“Come, little leaves” said the wind one day,
“Come over the meadows with me, and play;
Put on your dresses of red and gold;
Summer is gone, and the days grow cold.”



Dear Acorns families,

As we say goodbye to Sweet Summer, we greet the fresh mornings and the golden sunsets of Autumn; it is that time of the year again! The cooler winds and the leaves falling to the ground, soon turning to vibrant red, yellow and brown colours telling us it is gathering time, a fresh start; the days are getting slowly darker and nature is slowing down.
So, let me take this opportunity to welcome all our families, new and old!
As this is probably one of our favourite seasons, us leaders love to share our activities with you and your children, baking bread, painting, weaving wool,making gnomes, lanterns and much more.



BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN!


YOU CAN ALL BOOK FOR YOUR SESSIONS FROM THE 1ST SEPTEMBER 2014 
FOR BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SESSIONS.


All fees for parent and child sessions are paid termly in advance through the bookings system here, top bar.

 First register your family, if you are not already registered, then log in.


Price for term £80.00 (sibling price £40.00).

Please note that we don't offer drop in sessions,
 nor we are able to take cash or cheques for single sessions. 

Also, your chosen day and time session is fixed and the same each week; this is in order to form friendship through a safe and secure group, to establish continuity and growing relationship with the leaders and the members of each individual group session.

Any further questions, more info about sessions, please, email us through 'contact us' or,  text Susannah on 07837931643




We are resuming our sessions on


 Monday 15th September

Autumn term dates are: 
from 15/09/14 to 12/12/14



WE HAVE A SPECIAL OPEN MORNING


ON WEDNESDAY 10TH


10AM START


YOU ARE ALL INVITED, REGULAR FAMILIES AND NEW PARENTS AND CARERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO RECONNECT, GET A FEEL OF THE SESSION AND MEET THE LEADERS. 
THE SESSION IS FREE, AS A SAMPLE SESSION AND WILL RUN LIKE A USUAL 2 HOURS LONG SESSION; 
YOU CAN ASK QUESTIONS, GET MORE INFO AND SIGN UP ON THE DAY!

Any further questions, more info about sessions, please, email us through 'contact us' or,  text Susannah on 07837931643


 Up to date info, latest news about the running of sessions or festivals, additional drop in sessions,  or cancellations, always please click on 'news'; if you can't find the info you need then click on 'contact us'








Please note that the Monday afternoon sessions are
Yogart:
 Mondays 13.30 to 15.00 @ Church of Ascension
more details about this session on our news page


YES! we are offering an exciting new session
Monday 13.30 to 15.00 IS YOGArt group SESSION
BLENDING YOGA AND ART,
where we move, stretch, explore, play games, paint, create, share; this session is open to children aged 3 upwards, we welcome older children from nursery/Kindergarten.

Sessions’ Timetable


Indoor sessions @ Church of Ascension,
 Dartmouth Row, SE10 8AW

Mondays 10.00 to 12.00 

Wednesdays 10.30 to 12.30 

Thursdays 10.00 to 12.00


Mondays 13.30-15.00 YOGArt

Outdoor sessions: 
Tuesdays 10.00 to 12.00 @ Hilly Fields

Fridays from 10.00 to 12.00 @ Oxleas Woods

The outdoor sessions will run throughout the year








Looking forward to meet you all,




Susannah and the Acorns team

Monday 23rd June

9.30 @ Woodlands (Drop off Playgroup)


This is your chance to visit and participate, observe and ask questions.

Come to the Drop off session as a visitor (bookings only) and experience in person; leaders/teachers will be available for more info and questions.

Please if you would like a space contact Maria or Erika through the contact form. 


Parents of children who are two years old already, and wish to start playgroup in September apply now!

Parent and Child session on that day will also be open for visitors by appointment only, apply by simply sending a brief request via contact form.


Acorns Playgroup is for 2 to 3 years old, and it is a natural transition from Parent and Child group, getting the children used to the rhythms of the Kindergarten, making them feel more independent, creative and start socialize and play with their little friends. A couple of hours away from mummy and daddy makes the child feel like a 'big boy' or 'big girl'!

 Yes, we still have some places available for September intake as, of course a bunch of children are moving up to Kindergarten.
 
