Nurturing the Young Child

Waldorf Early Childhood Education as a Path of Healing and Wholeness

Join us for a transformative week on the beautiful campus of Whatcom Hills Waldorf School in Bellingham, WA. This enriching training is designed for early childhood educators, caregivers, and anyone passionate about nurturing the youngest members of our communities. Through a series of insightful courses, we will explore the profound healing and developmental gestures of Waldorf early childhood education, offering inspiration and practical wisdom for today’s world.

Featured Courses and Schedule

Waldorf Early Childhood Education as a Healing Gesture for our World Today

Holly Koteen-Soule

10:45 to 12:00pm

In a world that is constantly changing and challenging what it means to be human, it is heartwarming to know that Waldorf early childhood education creates a safe and sacred vessel for the young child’s gradual unfolding. The Waldorf early childhood teacher’s full loving presence in the care of the young child’s life forces and developing will, supports the child to feel at home in their bodies and the world.

We will deepen our understanding of how our busy, bustling modern life makes the kinds of activities we bring in Waldorf education even more relevant today than they were 100 years ago. We will recognize how those activities offer nourishment and healing to both the children and their families. Come and explore with us how Waldorf early childhood education invites the young child to explore and discover freely, trust their own experiences, and find courage and imagination for the future. And how working with the young child gives us all more courage for embodying truth, beauty and goodness.

Movement 

12:00 to 1:00pm

Movement practices to support our explorations.

The Archetypal Gestures of the Young Child and the Foundational Senses – Birth to Three

Somer Serpe and Anouk Tompot

2:15 to 3:30pm

The first three years of childhood is quite a magical part of life. It is veiled in mystery. Not many of us can remember anything from this time. In a way you can see it as a continuation of the nine months in the womb – where the physical body is formed. We can see distinct phases that are a kind of archetypal signature of the human being. In the first three years of childhood we can see similar gestures unfolding that bring three major steps in human development: Standing upright, Understanding Language and perceiving thoughts. Which eventually will lead to the capacity to walk, run, jump, dance with ease, have a true conversation and have your own unique thoughts.

We will take a deep dive into those first three years where the foundational senses are nurtured and strengthened. We will take the wisdom of the developing embryo as a coherent map that gives us clues about those precious early years of childhood and how we as caregivers can support, protect and nurture this phase of human development.

Supporting the Development of the Child from Birth to Three

Somer Serpe and Anouk Tompot

3:30-4:30pm

The healthy growth and development of the young child from birth to 3 depends on our deep understanding and support for the incarnational process of the human being. Through our observation, care and conscious accompaniment, we can provide the optimal environment for nurturing and protecting the life forces and unfolding will of the infant and young child. This prepares the path for the young child’s gradual development of autonomous movement and play, consciousness and imagination.

“If a child has been able in his play to give up his whole loving being to the world around him, he will be able, in the serious tasks of later life, to devote himself with confidence and power to the service of the world.”  ― Rudolf Steiner

Coffee, tea, and generous snacks will be provided throughout the day. This course is being offered in conjunction with Sound Circle Center’s Teacher Training Program, providing participants the opportunity to visit with students and faculty members. Whatcom Hills Waldorf School’s beautiful campus is located just a short drive from area restaurants and grocery stores as well as numerous tourist attractions.