Program

Teach and Song is a space inspired by nature and imagination, where children can play, learn, and engage in meaningful work together. Each day the children will enjoy a hearty snack they help to prepare, nature walks, gardening, and beautiful crafts inspired by Waldorf Education. We will meet every Monday from 9am to 1pm at our home in Ithaca's South Hill neighborhood. Participants sign up for 6-week sessions and are welcome to sign up for sessions sequentially.

The program is designed with 3-6 year olds in mind, but children outside this age group will find much to be enjoyed about the program as well. If your child is older than six or nearing three, do not hesitate to contact us to discuss an exception. Cost is $180 per child.

At Teach and Song, our program honors the young child's need for rhythms. When children know what to expect, transitions become easier and in turn takes emphasis off discipline . In Waldorf education, a rhythm differs from a schedule in that it draws children along in a way that naturally unfolds while leaving opportunity for freedom and flexibility. A schedule often has the quality of pushing children along and can be hampered by its own rigidity. We feel it is important for young children to experience being part of a larger group while at the same time, feeling their individual needs are being met.

Our Rhythm:

9:00-10:30am Arrival, snack preparation, craft, free play*

10:30-10:45am Circle Time

10:45-11:00am Snack

11:00-12:00pm Outside free play, nature walks, gardening

12:00-1:00pm Lunch, pick-up, free play**

*Each day children will help to prepare their own healthy, whole-foods snack to be shared at snack time. Simultaneously, there will be a craft offered such as needlework, felting, knitting, paper mosaic, painting, etc. and a space for free play, so children can move freely between these activities.

**Due to state restrictions, the final hour is designated as community time. Parents are invited to join us for lunch, allowing an opportunity to interact with each other and the teachers, while at the same time meeting the young child's need to explore new relationships in an unstructured environment.