Playgroup will start back on the 8th September 2013.
 The fee is £820 per term, this is for 4 days a week.

We also offer 2 or 3 day sessions;
 the fee for 2 days a week is £410 per term, 
3 days a week is £605 per term

 A fee deposit of £200 is required on acceptance of a child`s place at playgroup, but this is deducted from the fees due for the final term that the child is at playgroup.



Playgroup is held at the Greenwich Steiner School, Woodlands building, 09.30 - 11.30 am, Monday to Thursday.

 An additional Forest school day is offered, as part of Playgroup  which means we will have the whole session outside at Woodlands/Mycenae Gardens.For more info ask the leader.

 This is a brief description of a daily rhythm of the group:
We start the session outdoors where we can all enjoy some fresh air and have adventures. 
After outside time at 10.00am we go indoors and we get ready for toilet time where all toilet trained children use the toilet, nappies are changed if needed and all children wash their hands. We sing a few songs while we wait for everyone to be ready.
At about 10.20 we have our ring time, singing seasonal songs and nursery rhymes with the children, followed by story time. 
After this, at around 10.40 am, we go to the snack table, sing our blessing and eat our snack (Which often turns into more of a meal!); 
at about 11.00 children have finished eating, we say thank you for the food and they leave the table to have free indoor play and activities. These are the activities which mark the weekly rhythm:

 Mon. making bread rolls
 Tue. art with crayons
Wed. making vegetable soup,
 Thu art with watercolours painting. 
We start to tidy at around 11.25 and gather for 
goodbye songs and our session ends at 11.30 am. 

Our settling in period is extended over the course of two weeks to help with the settling in process of your child into the group.

Birthdays and festivals are celebrated throughout the year and we will keep you informed of these.

If you are still interested you need to download the application form from here:
 www.greenwichacorns.org.uk and send it to us via email 
(as the school is closed for the summer holidays). 
We will be in contact in due course regarding an interview(an informal chat)and is for completion of the child`s profile, also gives us a better picture of the child. It will also enable the parents/guardians to have a better picture of the Playgroup and questions answered.
It would be great if you could let us know asap if you are still interested and 
which days you would prefer for your son/daughter to attend.


If you have any further questions, please don`t hesitate to get in touch.

The Acorns Drop off Playgroup team.

Dear Acorns’ Families,

NEXT TERM STARTS ON 

MONDAY 13TH JANUARY 2014

PLEASE BOOK ON LINE  FROM BOXING DAY

AND AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

http://www.greenwichacorns.org.uk/

Please, on Boxing day click on Booking to sign up to your favorite sessions.
On this website you may browse for extra information about our Parent and Child sessions and ethos, but also place your booking for this coming term and all the following ones.
 For your information, or the latest news if you click on top bar on 'news' and our current sessions are listed under the Timetable section.

PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE SUSPENDING THE OUTDOOR SESSIONS BETWEEN CHRISTMAS 2013 AND EASTER 2014. PLEASE GO TO NEWS CLOSER TO EASTER TIME TO CHECK THE EXACT START DATE, THANKS.

If you go to the Booking tab you will be taken directly to our secure online booking system https://bookings.greenwichacorns.org.uk

The whole process is pretty straightforward. You will first need to register yourself. (This is a one time process; so if you've done that in previous terms, you're already registered with us)

You’ll then instantly receive an invite via email (this is for security purposes) with a link that you must click on to confirm your email address. Once you've done that you’ll be safe to log in and add your child or children, and book your chosen session(s).

We'll no longer require your posting a cheque to us. You will now be paying online using credit or debit card.

Immediately after you have paid via our secure payment gateway you’ll receive an e-mail confirmation of your booking and acknowledgement of payment. 



Should you have queries, please contact us by clicking on 'contact' on the website

Please remember all our sessions welcome babies and toddlers of the whole age range 0-3. However, the Bumps and Babes (pregnant mums and young babies) can actually be a separate group at the leader's home, please, if you feel this is something you would like, contact us.



We have a special creative art with movement and interactive storytime on Monday pm that could attract slightly older children, see website for more info.



Looking forward to more togetherness,




The Acorns Team






Acorns is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers. Please persist if you haven’t received an answer within 3 days of placing your query. Also, your help is much appreciated when it comes to donating fruit or veg and washing a cup or two.

