Parent and Child Group
The Willow Tree Parent and Child Group is designed for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 3 years. The sessions take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings between 9.45am and 11.45am, during term time, in the St. Anne's Church Hall in Easton. The groups are a coming together of families to share in a Waldorf approach to support children and parents.
Rhythm and Breath
In Waldorf education, the rhythm of the day follows a natural breathing pattern — an “in breath” and an “out breath.” This gentle alternation between activity and rest provides a sense of security and harmony for the young child. Rhythm forms the foundation of healthy development; it creates predictability, supports imitation, and allows both child and parent to breathe into the day with peace and presence. Through this breathing rhythm, the child experiences balance — between freedom and form, doing and being, movement and stillness. The structure of our mornings at Willow Tree Parent & Child group reflects this understanding, holding the children lovingly within a rhythm that nourishes their senses, imagination, and trust in the world.
Craft And handwork
Each morning begins with free play and during this time, there will also be a seasonal craft activity, which varies from week to week. Some weeks, adults may take part in their own handwork such as sewing, felting, or simple seasonal making. On other days, there may be child-led creative activities such as painting, baking, or simple crafts.
In Waldorf education, imitation is seen as the young child’s natural mode of learning. When adults engage in calm, meaningful work — folding, kneading dough, stitching, or setting the table — the children observe and imitate these gestures in their play. Such purposeful work gives the child a sense of meaning and harmony, anchoring them in the life of the community.
"Susy has breathed new life into Parent and Child. With a childlike wonder, she brings curiosity, joy and empathy; holding the group with laughter, love and care for parents and children alike." Aliette and Lucia
Play
Children are invited to get involved with the focussed activity, but they might be just as happy to play freely. In Waldorf early years we wait for the child to want to join in out of imitation, so as they see adults working with their hands, they will join in when they feel ready. This part of the morning can be an opportunity for adults to connect and talk, though we ask parents to keep an eye on their child to make sure they are playing kindly and safely. This is a time of free play, but sometimes the children benefit from some adult support as they negotiate the sharing of toys and space. It can also be a really special time to sit at your child's level and play with them without distraction.
toys
There are plenty of natural playthings, including wooden toys, books, musical instruments, play frames, coloured veils, knitted animals and cloth babies. As there are lots of things to play with, it is helpful if toys and food are not brought from home with the exception of course of feeding bottles and security items like blankets and cuddlies.
Morning tea
Our shared snack begins around an hour into the session and is a time of reverence and togetherness. This is a special time for the children, we sit around the table together, a candle is lit before singing a blessing and sharing the food around the circle. This small act of reverence helps the children sense that something special is taking place - a rhythm that honours the nourishment we are about to receive. Organic rice cakes with butter and savoury spread are provided, with fruit tea for the children and a choice of teas/coffee for the adults. Families are asked to bring a piece of fruit each week to share with the group.
Outside Play
After our morning snack, we move outdoors to breathe out once more. The children explore, climb, play and run through the grass. We try to embrace the weather outdoors, for it strengthens the body, awakens the will and nourishes the sense. Rain, wind, mud and sunshine are all welcome companions of life in play!
story time
We sit together for a seasonal story, songs and verse suitable for the very young child. If your child still wants to play, do help them to join in by sitting them on your lap quietly. We can all help the children by being together in a circle, and the repetition from week to week of certain songs helps the children to know what to expect, and over time they begin to join in and imitate. Without the distraction of children running about, we can all breathe in some peacefulness.
Birthdays
Birthdays are celebrated with great reverence and joy. On your child’s special day, the celebration ring is presented during morning tea, decorated, and with a candle lit in honour of the child’s journey around the sun. The birthday child may wear the special birthday crown as we sing the birthday song, and they will receive a small handmade card and gift. Celebrating birthdays can feel important to the older children as they reach the age when they will leave Parent and Child and start at Kindergarten or another pre-school.
"My toddler remembers and sings all the songs and we implement these into the rhythm of our lives at home" - Izzy
"Alongside the thoughtful creative activities, gentle play with all the wonderful resources and exploring the garden, I have made precious connections in this unique phase of parenting." - Sarah
Adults and children are invited to wear slippers indoors, especially in the winter. Please make sure your child is equipped with wellies, rainproof clothing when its wet, warm jumpers & hats in colder weather, and sunhats when it's hot. Unless weather is really poor, families are encouraged to venture outside to breath out again after the more held time sharing the snack.
Both groups are run by Susy Azevedo, a trained primary teacher and parent & child leader.
Each group is limited to a maximum of 14 families.
If you would like to join one of our Parent and Child Groups, please complete an application form or alternatively please contact Susy at parentandchild@willowtreekindergarten.org.uk