My name is Giselle Downes, I am the new kindergarten Aftercare teacher at Imhoff Waldorf. I aim to develop strong, warm relationships with the children who attend my aftercare.
My approach is to create a safe space that evokes a homely atmosphere and the children have already affectionately begun calling me “Mother Hen”!
Together with the children we develop a rhythm that parallels the Waldorf way. Aftercare begins with the children sitting down together around the table to enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared meal. I use high quality ingredients to ensure our food is rich in nutritional value. After lunch there is a rest time where they lie down whilst listening to tales and stories.
We want the children to create a beautiful, indelible bond with nature, so we encourage children to interact with each other and the Imhoff environment through supervised free play outdoors. Alternatively they can choose to play indoors or participate in creative activities like craft making and drawing.
My commitment to translate my fourteen years of experience garnered at Fish Hoek Primary School, requires me to effectively mould and adapt my skills to the Waldorf ethos. It’s an exciting experience that has invigorated my practice.
It is deeply fulfilling to be part of the children’s journey at Waldorf.
I invite all parents to allow their little ones to come and spend some quality time with me, “Mother Hen”.
KINDERGARTEN AFTERCARE IS TAKING PLACE TILL 3PM IN JOY’S CLASSROOM IN TERM 1