Waldorf Playgroup Guidelines and Notes
Mission: To create an imaginative, joyful Waldorf playgroup every week for our children, in feeling and in practice.
Logistics
1. The playgroup will meet weekly.
2. At least one parent will attend and participate in the playgroup with the child(ren).
3. The group will consist of parents and children together. Each family will take on the responsibility of hosting and leading the playgroup once each cycle.
4. Because of the level of commitment involved, each family should intend on participating for one entire cycle.
5. Near the conclusion of one cycle, there will be a brief parent meeting to debrief and preview for the upcoming cycle.
6. The group shall consist of about 8 children who are walking.
7. If there is more interest, there will be a waiting list. In the meantime, those families are welcome to try the playgroup should there be an absence of one of the regular members.
8. If you cannot attend a playgroup you should contact the parent leader for that week, so that he or she can contact a family on the waiting list.
9. Each child should bring a piece of fresh fruit to contribute to the playgroup snack (washed please).
10. Each family is asked to contribute $30 per cycle to the general fund to pay for bulk orders of natural craft materials. If the group disbands or if a member leaves, he or she will receive her portion of the money left or the equivalent in supplies. (We will be putting in group orders to Mercurious. If you would like to put in an individual order, please see Jeannie Lee.)
11. Each family is asked to arrive 15 minutes early so the children can run off excess energy outside before the lead parent for that day’s playgroup sings the child inside.
12. Each lead parent will have the assistance of another parent. Each week’s assistant will be the following week’s lead parent.
Guidelines for Hosting
1. All cellphones should be turned off. TVs and computer monitors should be covered.
2. All plastic and electronic toys should be put away out of sight or covered. The remaining toys should be wooden and Waldorf in character. Open-ended toys are preferred.
3. The lead parent should focus on keeping the children reined in and engaged. Calm, attentive energy is encouraged.
4. All other parents are there to support the lead parent and side conversations should be kept to a minimum.
5. Each family should try and contribute what Waldorf-type toys they feel comfortable sharing as each household builds up their own sets of toys.
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