Charlottesville Waldorf School’s Playgarden for children ages 2-3 years features play-focused activities with natural materials to support and strengthen development at a child’s pace, free from technology and early academic pressures.
Playgarden daily rhythms encourage free and imaginative play both within the classroom and outdoors. Our home-like environment encourages the development of independent self-care skills. The pace of our days in the Playgarden fosters the growth and expansion of each child’s social and emotional capabilities.
Appreciation and reverence is modeled for the children on a daily basis through mealtime blessings, care for our environment through cleaning and tending, and respect for each other, for ourselves, and for our toys. Ample time is spent outdoors in all but the worst of weather! From gardening, to bug hunting, to leaf and flower collecting, to splashing in puddles to catching snowflakes, our toddlers joyfully experience the many wonders that nature has to offer them as they navigate their journey through the year.
Sample Daily Rhythm for Playgarden (Autumn)
Morning:
- 8:00-8:30 Morning drop-off
- 8:30-9:00 Open-play and art, purposeful work
- 9:00-9:15 Seasonal circle time
- 9:15-10:00 Outdoor play
- 10:00-10:30 Snack
- 10:30-11:45 Outdoor play
- 11:45 Story time
- 12:00 Noon dismissal
Full-Day:
- 12:00-12:30 Lunch
- 12:30-1:00 Transition to nap
- 1-2:30 Nap
- 2:45 Pick-up
Extended Day (After care):
Students can be picked up from aftercare at anytime before 5:30pm
- 2:45-3:10 Snack
- 3:10-4:30 Free play
- 4:30-4:45 Circle songs and games
- 4:45-5:30 Coloring, stories
- 5:30 Aftercare ends
Sample Weekly Rhythm
Daily practical work and artistic activities in the Playgarden.
- Monday: Laundry folding
- Tuesday: Coloring with beeswax crayons
- Wednesday: Playdough or breadmaking
- Thursday: Wet-on-wet watercolor painting
- Friday: Sensory bins
