Linden & Magnolia Classes
For Children 3 - 4 Years Old
Reverence for Nature, Reverence for Childhood
Our warm and creative Pre-K 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.
Students will spend part of their days in our beautiful early childhood classrooms playing with toys that inspire imagination and soaking in the deep enrichment of the Waldorf early childhood environment.
They also will be immersed in nature daily when working and playing in our partner community garden, El Jardin del Paradiso. They will be enriched by experiencing the natural elements throughout the seasons.
*Children in this class are expected to be potty trained by the beginning of the school year*
Program Offerings
Linden (5-Day Pre-K)
For Ages 3 - 4 Years Old
Monday - Friday
8:30am to 3:00pm
Magnolia (3-Day Pre-K)
For Ages 3 - 4 Years Old
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
8:30am to 3:00pm
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 Linden (5-Day) Lead Teacher
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.
Meet our Magnolia (3-Day) Lead Teacher
Margaret Kenworthy Ms. Margaret is the Magnolia Lead Pre-K teacher. She grew up in the heart of Washington, D.C. and moved to New York City in 2019. Margaret received her bachelor's degree from the College of Charleston in South Carolina and has always had a passion for teaching and working with children from all walks of life. From participating in mentoring and tutoring programs to teaching middle school English in Thailand, she has found joy in it all! Margaret understands the value of the Waldorf pedagogy and the importance of this type of education, especially in the current world we live in. When she is not in the classroom, you will find Margaret planning special events and festivals for our New Amsterdam School community.