Our vision
We strive for Lærkelunden to be an oasis for the children. We do this by working with Rudolf Steiner’s impulse and philosophy of childhood. This means that we are offering the children a safe and recognizable everyday life, with rhythm and rituals.
The children mirror themselves in us, which is why we must be adults worthy of imitation. We are always doing practical activities while keeping our attention focused on the individual child and the whole group of children.
In the first seven years of a child’s life, the sensory impressions are very important for the child. We are therefore conscious of giving the children the opportunity to absorb a world of nature experiences and our toys, decor, colours, as far as possible, are made of natural materials.
We are a Green Kindergarten and cherish the respect and enthusiasm for nature, which helps to form the framework for life in the kindergarten.
A Green kindergarten
The connection with nature, the joy of nature and the experience of the rhythm and phenomena of nature are the starting point for the experiences we wish to give the children in Lærkelunden. We work with nature through our daily practical activities, seasonal celebrations, trips to the green parks of Copenhagen, care and cultivation of plants and beds. In this way, we create a framework that includes both respect for and joy in being in and being part of nature.
The Rhythmic Child
In Steiner-Waldorf pedagogy, the child is seen as a rhythmic being. Through the use of established rhythms, songs and rituals, everyday life becomes recognisable to the child. This gives the child security and energy. The child can then use their energy to absorb the world. They can play, participate in everyday chores and activities, follow the adults through storytelling, singing games, meals and experience being part of the community.
The Imitative Child
At the centre of Steiner-Waldorf pedagogy is the idea that the child mirrors itself in the adults and imitates us. Therefore, as adults, we endeavour to be worthy of imitation in our actions and practices. We prioritise free play. Play is an end in itself and it must have room to unfold on the children’s own terms. While the children are playing, the adults will be busy with everyday chores. We will put the laundry away, peel carrots for the soup of the day, carve wood or organise the flower beds. In our actions we will make preparations for the next seasonal feast. The children will often step in and help, and this is where cosy moments of cooperation between children and adults and between children will arise.
The Sensing Child
The child grasps the world through his or her senses. We therefore give the children an everyday life that appeals to their senses. The toys are made from natural materials. The children will have experiences of kneading the dough for the buns we eat for afternoon snack, chopping carrots for the soup of the day and collecting pine cones and chestnuts in the park to decorate the windowsill. They experience the world through their bodies. The child senses the mood and experiences in the room. That is why we are conscious of creating an aesthetic and cosy kindergarten. The kindergarten day provides room for both physical exercise and the solemn moments when we quietly and attentively light a candle to hear a fairy tale.
Seasonal Celebrations
The seasonal celebrations are a cornerstone of all Steiner-Waldorf institutions. Just as we have a daily rhythm and a weekly rhythm, we also have an annual rhythm. In this annual rhythm, the seasonal celebrations are the milestones we point towards through activities, songs, fairy tales and moods in the grove. Through seasonal parties we work with the course of the year and nature, thus the parties provide an opportunity for the green principles and Steiner-Waldorf pedagogy to work together.
In Lærkelunden we have the following seasonal parties:
Harvest festival/school harvest festival (August) – parents participate
Michaelsfest (September/October)
Lantern party (November) – parents participate
Advent Spiral (December)
Christmas party/school Christmas Bazaar (December)
Welcome to the New Year (January)
Carnival (February)
Easter party (March/April)
Whitsun (April/May)
Summer party / school summer party (June) – parents participate
The Rhythm of the Day in Lærkelunden
9am – The day is starting and children have arrived.
9.15 – Tidying up, morning assembly and finger games, cloakroom.
9.55 – We go for a walk.
10.30 – Break. Fruit and free play.
11.30 – Singing games, and then return home.
11.50 – Fairytale and lunch.
12.50 – Tidying up and free play.
13-14.15 – Arts and crafts / Free play.
14.15 – Fruit.
Curriculum in Lærkelunden
For us, the curriculum is a pedagogical tool that we use at staff level. The curriculum is available and a copy is handed out if requested.