Imaginative Play and Learning
A child’s wonder and delight are nurtured in the unhurried environment that is our Early Childhood classroom. They are warm and protective environments— rhythmically repetitive and secure programs in which your child will successfully make the transition from home to school.
The Early Childhood classes include creative play, singing, movement, puppet stories and lots of outdoor time. Families of young children begin relationships with other families and have the opportunity to learn about child development.
At Bright Water Waldorf School, we cultivate a warm, home-like environment where children feel nurtured, secure, and free to explore their innate creativity. Our teachers create a classroom atmosphere that embraces the whole child, fostering imaginative play, artistic expression, and meaningful hands-on activities. Guided by gentle, predictable rhythms, children move through their day with confidence—engaging in outdoor play in all weather, purposeful work-play, crafting, baking, storytelling, and rich imaginative experiences. This steady rhythm nurtures a deep sense of comfort, belonging, and joyful discovery.
At the heart of our Waldorf Early Childhood program is play. Through imagination, children develop social skills and the capacity for creative thinking and problem solving. Undirected play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts, and to learn self-advocacy skills.
Balanced and structured activities such as watercolor painting, finger-knitting, feltwork, bread baking, and movement help shape and develop fine and gross motor skills.
Early Childhood Program: Ages 3-6
Our mixed-age Early Childhood Program cultivates in children curiosity, creative thinking, self-confidence, compassion, and an enthusiasm for learning.
Each child’s unique developmental path is supported by the relationships they form with their teachers and the other children and parents in the group. The mixed-age setting allows children to develop confidence and social skills through purposeful activities and imaginative play, and the program lays a solid foundation for the academic work awaiting them in grade school.
A typical day may include:
Practical activities such as vegetable-chopping, woodworking, flour-grinding, bread-baking, and care of our classroom and outdoor environment, which supports feelings of belonging, responsibility and accomplishment.
Creative play both inside and outside, which nurtures the development of a healthy imagination and strong social relationships.
Circle-time games, songs, and integrated movement that celebrates our day and season.
Daily stories told orally and through puppetry, which introduce a rich vocabulary and build a strong foundation for literacy and sequential thinking.
Extensive outdoor time every day and in all elements, including rhythmic walks through our neighborhood park and campus play yard, tree-climbing, jump-roping, building, sculpting, and hands-on sensory play, all of which builds strong bodies and a connection to the natural world.
Schedule Options:
3 half days/week or 3 full days/week
Monday – Wednesday.
8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
5 days half day or 5 full day classes/week class
Monday – Friday.
8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Roots & Shoots: Nurturing Growth for Caregivers and Children Walking to Age 3
Discover Roots & Shoots, where early childhood education meets the wonders of nature and the warmth of community. Our program is more than just a learning experience—it's a heartfelt journey that blends the rhythms of Waldorf education with a supportive environment designed for both children and their caregivers. Here, families embark on a shared adventure, fostering growth, connection, and joy that extends well beyond the classroom. Join us to explore, learn, and grow together in a place where education and nature come to life.
Our curriculum weaves seasonal rhythms, stories, and songs to help children understand and appreciate the natural world, both indoors at Bright Water’s campus and in Seattle’s Seward Park. Aligned with Waldorf principles, we focus on holistic development—nurturing the body, mind, and spirit.
At Roots & Shoots, community is at our heart. We view early childhood education as a shared journey for children, caregivers, and families. Our intimate class size of up to 10 families fosters meaningful connections and a supportive environment, allowing everyone to grow together. Parents and caregivers join in the program’s rhythms, finding joy and solace in nature with their children. This close-knit setting promotes empathy, cooperation, and respect, enriching everyone involved.
enjoy our BWWS Early Childhood Blog
