For information about Waldorf education, you can visit www.whywaldorfworks.com. Prairie Moon was founded by a group of parents and community members committed to bringing Waldorf education to Lawrence, Kansas. Since the initial impulse began in 1997, and then again in 2001, the school community has grown and blossomed. For the young children (ages 3-6), the school is a haven for childhood, allowing sufficient time for free play, outside play, the creative arts, practical work and rest (when needed). Seasonal verses, songs, puppet shows, fingerplays, and storytelling told in a weekly rhythm help to strengthen the child's ability to listen and concentrate, expand language development, foster memory growth, and create the foundation for long term literacy. In addition, movement and circle games also help improve physical coordination and dexterity, and build capacities for the understanding of mathematical concepts. The grades program (grades 1-6) has seen many successes, particularly for children who have been 'burnt-out' on learning in mainstream education. While even children who do well in mainstream education, when coming to Prairie Moon have a new initiative and develop a love of learning that they may not have experienced before. The grades curriculum is an experiential process that brings the 'facts' alive and the children are more readily able to grasp the concepts. They receive specialty classes in handwork, movement and language (German).