Circles of Stone

(541) 821-4446

Teacher: Kathryn Casternovia

elementaldesigns@me.com

For children ages 3-5, this is a nature based, Waldorf-inspired program. Our program will include a mix of outdoor adventures, imaginative play and activities designed to enhance children’s relationship to the natural world. The main focus will be time spent playing and learning beyond the walls of the cabin. We follow the seasons of the year with stories, verses, songs and circles to reflect each season.

The Space

The schoolhouse is a 750 sq ft wood cabin on five acres of farmland near Emigrant Lake. This is a sweet space for the children! Two large rooms with big windows all around, a kitchen, and a very safe fenced in play-yard and teaching garden. There are several play stations with natural materials, handmade toys, dolls and costumes. Beyond the fence surrounding the cabin are five acres to explore on Neil Creek, a year round creek. During stormy or cold weather there is a teepee on the land as well as a small outdoor covered area for gathering.

The Activities

Storytelling around a fire in the teepee, making fairy houses, crafting from natural materials, gardening, animal care (chickens), hiking adventures, creek and pond exploration, learning and honoring the rhythm of seasons, keeping track of weather patterns, and a tremendous amount of playing! The indoor time dedicated to cooking, painting/art, and music and circle time.

We follow weekly and seasonal rhythms. A healthy snack is provided.

The Children

Enrollment is limited to 7 children between ages 3-5 in order to nurture a strong bond between children and teacher to child. This program was created for the children that need to be in smaller play-groups and/or the children that enjoy a lot of physical outdoor play.

Hours

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:00 - 1:30

Our start and end date is September 15th - June 10th.

Tuition

$3400/year

Teacher

Kathryn Casternovia is a mother of two grown children. She has resided in the Rogue Valley for 26 years and has experience teaching Waldorf Kindergartens and pre-schools. She has studied the Waldorf tradition, taken courses through Rudolf Steiner College and trained at the Light Valley Waldorf School. She also has extensive training in Art, Biodynamic farming, and landscape design. Her specialties include story telling, music, plant identification and gardening, crafting with natural materials, nature walks, watercolor and crafts.