Steiner Preschool
At Steiner College’s Early Learning Centre (ELC), we follow a Waldorf-inspired approach to early childhood education, designed specifically for children at Level 2+, 3+, and 4+. This developmental structure ensures that each age group is gently guided through carefully crafted rhythms and activities that support their natural growth, curiosity, and imagination.
Waldorf early learning education is a holistic, child-centered approach that nurtures the senses, emotions, and spirit of the child. It emphasizes learning through imitation, imagination, and play, rather than imposing academic pressure. In this model, every play is a learning moment, and every learning moment is playful — making childhood both meaningful and joyful.
Our classrooms are filled with Waldorf open-ended toys — natural, simple, and beautifully handcrafted items that allow children to imagine, create, and explore freely. These toys are intentionally designed without electronic distractions, allowing the child’s own creativity to animate their experience. We emphasize the use of natural materials throughout the environment, providing a warm, sensory-rich space that reflects harmony with nature.
Children engage in daily rhythm and routine, which provides them with a sense of security and predictability. These include circle time, storytelling, art, music, free play, snack time, rest, and outdoor exploration. Art, music, movement, and pretending are woven seamlessly into each day, fostering physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
One of our hallmark experiences is the nature walk, where children collect leaves, pebbles, flowers, and twigs to create their own learning aids — such as nature collages, alphabet shapes, or seasonal decorations. These experiences promote environmental awareness and a deep, sensory connection to the natural world. The saying, “We teach our children to smell the earth, to taste the rain, to touch the wind, to see things grow, to hear the sun rise and night fall, to care”, beautifully expresses the essence of our outdoor learning philosophy.
The indoor spaces at our preschool are purposefully designed with Waldorf architecture, using soft colors, rounded corners, natural textures, and gentle lighting to create a calm and nurturing atmosphere. The outdoor environment features open gardens, play structures made of wood and stone, water play areas, sand pits, and shaded zones for rest and observation — offering children the freedom to explore and interact safely with the elements.
Our well-rounded program includes early numeracy and literacy, environmental awareness (ENV), motor skills development, and work with learning apparatus. In addition to English, students are introduced to Sinhala and German languages through song, play, and storytelling. Physical education, including sports and swimming, is integrated alongside a rich curriculum of art, music, dance, and role play — supporting whole-child development.
For children at the 3+ and 4+ levels, we offer a well-defined syllabus tailored to their developmental needs, integrating both Waldorf methodology and foundational school readiness. The emphasis is never on rote academics but on deep engagement, expression, and joyful discovery. Our learning expectations remain developmentally appropriate, ensuring minimal academic pressure while preparing them gently for the next stages of their education.
To help children build confidence and stage presence, we host concerts and celebrations where they can sing, dance, act, and showcase their talents in natural, unforced ways. These events are designed not to perfect performance but to develop self-expression and confidence. One of the most touching moments in the ELC journey is the Waldorf Bridge Crossing Ceremony — a symbolic celebration of each child’s accomplishments and their transition from early learning into the next phase of schooling.
Above all, the Steiner Early Learning Centre remains true to the belief that children learn best through imagination, exploration, rhythm, nature, and love. With minimal academic pressure and a nurturing environment, we honour the natural unfolding of childhood while laying a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
