A Visit to the Cork Steiner Kindergarten
by Máire Corbet, NCNA Regional Support Worker for Cork, Kerry, Limerick, South Tipperary & Waterford

On June fourth last I spent a very pleasant morning at the Cork Steiner Kindergarten, in the company of Nicole Gruinewald and her children and staff. I had no previous experience of the Steiner Approach, apart from some reading and discussion. Now I want to learn more!!

The kindergarten is situated in a prefab beside the Quaker Meeting House in Cork City. The children can use the actual Meeting House for some activities. Around the buildings are extensive grounds, including the Burial Ground. The street outside is a busy one - a lot of traffic and hustle and bustle. Once I went through the gates, it was like another world … a pure oasis of peace and tranquility. It was a lovely sunny day and this only added to the atmosphere.

When I arrived the children were busy colouring and drawing. I was invited to join in. I was shown where the colouring mats were kept and given a sheet of paper. On the table were little baskets containing the crayons set out. The children and staff worked on their task, with occasional conversation. I was struck by the low humming I heard. As the work was going on, children and staff sang softly. If a child wanted a change of colour they asked by singing…. So one could hear "Yellow woman, yellow woman, can I have a yellow please" and the child closest to the yellow crayons passed them on. Music seemed to be a big feature of the setting. Throughout the session, staff and children sang softly - sometimes singularly and sometimes together.

All the materials in the Steiner setting were natural, wooden tables and chairs, fabric, corks, chestnuts, sanded timber blocks in various sizes and shapes and flat stones. The development of the imagination is a major feature. This was evidenced by way of the long lengths of fabric that were used. For example, on the day of my visit these lengths of fabric were used as props for Cinderella and as a river. To join lengths of fabric, wooden clothes pegs were used. Children are also accustomed to "the little gnomie" reminding them of things or teaching little lessons in courtesy etc. I was struck by how calm the children (aged from nearly 4 up, at the time of my visit) were.

The Steiner Kindergartens work in harmony with nature and the seasons and celebrate Festivals throughout the year. On the day of my visit they were preparing for the festival of Whitsun. While the children worked, Nicole made several white doves from natural sheeps wool and these were put in a nest ready to be used in the ceremony the following Monday.

The outdoor playtime was wonderful. The children have so much scope to explore. They can play near big trees, in a little overgrown area and they each have a little plot to plant seedlings, such as lavender and sunflowers, which they have grown from seeds. There are mini ponds and sandpits too. The children can dig and create mud, add water and really learn so much while having lots of fun.

The children also use the big room in the Meeting House and while in here they played singing games, such as "In and Out The Dusty Bluebells".

Everyone has a rest during the morning. Sheets are laid out on the floor and everyone lies down. While it is rest time the same humming as before carries on and a teacher strums a lyre. It is very soothing. At the end of rest time the Guardian Angels wake the children.

Lunch time was also fascinating. Before I arrived lunch was in the oven and delicious smells wafted through the room all morning. The children laid the table with pottery bowls and mugs. In the centre of the table was paced a candle and a vase of flowers. Before we ate one child lit the candle and Nicole served the Cheesy Millet with fresh fruit. It was really lovely and several of us had second helpings!!

The last activity of the day was a great puppet show prepared by some of the children while the others were playing outside.

I found the day to be a fascinating insight into the world of Steiner Kindergartens and hope to visit again sometime. I would like to thank Nicole and her staff for being so welcoming to me. And of course a special thanks to the children for sharing their day with me.

If you would like to learn more about the Steiner Waldorf education philosophy please contact the Irish Steiner Kindergarten Association on (061) 927944 or e-mail info@steinerireland.org.