Heaven on Earth balances theoretical understanding of child development with practical ideas, resources, and tips that can transform family life. Readers will learn how to establish the life rhythms that lay the foundation for all learning; how to design indoor play environments that allow children the broadest skills development; and how to create backyard play spaces that encourage vigorous movement and a wide sensory palette. Through art, storytelling, and the festival celebrations, this book is a guide to build a ?family culture? based on the guiding principle of love. Such a culture supports children and allows the free development of each unique soul.

Research shows that three essentials are necessary for young children's learning: a broad palette of sensory experience; vigorous and fine movement in response to sensory input; and the opportunity to imitate what the child sees modelled in the environment. These activities are the backbone of the academic foundation that parents should look for in an early childhood program. This helpful book takes an in-depth look at Waldorf kindergartens, and what approach they offer. It includes chapters on a typical day in a kindergarten, handwork, human development through art, circle time, fairy tales, seasons and festivals, and much more. This collection of insightful articles by experienced early-childhood educators, published in cooperation with WECAN, brings both an overview and a deeper understanding of these essentials at work in the daily life of the Waldorf kindergarten.