9/9/2015 0 Comments Pikler approach Emmi Pikler (1902-1984) Born in Vienna, lived in Budapest and Trieste, then lived in Hungarywith her husband Gyorgy Pikler and daughter Anna.
She observed that parents routinely teach their children to sit, stand and walk before they are able to do these things by themselves. She questioned what these common practices conveyed to the child about his/her own abilities and concluded it was much healthier for an infant to be doing what he/she can out of its own initiative at any one time. She and her husband decided instead to allow their daughter the freedom to develop her motor skills at her own pace. She also applied the principles she had learnt during her medical training, promoting her child’s healthy development by giving careful consideration to all aspects of her care and building an authentic, respectful relationship. The Pikler approach is based on a respectful relationship between an adult and infant, through choreographed tender care moments, a naturally paced motor development, free self-directed movement and uninterrupted play. (All the above are extracts from http://www.pikler.co.uk/) http://www.pikler.co.uk/
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4/9/2015 0 Comments September 04th, 2015Autumn Fever! I don't know about you out there, but I get the Autumn Fever!!! It is all about waiting for the cooler days to come, watching the leaves turning gold and thinking about cosy evenings and log fires, even if i don't have a burner...maybe one day! There is something about the Autumn mood, of drawing in, gathering, mellowing. The seasonal food reflect this with colours and flavours, sweeter squashes and pumpkins, chestnuts, aromatic and earthy mushrooms, truffles, sweetcorn and tomatoes... The light in the sky, softer and golden and a bit hazy. The dew drops on the spider webs... Although nature is turning onto decline and death, strangely, I feel a renewal energy as well. I feel change and new beginnings. Goning back to the old routines but also creating new routins, adding new ventures, the journey might take us to a new job or direction or consolidate the old but adding new angles and wider perspectives. I have new children to look after, and also the same ones as before, and they are growing, some going to full time kindergarten or starting school...it's all about new beginnings. I am in a de-clutering mood as well; to make room for the new stuff, new clothes, new books, new stationery, etc...we are getting rid of old things. I am throwing away stuff, lots of stuff! We painted Morgana's room and now is looking a cool light blue and white curtains, just bed and table and bureau. a bit more grown up! My daughter talking middle school language already when she announced that her timetable had double science the next day! It all feels exciting and lovely, and a bit scary too! I am anticipating a happy return to school and my parent and child sessions. I am longing to see all the old group regathering, some have gone, and i will miss them, making room for new ones. I thought I might share what I do there, this might be of interest if you are a new mum, a parent who come to my group already, or other Waldorf Steiner families out there, leaders, teachers or home educating parents with babies, toddlers and young children. This is me, Susannah, mother of Morgana, wife of J. Nanny-child minder, carer, parent and Child group sessions leader at Greenwich Steiner School. Happy reading! Autumn Term Acorns Parent and Child group sessions The apples are rosy red and the last summer sun rays are ripening the berries; The miller is grinding the flour and the farmer gathering the harvest. This is the new term, the big children back at school; all feels fresh and new. This is a little guide full of resources for the sessions, compiled by me; I do it for myself, really, but I like to share with you. First of all I remind myself why I lead Parent and Child sessions: My main reason is because when I came to Acorns with my daughter Morgana, I was welcomed with warm heart and hands, a smile and a soft gentle voice and a warm cup of tea. It was like coming home, or visiting my auntie or my granny; it felt like a soft kiss and a gentle hug that I have been craving for years, and now I have found it. The sing song, the gentleness, the beauty of the settings, the light, the toys, the happy and playful children, the calm atmosphere, the warm bread and butter at snack. The feeling that that was the only and forever place for my daughter to be and the longing to be part of it…all of these and much more is what I want to give to other new mums and dads who come to Acorns. So first of all, when I set up and prepare for my session, I hum a sweet melody and shift tables and chairs, the stands and cloths, making little sacred spaces and curious corners, the dolls in their cradles and the toy tea pot on the toy cooker. I see that the cloths and flowers on the nature table reflect the mood of the day/season. It can take me up to 45 minutes to prepare if I need to clean the carpets before. Setting the space is an orderly and beautiful way invites the children to play well. The children respond to the environment, so they don’t run and shout but look around the space with eyes full of wonder. I set up the activity and start making tea and working at the table so that when the children come they see me, the teacher/adult figure at work; their curiosity leads them to that activity table and soon they wish to join in. Timing is important, and so is preparation and anticipation. I have everything worked out in my head before, I plan ahead. I sometimes have a plan B too. I like the parents who come at the beginning of the session: it means