Mulberry Kindergarten
For Children 4 - 6
Only In Nature Can We Learn To Be Human
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.
A typical day in our kindergarten includes self-directed play, gardening, music & movement, games, nature walks, seasonal crafts, and storytelling.
Hands-on activities transform a child’s sensory experiences into an intimate knowledge of themselves and the world around them. By participating in various creative and practical work, children develop fine and gross motor skills, executive function, socialization, and the concentration necessary for educational and social success later on.
Program Offerings
Mulberry Kindergarten (Early Dismissal)
Ages 4-6 | Monday-Friday | 8:30am - 1:00pm
Mulberry Kindergarten (Full Day)
Ages 4-6 | Monday-Friday | 8:30am - 3:15pm
Daily Rhythm
8:30am Arrival at New Amsterdam School
9:00am-Walk to El Jardin del Paraiso
9:30am Morning Circle
9:45am Nature Walk
10:15am Stations & Creative Work
10:35am Snack
10:45am Free Play
12:00pm Tidy Time
12:15pm Walk back to New Amsterdam School
12:30pm Lunch and Storytime
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 Mulberry Lead Teacher
Jeannie McGartland grew up immersed in the natural world and pursued that passion through a career in outdoor education. Jeannie received her Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Certification from Sophia’s Hearth, as well as a M.Ed. in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education from Antioch University. Prior to working in Waldorf education, Jeannie worked in nature-based education throughout the northeast US and Europe, managed an international film festival, and she holds an undergraduate degree in acting/musical theatre. Jeannie brings her leadership skills, educational expertise, and passion for nature to our early childhood program as our Lead Kindergarten Teacher.