Imitation is a vital part of early childhood development. In Waldorf education, we often speak of being worthy of imitation—but what does this truly mean? Young children experience the world through their senses, absorbing everything in their environment without the filters that adults have. They learn through play, and when we engage in meaningful, purposeful work, they naturally follow.
Rudolf Steiner expressed this beautifully:
"The task of the kindergarten teacher is to adjust the work taken from daily life so that it becomes suitable for the children's play activities. The whole point...is to give young children the opportunity to imitate life in a simple and wholesome way."
When we immerse ourselves in real, practical activities, children are drawn to participate without being asked. In the Waldorf kindergarten, this means caring for our environment and each other—sweeping, raking, gardening, cooking, baking, cleaning, mending, and tending. These tasks cultivate a child’s belief in their own capabilities, fostering resilience, determination, and a sense of purpose.
There is also a deep element of warmth in these activities, which supports children's physical development. A warm, nurturing environment—whether through the hearth of the home, the rhythm of family culture, or appropriate clothing for the season—helps preserve the child’s energy for growing vital organs and building strength. Providing warmth, both physically and emotionally, meets the developing child’s essential needs.
As parents, caregivers, and teachers, we create the environment from which children take their examples. This includes media exposure—one reason Waldorf early childhood classrooms remain free of digital influences. We aim to offer children experiences that are real, tangible, and at a pace they can process.
In the classroom, a Waldorf teacher is often found sweeping, mending, cooking, or repairing toys—intentionally modeling meaningful work. This living example enriches children’s play, shaping their sense of purpose and engagement. Try engaging in practical work—sweeping, cooking, or tidying—while children play nearby, and you may soon find eager little hands joining in.
