Early Childhood

The early childhood curriculum begins with two basic tenets: that the child, before the age of seven learns through imitation, and that play is the “work” of early childhood. With these as a foundation, the Hawthorne Valley Early Childhood Program provides an environment of activities worthy of the child’s imitation in which the child feels secure enough to explore the many possibilities for creative, free play. The early childhood teachers strive to understand the child and work with a developmentally appropriate curriculum.

The young child has a strong need for familiarity and predictability. As teachers, we work consciously with rhythm in the kindergarten—the great rhythms of the seasons, as well as the smaller rhythms of the weeks and days. Through story, verse, song, and movement, we live with seasonal moods and experience subtle changes. There are many special celebrations that mark the festivals of the year and also afford opportunities for parental involvement. The weekly rhythms include storytelling (with beeswax modeling), watercolor painting, eurythmy (a movement class), bread baking, and soup making. The daily rhythm includes circle-time, coloring, free-play, snack preparation, clean up, rest, snack time, and outdoor activity. These activities create a vessel of security and predictability in which the child can relax and proceed confidently.

We are especially fortunate at Hawthorne Valley to have a 400-acre, biodynamic farm across the road. Throughout the year, we make frequent visits to the farmers, the gardens, and the animals.

Each activity in the Early Childhood Program helps the child take hold of his body in a healthy way, integrates the senses, and lays a firm foundation for academic learning through the grades.