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 0-3 year olds and their caregivers/whānau at a venue in Paraparaumu Beach. 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

Children playing at nursery

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.

We begin the morning by making organic 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.

Children playing at nursery

When & Costs

Playgroups are currently running 3 days per week in Paraparaumu Beach and the cost to attend is $5.00 per session cash on the day or internet banking.

What to bring?

  • Indoor and outdoor footwear
  • Hat (rain, hail or shine)
  • One piece of fruit to share

Beyond Playgroup

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