- - - - 

www.greenwichacorns.org.uk

A Parent and Child Art group:
 a new session from September 2013, 
This session is suitable for older children, 
from around 3 years old to Kindergarten age and beyond, 
inviting home educating families.

This will be an afternoon session from 1.30pm to 3pm on Mondays
at Church of Ascension, Dartmouth Row

We especially welcome single parents in this group sessions; 
using art as the main form of expression, especially painting, 
offering a gentle and nourishing time were the parents are held and 
supported by a leader with strong artistic influence and such leader, 
a single parent herself, will be able to share the journey as a single parent. 


First session free trial!

Bookings:

http://www.greenwichacorns.org.uk/timetable-and-prices.html

 Welcome to the new exciting and almost always sunny summer term!


Wednesday Parent and Child - Acorns Craft Group session:


These sessions have a focus on craft; this is the time and space for being creative and learn a new and original craft, perhaps using materials that you find at home, upcycling, or learning a new artistic technique.

This is a session where you can come and share skills and  be inventive and crafty, but also where your child can relax and play while you 'work'. Parents attending with children
take turn to sing songs, prepare snack, while the facilitator guides you through the craft activity. Sometimes the project doesn't get finished on the day, so you have time to go back to it and add to it and make it as original and beautiful! Some of the projects can be sold at our special festival days, this term it will be our May Fair.

 Often it is something for you to keep or give as a present to someone you love.
The children enjoy seeing the parents at work and play happily or want to 'help'. Children can do simple crafts or drawing, or if they are older and able make something themselves!

 This group session will start ofiicially at 10.30 from the 1st May.
The sessions will be 10.30 to 12.30 each Wednesdays and you can book through our Acorns website http://www.greenwichacorns.org.uk/index.html

 The facilitators of this special group welcome you to the new term and wish
to share a plan for the term so that you come prepared. This does not mean that if you want to come with your own knitting or project! We welcome all crafty people to come and show us what you can do too!

 So here is the summer term plan for Wednesday Parent and Child sessions to
come:

 ACORNS PARENT & CHILD
WEDNESDAY GROUP CRAFTS PLAN

 FIRST SESSION- BROOCHES

 We will be making little brooches using small fabric off-cuts, buttons,
beads and any other materials that you will find interesting to create your pieces.
 Thread and some felt fabric will be provided.
 You will need to bring all the other materials that you would like to use in your pieces.

 SECOND SESSION- LITTLE FELT MICE

 In this week we will be making little mice. 
Please bring any wool off-cuts to make these delightful
creatures.
 Thread and some felt fabric will be provided.

 THIRD SESSION, (TWO WEEKS)- WOOL CAPE

 The craft from these two weeks is dedicated to our beautiful beloved little ones.
 We will be crafting a warm and cosy wool cape out of old wool jumpers or cardigans.
 Please bring an old jumper or cardigan. It will be preferable a large size, if you do not have it, it will be easy to find it in a charity shop.
You will also have to buy a bias tape which you can do after you have
cut the jumper in the first session. Thread will be provided.

 FOURTH SESSION, (THREE WEEKS)- FABRIC LAMP

 During these three weeks we will be making a pendant shade out of fabric off-cuts.
 We will be using a technique which is used in the making of paper-maché. Fabric will be glued to a balloon until we reached the right shade shape.
The shade will be after trimmed with a pompom or fringed edge.
 Please bring cotton off-cuts. You will need to bring the pompom or
fringed trim after you finish shaping your shade. Glue and balloons will be provided.

 FIFTH SESSION, (THREE WEEKS)- SHIRT CUSSION COVER

 During these three weeks we will be making a cushion cover out of an
old shirt. We will be leaving the button line and the front pocket. The pocket
can be use to put your remote controls.
Please bring an old shirt, a large size is preferable and a thicker cotton fabric for the back of your cushion.

 Thread will be provided.

We have only just added an exciting new outdoor venue:
Hilly Fields - A brand new session now offered each Tuesday morning, 10am-12noon.

http://www.hilly.org.uk/


The structure of the outdoor sessions is as follows:

Nature walk- 10- 10.30
Snack time-10.30- 11.00
Play time-11.00 - 11.30
Craft (during free play time)
Tidy up
Ring time/Storytelling 11.45-12.00

We gather at a meeting point at 9.45 for 10.00 start.
It is easy to meet by the cafe Pistachio in the Park which is at the top of the hill right in the middle of Hilly Fields. It is a lovely cafe and very children friendly!

