Rhythm is often spoken about with high regard in Steiner education. 

We take the idea of daily/weekly/yearly rhythms from the natural world around us - the rise and fall of the sun, the phases of the moon, the cycle of seasons, the ebb and flow of the tide.  Similarly, our bodies too are permeated by rhythm- the beating of our hearts, our breath, our cycles. 

When we intentionally move with our natural internal and external rhythms, we find a steadiness.  It gives us an anchor, an undercurrent to feel safe and settled in. 

Our children find this same safe knowing in having their own daily and weekly rhythms.

They can feel safe and allow for an expansion within, in having a predictability in what's happening outside of themselves.  It offers a stable environment during the rapid growth and changes of the body during childhood. 

We find that children who have this strong sense of rhythm are generally less nervous or anxious and are free to further explore their world. 

Rhythm does not mean rigidity.  Neither does it mean that one cannot be spontaneous.  Of course there needs to be room for some fun spontaneity! Rather, it is there to hold the steady undercurrent.  The beat. 

As in the world of music, when we have a steady beat, there is room for all kinds of magic and happenings to move and weave around it.