tried to create a homey feel with the addition of rugs and hand dyed muslin curtains, couches and beautiful watercolour paintings.  Parents are encouraged to make themselves at home and treat the preschool space as if it were their home.

 

The children are provided with a homelike environment where activities such as gardening, sweeping, cleaning and dusting take place with the use of organic and natural supplies and products, whilst parent are encouraged to participate in artistic activity.  Our emphasis is on encouraging a dreamy, imaginative childhood, providing time and space to explore experiences with all the senses, and to nurture our families by supporting the parenting journey. 

 

At our preschool we have knitted, felt and wooden animals and handmade dolls.   We also have pottery, wooden and metal teapots, jugs and cups to help foster creative ‘home’ play.   Cubbies are often made when one of the older children drape a chenille bedspread over one of the tables.  We also have blocks, some of which have been handmade and lovingly sanded and oiled.  Natural materials are provided at preschool because they have an inherent beauty, character and history, which leads to wonder and wisdom.  

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A song will indicate pack up time and everyone can come in to sit quietly for story time.  Children are encouraged to sit quietly for story time.  Story time is an important part of a preschool session on many levels and can mark a major milestone in the social development of a child. 

Children soon learn there are times to be excited and times to be still, times to sit next to others and times to be alone.   

Most children love the ritual of morning/afternoon tea.  The children happily wash and dry hands around a communal bowl and then sit in a circle, holding hands, quietly waiting for the others to come.  A plate of fruit is placed before them.  A verse is sung in which we give thanks to the natural world for providing our food.  The meal is then shared with a mood of celebration and peace.  There is also a weekly bread-making session (the children lovingly enjoy their bread at the end of each session, smothered in butter and/or honey).

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Our outdoor area is a big focus where children have the space and freedom to create and play under our large oak trees. There are vegetable patches, a large sandpit, mud kitchen tools and swings for children to test their bodies. It's a beautiful space decorated with knitted items and nature.