• Owner: Wiebke Larsen
• Phone: 510-204-9346
• Email:
• Neighborhood:
• Zip:
• License #: 073405350
• Capacity: 6
• Website: http://www.childrenssonnenhouse.com/
• Bilingual:
• Ages:

Re: Pre-School Recommendations in Oakland/Berkeley
The moment I walked into Wiebke Larson's preschool, Children's Sonnen House, which means Sun House, I felt like I had stepped into an enchanted world. I had visited other preschools. I had even been a preschool teacher for several years. Never had I experienced the joy, the flowing peacefulness, the unbelievable creativity, and the sense of magical presence that I felt as I watched these children play in Wiebke's home. I knew I had found the right preschool for my child.

My daughter was privileged to be with Wiebke for one full school year. She learned to sew, to bake, to find fairies in the garden, and to magically transform chairs into trains. She was guided from circle time to free play to snack in the most gentle, seamless way as Wiebke's song or movement would gently guide the children to the next activity.

The children are held at Wiebke's in the most tender embrace of an atmosphere that truly matches their rhythm, that respects and supports their natural creativity and imagination, and that feeds their souls. Finding like-minded parents who also want this kind of atmosphere for their children was another gift of finding Wiebke's preschool. Our daughter remains best friends with several of the children she met there, and our families have remained close.

Wiebke Larson is the most loving, caring teacher a parent could ever find to entrust their precious preschoolers to. If you recognize the importance of preserving early childhood as a time of play, imagination, and creativity, and understand that this is the most solid foundation one can provide for all later learning, then this is the preschool for you and your child. You can call her at 510/204-9346. Check out their website at www.childrenssonnenhouse.com

This is what my daughter, Rachel, has to say about her experiences at Children's Sonnen House:

It was fun, playful, kind, and beautiful. I really liked how the kids treated each other and me. Wiebke was a very funny, imaginative, and kind pre-school teacher. My favorite things to do there were celebrate birthdays and baking real things. I liked the birthdays because we got to sit on a throne and wear a crown and a cape.

Linda

I looked at many preschools for my daughter, but when I visited The Sonnen House, I knew I had found something very special. I wasn't looking for a waldorf preschool, but I loved what I saw. Wiebke Larson, a very experienced waldorf preschool teacher, runs the most magical and loving preschool from her home in El Cerrito. It is a small preschool, 6 children usually, and she creates a wonderful family environment that supports and celebrates each individual child's growth and creativity. With songs, magical stories, baking, friendships, animals and a warmth that is beyond description, my daughter was happy there for several years. Wiebke is a true treasure, and I found the small intimate size of her school to be perfect for my little girl. happy parent

Re: Preschool for anxious kid
Have you considered a Waldorf approach? If it interests you at all, I suggest you visit Children's Sonnen house in El Cerrito. Wiebke Larson runs a beautiful preschool out of her home. It is very small and holds a shy or anxious child well. Wieble has a wealth of experience and heart, really knows and loves each child. My daughter went there for 3 years and thrived. Childrens Sonnen House 510-204-9346 Katie

My 4 year old daughter has attended Children's Sonnen House since she was 2 1/2. Wiebke Larsen is a gifted young child educator who supports and loves each child uniquely. She has created a nurturing environment in her home in which children can truly imagine, trust, and grow into confident, caring and creative individuals. Each week for 1 1/2 years we have felt so grateful to have found Wiebke, and cannot imagine a better way for our daughter to enter the world of school and play. Sonnen House is Waldorf-based, but not exclusively so; Wiebke has had many students go on to other schools in the area. We were not that familiar with Waldorf education (based on Rudolph Steiner's writings, Waldorf for young children puts a strong emphasis on imagination and play) but it has been a true pleasure and inspiration to have Wiebke in our lives. Happy Parent

Looking for a wonderful loving, gentle, caring preschool for your little one? Children's Sonnen house (510-204-9346)is your answer. It is a Waldorf preschool in El Cerrito. It is ran by Wiebke (over 20yrs experience as a Waldorf teacher). My 4 yr old boy goes 3 days a week (9am to 1pm) She is open M-TH 9am to 1pm. We love it there. She tends to the children without interfering with their creativity. She guides them in their play and holds a caring loving place for them to grow and be nurtured. There are only 6 children each day so the children get to form good bonds with their friends. If your looking for a small Waldorf community this is it. Happy Waldorf Parent

Re: Waldorf Preschool in East Bay
The Waldorf-inspired preschool, Children's Sonnen House, is excellent. Wiebke Larsen taught kindergarten at the East Bay Waldorf School for many years before opening her own program. She is located in El Cerrito and can be reached at 510-204-9346. If her program is full, contact me by email or 510-223-3570, ext. 2105 to receive a list of other Waldorf-inspired programs. Judy

I would like to know if anyone else has sent their child to the Waldorf preschool in Berkeley called Children's Sonnen House. I've toured the school and really like what I saw, and I especially liked the woman who runs it.There are very few spaces left and I need to decide soon. I would like to get other peoples feedback who have had experience with the school. I'm at a delimma because there are a couple of other schools that I haven't yet toured, but I'm afraid that I will loose my spot at Sonnen House. Is it worth jumping at the chance? Was your child happy there? Laurey