Waldorf School plans ‘forest kindergarten’ Saturday, March 28, 2009 By Lee Coleman (Contact) Gazette Reporter SARATOGA SPRINGS The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is modeling its forest kindergarten — in which the children are outside most of the day, year-round — on successful, long-standing programs in Denmark and other European countries. “There is a national movement to get children outside,” said Katherine Scharff, administrative manager of the Waldorf School. The official uniform for the new kindergarten, for children ages 3 through 6, will be colorful rain gear from head to toe, hats and mittens. (Puddlegear!) In their outdoor classroom, they will create mud pies, play “freeze tag” and collect pine cones and pebbles. There will also be instruction based on the forest and nature. “We have closely studied similar programs in Denmark and elsewhere and look forward to providing the best developmental and cognitive environment for young people,” Scharff said in a statement. The school Web site is www.waldorfsaratoga.org.

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on: Mar 28, 2009