Playgroups

'What Story? What story do you tell? What story do you tell?'

In cheerfully scripted and improvised rhythms, Glenaeon Playgroup Educators provide a diversity of stories at the six separate playgroups, each taking place on their respective days across two campuses each school term.

From the moment each family arrives at their Playgroup, they witness that the Playgroup room and outdoor settings are all prepared as if ‘something is about to happen, to be led by the educator or by the children themselves. The setting is a story of ‘Welcome Home’ to everyone who joins the Playgroup.

Many stories happen in each two-hour Playgroup session. Some stories support adventure in the garden, sandpit and playgroup room. Some stories accompany the baking, playing, cleaning up and saying goodbye.

All activities accompanied by songs filled with stories whose tunes and families quickly figure out the clues in the Playgroup.

Adults witness that the children know ‘just what to do’ as they take their cues from the teachers who are modelling the behaviours they expect and that the characters also embody in the story.

At every Playgroup, there is a central ‘story time’ for which the families gather in an ‘audience style’. Soft music plays on an instrument, a candle is lit with a match, and the story begins on the small stage which hosts the puppets and stage props.

‘What Story? What story do you tell? What story do you tell?’

This question is in the mind of each participant, young and old. The Playgroup Educator begins to say: ‘Once upon a time…’ Slowly and steadily, the puppets and stage props move along with the rhythmic beat of the voice of the experienced storyteller.

Faster, slower, funny, and serious, the story unfolds until the end, when the conclusion is reached. The candle is snuffed. The audience watches the smoke twirl towards the ceiling. ‘Ah’… satisfaction.

The atmosphere of wonder, grace, learning, joy is established for the time spent together in the Playgroup.

Rudolf Steiner encouraged the use of stories as a vital and graphic way of coming to know the world. As the puppets and props speak, we are reminded that children believe in the personification of objects.

We are entertained, yes, but above all, we live a celebration of human dignity for each other and our environment.

The Playgroup story aims to nourish, educate, heal and celebrate the abundant soul life that we have the ability for.

Our Playgroup Educators are honoured to have the opportunity to craft the stories and mediums that enrich us all in our Glenaeon Playgroups. 

Sandra Frain Playgroup Manager and Leader