The book „Die Grüne Wolke“ was published in Reinbek, Germany in 1973. It first appeared in London, in 1938, titled „The Last Man Alive: A Story for Children from the Age of Seven to Seventy“ by A.S. Neill. The contained stories were gathered from his work with schoolchildren in Summerhill. Naturally, „The Last Man Alive“ is not a fitting name for a Kindergarden, so we decided the Geerman name was more
suitable.

Our Kinderladen „Grüne Wolke e.V. (Spanish-German Kita)“ is intended to be an anti- uthoritative facility founded on the principles of A.S. Neill (1883-1973). We strive for a relationship between our children, parents and personnel of emotional well-being and a stable social and cognitive development. We want each child to be happy and satisfied. We believe successful learning and a fulfilled life are based on a confident and secure foundation.

In order to achieve these goals to which we are dedicated, we have chosen to be independently managed.
The anti-authoritative education is not to be confused with „Laissez Faire“. Our teaching goals provide limits and standards that children (depending on their age) can readily accept. In this way, the influence of false authorities can be reduced by self-determination, a democratic structure and education without angst/fear.

Pedagocial Conception

The complete conception in pdf format can be downloaded here.

 

Daily routine, group structure, activities, fees

Our opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Drop-off times: 8:00 to 8:20 a.m. and 9:00 to 9:20 a.m.
Pick-up times: 1:15 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Our meals:
Breakfast: 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Lunch: approx. 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.
Snack: from 3:30 p.m.
All meals are vegetarian and the food comes from certified organic farming.
The food is freshly prepared in our own kitchen.

The group: 20 places – mixed ages – from 1 year until school entry. Inclusive facility for children with special needs. We have space for 2–3 inclusion children. These are specifically supported by our specialist inclusion educator.

Languages: The aim is to establish English, Spanish and German as equal everyday languages in the daycare. Language acquisition takes place through immersion in all three languages. There are no language courses. The morning circle alternates between German, English and Spanish. The languages are assigned to specific staff members: two educators speak German, one English and one Spanish with the children. In our team, the languages are spoken by native speakers.

Regular activities:
Pottery: every two weeks in the afternoon, with Ruth Stolzenberg.
Early music education: with drums and various African instruments with Akinola, a music educator from Nigeria.
Songs and dances: with professional piano accompaniment.
We are outside every day and in all weather conditions!

Additionally: Yoga, educational guided games, cycling with bikes and balance bikes, theater and museum visits, forest days, projects, visits to Volkspark Friedrichshain and much more …

Fees: The facility is state-funded and receives per-place funding from the Senate.
The youth welfare office (Jugendamt), childcare department of the district responsible for the child’s place of residence, determines the childcare needs and issues childcare vouchers. At the same time, the district office sets the monthly parental contribution. In addition, by signing the childcare contract, parents become members of the association. The association charges an additional monthly fee of €50 for entrance fees, materials, pottery firing costs, additional meals, organic food, etc.

Of course, we work according to the Berlin Education Program.

As a parent-initiative daycare, Grüne Wolke e.V. is organized under the umbrella organization of Berlin daycare and school centers (DaKS e.V.).