About the Instructor

The Green Preschool in Kailua (formerly Na Pualani Preschool) was started by Pualani Ramos in February of 2000. She opened the school upon her return to Oahu after having taught at Haleakala Waldorf School on Maui for a year, and before that, completing her Waldorf certification at the West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy, Vancouver, BC. Ms. Ramos also taught at Whatcom Hills Waldorf School and the Irene Reither Primary School in Bellingham, WA. As a Waldorf teacher Auntie Pualani strives to maintain the highest standards in teaching. Following the Waldorf curriculum as a model, she personally designs all aspects of the program. Creative circle is sung by Auntie herself; no recorded music is used. Stories are carefully chosen to match the season and the circle and are told to the children as a story teller would tell a story: from the heart. Auntie also has degree in art; a BFA from University of Hawaii, and has produced professional art work. Pualani is a dance and movement advocate and studies ballet, modern and yoga.  These disciplines are reflected in the creative circles she composes for her students.  Her knowledge and enjoyment of art informs enriches everything she brings to her class.

Schedule of Activities

The schedule of activities in a Waldorf environment is called the daily rhythm. We prefer the word “rhythm” because a rhythm breathes in and out. An out-breath would be an activity that moves; like free play. An in-breath would be a more focused activity like painting or eating snack. Our free play sessions are sprinkled with in-breath activities like drawing, painting, or baking bread. Our daily rhythm is as follows:

8:30 – 9 am: Arrival & free play
9 am – 10:45 am: Free play & activities
10:45 – 11 am: Clean-up
11 – 11:45 am: First lunch
11:45 – 12:30 pm: Free play
12:30 – 1:30 pm: Circle & story time
1: 30– 2:00 pm: Free play & activities
2:00 – 2:40 pm: Second Lunch
2:40 – 3:00 pm: Free play & dismissal

Curriculum

Much of the curriculum takes its inspiration from nature, so children learn to love our planet and respect our environment. The rhythm of the seasons and traditional holidays guide the curriculum through the academic year. The daily rhythm guides the child through the day and the weekly rhythm guides weekly activities. Three rhythms nested inside each other envelope the child in a rich cultural, educational experience that lays a solid foundation for future learning in any environment. Children learn through doing and so experience a wonderful sense of self confidence and personal enjoyment which follows them through their academic careers.

Small Group in an Intimate Setting

A small group of playmates allows children to fully express themselves and at the same time learn appropriate social skills. A small group of children in a home environment allows for more expanded experiences like having a garden that the children themselves tend and plant, baking bread, sewing useful items, making their own play dough, creative water play in the sprinkler, a large sand pit to dig in, monthly field trips that parents attend with their children and seasonal festivals that bring families together. A class composed of a small group allows the families at the school to form friendships and support each other.

Call 808-262-3253 or use our contact form to arrange a visit to the school. Mahalo!