Steiner Kindergarten
My mornings often began with a little adventure. Together with 15 children aged three to seven, I built obstacle courses from wooden boards, fabrics, tables and chairs, turning everyday spaces into places for movement and imagination. Inspired by Steiner pedagogy, our week had a familiar rhythm, with creative activities such as drawing with wax crayons, baking bread and painting with watercolours, as well as Friday walks through the surrounding vineyards and forest. I loved how naturally creativity and nature were woven into everyday life, from these simple activities to seasonal traditions like making lanterns for Saint Martin’s Day and celebrating the summer solstice around a bonfire.
With nature playing such a central role in our daily lives, spending time outdoors was a natural part of our routine. Whatever the weather, we often returned from our adventures with muddy hands, rosy cheeks and plenty of stories to tell. Alongside these shared experiences, I worked closely with the kindergarten teacher, supporting the children in their free play, helping prepare meals and assisting them after their afternoon siesta, whether that meant helping them get dressed, gently waking them or offering comfort when they needed it.
Beyond the daily routines and activities, what struck me most was the children’s curiosity about the world around them. On our walks, two butterflies fluttering past could be enough to make everyone stop and watch. They noticed little things I might have overlooked, caught up in my own thoughts. Watching them made me realise how easily we lose that sense of wonder as we grow older. I had come to accompany them through their days, but along the way, they taught me a much more important lesson: to see the world through their eyes.
