Work and Play in Early Childhood

Work and Play in Early Childhood

Rhythm and repetition, together with example and imitation, are pillars on which early learning is based. Freya Jaffke applies these simple principles in practical and sensible ways.

She describes children’s play in a Steiner-Waldorf kindergarten setting, and provides tried and tested advice on this important stage of development.

This book includes sections on Planning the day; Festivals; Rhythms; Materials; Educating the Will; Imagination; Spontaneous and Planned Play; Example and imitation of adults; Stages of development; From crawling to contrariness; Work and play; Craft and handicraft; Creating a protective environment; Hyperactive and inactive children.

Table of Contents

1. Stages of development in early childhood
2. Life and work in a Waldorf kindergarten
3. Handwork in the kindergarten
4. Kindergarten work and the ‘mantle’ of the child’s life forces
5. Setting an example and educating the will

About the Author

Freya Jaffke was born in 1937. She worked at Reutlingen kindergarten in Germany for many years and now lectures throughout the world in teacher training colleges. She is the author of fourteen books and has sold over a quarter of a million copies worldwide.