Linden Class
For Children 3 - 6 Years Old
Reverence for Nature, Reverence for Childhood
Our warm and creative mixed-age kindergarten environment nurtures each child as they develop independence, confidence, and security in the classroom. A typical day includes self-directed play, music, movement and linguistic games, domestic activities, seasonal crafts, storytelling, and puppetry. Hands-on activities transform a child’s sensory experiences into an intimate knowledge of themselves and the world around them. By participating in creative and practical work, children develop fine and gross motor skills, executive functioning, socialization, and attentiveness; all skills necessary for educational and social success later on.
Children will also be immersed in nature daily when working and playing in our partner community garden, El Jardin del Paradiso. Our “Waldorf in the Garden” program welcomes the young child to an outdoor sanctuary in the middle of New York City. Spanning over half an acre, El Jardin del Paraiso is a lush natural environment in which our students are able to confidently move, play and explore. Following in the tradition of outdoor “Forest Kindergartens” popular in Scandinavia, our students reap the benefits of real-life learning through creative play, meaningful work, and deep relationships.
*Children in this class are expected to be potty trained by the beginning of the school year*
Program Offerings
Full Week Linden Class
For Ages 3 - 6 Years Old
Monday - Friday
8:30am to 3:15pm // *Early Dismissal* option 8:30am - 1:00pm
3-Day Linden Class
For Ages 3 - 6 Years Old
Monday - Wednesday
8:30am to 3:15pm // *Early Dismissal* option 8:30am - 1:00pm
Daily Rhythm
8:30am - Welcome, Free Play & Domestic Work
9:30am - Artistic Activity
10:00am - Circle Time, Puppet Show/Storytime
10:15am - Group Snack
10:45am - Walk to the Garden for Outdoor Play
12:00pm - Return from Garden
12:15pm - Lunch
1:00pm - Early Dismissal
1:30pm Nap Time (staggered based on individual children's needs)
2:00pm Indoor free play (with artistic / sensory activity)
2:45pm Afternoon snack
3:15pm Dismissal
Meet Our Teachers
Dr. Anke Scheinfeld
Dr. Anke Scheinfeld has been a Waldorf early childhood educator for nearly two decades. She received her Masters in Early Childhood Waldorf Education from Sunbridge College. Prior to teaching, Anke worked as a physician and researcher in Germany, Great Britain, and the USA.
She received her medical degree from the Westfälische Wilhelms Universität in Münster, Germany, and is board certified in Anatomic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology. Anke’s focus is bringing to her students and school community the salutogenic, healing impulse of Waldorf education. She creates a nurturing and joyful environment in the classroom while inviting her students to challenge themselves in ways that foster physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Anke respects the unfolding individuality of every child while providing guidance toward experiences that support balanced development. In this way each child can find their purposeful place within their community.
Anke is an inspired student herself. She enjoys learning with parents and colleagues through everyday work, and in study groups and workshops. She explores human nature through intellectual as well as artistic endeavors. Anke loves to create with her hands, using natural materials to make playthings and practical objects.
Anke’s children, Isaac and Noa, attended Waldorf school from Parent and Child Class through Grade 12. Her husband, Andrew, is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist at NYU.