What we do:
We begin the sessions with a
nature walk
 from the cafe towards the stone circle here, we stop to play, then we carry on down to the left, following a circle around the perimeter of the park anti clockwise; there is an opportunity to explore the space around us: we always go along our usual path that leads us to our gathering area, which is the fenced area near the bowling, where logs and benches await us, amongst flowers and bushes, perfect for the little ones to feel that they can explore,play 'house' or hide and seek, with the adults knowing the gate is closed!
We do many things, sing the little songs, look at little creatures, hear the birds  and watch the  little wonders of  nature.

Experience the outdoors in its simplicity.
We like to believe that we let Mother Nature sing her songs to us and we just open
our senses and listen...

We see what can be found that we may use to either build dens for the children or houses for the fairies...We meet crocodiles, cheeky goblins, toads, and bears, even the
Gruffalo... and whatever the imagination of the children
allow!

Craft
We gather objects for a possible nature craft, whatever Mother nature got in store for us,
literally everything is interesting: dry leaves, pine cones, acorns, conkers;
this is our common activity, like gathering twigs for crafts, or other interesting objects for the treasure collection, making necklaces from the red berries and strings or sitting quietly listening to the Nature noises...

Snack time
We bring food for a shared picnic prepared in advance and brought along with the hot thermos of herbal tea, chamomile and honey, lavender, eldeflower for summer or for the winter, soup,
and,  on special occasions, rice milk hot chocolate drink!
 
Ring Time
We say good morning to the birds, stones, flowers and trees and
go on a 'singing journey'   riding ponies, or being hopping bunnies; this is our Ring Time/Story
Time, when we get everyone together and conclude the session.

What to wear and what to bring:
Please bring along: Containers, tissues, plates/cups for picnic time, plus a blanket/picnic mat to sit on.
Please wear lots of layers, thermal vests and long johns, woolen vests under garments, 
wool sweaters and padded waterproofs, like all in one or separate top and bottom thick trousers, possibly like ski- wear in winter and hats that stay on the children's heads.
The parents and the children who look more relaxed and play happily are the warm ones!

Travel and
Parking:
I believe that Hilly Fields have free parking around it. Hilly Fields is very easy to get to by bus. For map and travel  info go to the  relevant  links.

Who can come:
Although we are part of Acorns parent and child group, we have
a variety of ages in the park, as we welcome toddlers, siblings,
babies in slings, older children, daddies and mummies and child carers, families
with toddlers, young children and older children too, home educators, grandmas
and grandads too, in fact, everyone is welcome, all ages!
To book for these sessions click on bookings and choose the Tuesday morning outdoor session and pay on line as usual. It's easy. May I remind you that even with outdoor groups we ask people to commit for the term in advance. It is still the leader's precious time and energy to prepare for the session each week. However we invite people to drop in as guests, which more often results in a new Acorns member of the group!

In and out the dusty bluebells...
...who shall be my partner?


 Dear Acorns’ Families, 

We warmly invite you to the new term, which will be the summer term!

 Soon the wind and rain will be forgotten and the roses will blossom as beautiful as ever! The
bluebells are already growing in Oxleas Woods and the daffodils make a bright yellow carpet in Greenwich park!

 The fairies whisper new things are coming our way!
New leaders joining us and more sessions available! 

I hope you are able to attend our Easter break drop ins and Spring Gathering, details have been sent out to you already and they are on the website- click on
'news'.

 If you are currently attending a session, or more, please, may I remind you that unfortunately we don't have a way to reserve your space, so as soon as you are able to book online for next term, the more of a chance you have to attend your favourite chosen session. It is based on a first come first served policy, with our website bookings opening this coming week commencing Monday 18th March.
There are a lot of new families waiting to attend sessions and join our already extended 'family', I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome you all!

 NEXT
TERM STARTS ON MONDAY 15th APRIL and ENDS on 5th JULY 2013

 PLEASE
BOOK ONLINE NOW AND AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
Just go to 'Bookings' and follow the instructions.