The Dunedin Rudolf Steiner Playgroup welcomes children aged 0-3, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, to join in a joyful celebration of childhood. Inspired by the educational approach created by Rudolf Steiner, our playgroups offer families the opportunity to experience and explore Steiner education and participate in a caring and social group. Our playgroups are co-facilitated by a parent volunteer and kindergarten staff-member, or by two parents. We limit our group sizes to around ten to ensure we can provide a nurturing environment for the children and adults. Families bring a gold-coin koha and a piece of fruit to share.

Our playgroup rooms are created with care, to surround the children in beautiful light and colour. Our toys are simple and natural, such as a basket of pinecones, wooden animals, and dolls handmade from natural materials. The changing seasons are reflected in the stories and songs, and each term culminates with a seasonal festival.

Our sessions follow a predictable rhythm, which offers both focussed times when we gather as a group, and periods of spontaneous free play.

As families arrive and settle in, the children and adults can join the table to shape wholemeal buns for our shared Tea. The children then transition into indoor free-play. When the cleaning song begins, we all put away the toys, and gather at the table for Tea. We share fresh-baked buns, chopped fruit, and chamomile tea. When children have specific food needs, their parents bring a suitable substitute.

After tea time we gather for a simple story, and share verses, songs, and movement games. We integrate Te Reo Maori songs and verses into our circle to offer the children an experience of the bilingual nature of Aotearoa/New Zealand. We also acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our community by inviting speakers of other languages to offer a verse or song in their own language.

Following circle time, we put on our outdoor clothes and go explore the great outdoors. Families say goodbye when they are ready to go home. Ka Kite Ano! We'll see you again!

There are currently five playgroup sessions each week - both at the school in Maia and elsewhere.
For information on times and venues please call the office on 471 2163.