Te Rāwhiti Playgroup

“If a child has been able to play, to give up their whole living being to the world around, they will be able, in these serious tasks of later life, to devote themselves with confidence and purpose to the service of the world” – Rudolf Steiner

We provide Waldorf playgroups for under 4’s and their caregivers/whānau at our kura. The sessions are inspired by the educational principles of Rudolf Steiner and aim to:

Foster the child’s imagination through free play with beautiful Waldorf resources

  • Provide an environment where parents and children feel welcome and can meet on a regular basis to get to know each other and build community

  • Support parents to gain information about children’s development and learning in the early years

The Structure of the Morning

The morning has a rhythm of coming together for group activities i.e. baking, morning tea, singing circle and story telling time, interspersed with free play. There is a balance between structured times and unstructured times in the morning rhythm which provides children with a sense of familiarity, safety and security. These sessions are lead by our playgroup faciliators.

We begin the morning by making organic gluten free buns together, which we bake and have with fruit for morning tea. The parents and caregivers participate in making the buns along with their children. This time around the table is an opportunity for parents and children to get to know each other. Singing our baking songs becomes a much enjoyed and anticipated part of the session for everyone. The children are free to leave the baking when they wish and play. There is plenty of scope for the children to play both inside and outside in our beautiful gardens.

Beyond Playgroup

From 3 years of age, parents send their children to one of our kindergarten groups. Unlike playgroup, parents do not attend kindergarten sessions, which are run by a trained Waldorf kindergarten teacher and a kaiāwhina. Children who attend our kindergartens later join Te Rā Waldorf School, which takes them through to Class 7 (Year 8).

When and Cost?

Playgroups are running on Wednesdays and Fridays during 2025. The cost to attend is $5 per session.

Where?

In the stand alone Kindergarten building near the front of our kura. If it’s your first time and you are unsure where to go, just pop into the school office and we will take you across. We love the chance to meet new little ones.

89 Poplar Ave, Raumati South, Paraparaumu.


What to bring?

  • Indoor and outdoor footwear

  • Hat (rain, hail or shine)

  • One piece of fruit to share

Join Te Rawhiti Playgroup

If you are interested in in playgroup we would like to hear more about your tamariki. Please contact us to register your interest with us today.