Ana Melissa D. Ortiz
Writer
"LET'S play!" this was how Maria Gracia Cabaero-Ferreros invited the children and parents in St. Michael's Play Garden to learn.
"To play is to learn," she added.
St. Michael’s Play Garden is working under the philosophy of Steiner Waldorf education and is the only Waldorf-inspired playschool in Cebu.
Ferreros, the school coordinator, said, "We go with the nature of the young child."
Instead of making the kids sit down, be quiet, and listen to the teacher, the Waldorf philosophy allows them to talk and play. This develops them socially, emotionally, and mentally.
The school provides the kids with natural toys instead of the store-bought ones. They have sewn dolls and tree branches that let kids infuse their problem-solving skills through playing. The children are taught science by gardening and art through painting. This is why St. Michael's Play School provides a creative and stress-free learning.
Ferreros started the playschool in July 2011. It was through her son that led her to this teaching philosophy. As a mother, she wanted her son to have the same happy childhood as hers. As an educator for many years, she wanted a holistic teaching method that's fun. So, she researched on different teaching methods until she met a Steiner-Waldorf teacher in a seminar. When she learned that one can teach Math to kids through exercise, she realized this was it.
She wants to invite parents and teachers to come and observe this philosophy in teaching. Visitors can see how the children play and how the school offers a healthy environment for the kids.
St. Michael's Play Garden is located at Coast Pacific Street, St. Michael's Village Road, Banilad. Contact the playschool through their website,www.stmichaelaplaygarden.com, for further information.