Madeleine Snyder
Star Garden Kindergarten Assistant,
Extended Care Teacher
Madelaine was originally introduced to Waldorf education as a parent. In Waldorf, she quickly found a place not only of education but of community for both herself and her young child. Within a year, she knew that this was the next chapter of her life.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Madelaine was part of a large family. As the oldest of eight children, her passion and understanding of early life began to form at a young age. She spent most of her time exploring nature and caring for her younger siblings.
In adulthood, Madelaine has spent the last decade of her life independently educating herself on early childhood and attachment. She strongly believes in and has a deep reverence for the beauty and wonder of childhood. Madelaine is thrilled to join City Of Fountains as an assistant in the Star Garden kindergarten classroom and being a small part of this incredible work.
At home, Madelaine loves being a full time parent. She enjoys hiking with her family, building things, gardening (indoor and outdoor) and crocheting.
Star Garden
The mixed-ages kindergarten is a gentle, home-like environment in which children are given the opportunity to learn and play through purposeful activity. Reverence is held for both the natural world and the natural unfolding of the child. The day is structured in a rhythmic movement that engages the whole child in a slow awakening to their independent capabilities while deepening their sense of wholeness and interconnectivity with the world surrounding them.
In the kindergarten classroom at City of Fountains School a nature story, fairy or folk tale is told in oral tradition each week, puppet plays are performed by the teacher to bring the stories to life and later taken up by each child in acting. Movement through free play, seasonal circles or imaginative games is experienced throughout each day. Songs are sung and danced, poetic verses and nursery rhymes are shared in finger-plays to engage them artistically in themes of practical life, nature's seasons and festivals.
Some days you may find us baking together, or painting, playing a game or concentrated upon a seasonal craft. If you peek in mid-morning, you might find us gathered around a fully set table enjoying a seasonal bowl of soup, fresh baked bread or fruits. Every day, you will see playing, both inside our classroom and outdoors – rain or shine; a connection to the cycle of the year, bringing a sense of well-being.