they know how important the rhythm is. Rhythm follows a natural breathing in and out creating a flowing time where we transit from free play to tidy up onto singing, etc… The breathing out is when we allow the children to relax, explore, enter into their imaginative world and creative play; it’s a contained freedom. The breathing in is when we come into a circle or gather around the table to sing, to eat and chat; it makes us more aware of ourselves and our surroundings and interact with others. The session follows a rhythm and this is always the same. In a capsule, this is what Steiner Parent and Child session is about: Freedom, spirituality without doctrine or specific religion, respect of human beings, respect of nature, reflection of the seasons, enriching and enhancing of our resources, creativity and artistic side, learning through doing and being together, respect and care, warmth and security, not rushing learning, the children learning through doing and imitating the adults rhythm and repetition. the chance for children to be free and not rushed in their play, as play is how they live their reality, play is how they communicate, grow and learn. I trained at Steiner house and have been reading books to learn more. Between teaching in nurseries and kindergarten, caring for children, running sessions, above all being a mother, I learned through observation and through practice! There is a lot out there and the first recommended book is the parent and Child group ‘Bible’ so you can start with this one first and pace yourselves after! For inspiration for crafts and seasonal songs I use the little books of Magic Wool, All Year Round and the Wynstones press - Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summerbooklets. Recommended Reading List
Repetition and structure: Planning and weaving I use repetition, knowing that children, especially when young learn through asking for the same thing again and again and again. They like to be in a place that they feel safe in and recognize things, feel relaxed and recognize the familiar. Routine is repetition and repetition is learning, feeling safe and secure. Within the session the children know and anticipate after they have been a few times, enjoy and relax fully in the rhythm; this is how they feel they can manage things, without feeling frustrated or rushed or having fear of the unknown and strange. Children thrive when they are not nagged and told to do things all the time, ordered about, etc… so leaders don’t give instructions or yell, or order them to do things, we just do them and sing a song about it and they will follow like happy sheep! After a few times they know that the sequence is after snack is wash hands, put shoes on and go out, etc…They feel they are in control and want to do things because that is the way we always do it and they remember. Remembering is learning! Children anticipate as they grow more confident, it gives them a sense of control, it makes them feel proud and independent! I always do things in the same order, same verses and songs and change a few adding a few seasonal ones, but always the morning song first and the same sequence, the same gestures and blessing at the table the same opening and closing song at story time, etc…etc… I plan my sessions ahead, following what is happening around in nature, the festivals and their meaning or my understanding of them, as it needs to ring true within myself. I try to find a link and use an imaginary thread to weave a theme with a season, finding connections with verses, activities, songs and stories, following natural seasonal rhythms and my intuition and connection with things Above all have I always try to find a pure and simple intention and a higher purpose in the choosing and doing. I want to silently portray a meaning through what I do and say and sing, and also, be true to myself. I wouldn’t do anything I don’t truly understand or like myself only because Steiner said or other people do it. So I change my nature table regularly mainly twice each season, and subtle changes weekly. For example I start with yellow, orange in September and October and then go to dark red and brown in November, leaving just brown until before Christmas adding blue and silver and gold. In January change to white and stars, and so forth. Songs and activities are best changed every 3 weeks and it is nice if leaders agree to do same ones as some parents come to more than one session a week. But I keep more than half of the ring time songs the same and just add a few seasonal verses/songs. I also use the same sequence which I remember as I find a logical thread within the sequence. I remind myself each time to keep things simple, too, as often I forget what is like to be first time mum and caring for a little one, no time to read or talk, just keep to the basic and putting children first. This is why it is important for the parents to learn a nice craft and relax as it allows them to feel acknowledged. The children play better when the adults are working and learning and sharing. The children sense the community, feeling and play in this lovely space we are all creating together. This is the magic of the Parent and Child sessions. Usually, at some point in the middle of the session time stands still and everyone and everything is connected and there is a little silence… Seasons and Festivals; Autumn Festivals In this term we have two main themes: the harvest, and the days getting darker and colder. Within these themes we have Michaelmas, Halloween and Martinmas. For the meaning of each festival please refer to the Festivals book or go google info, I have also separate sheets and resource documents, I gathered info in the past years. The ring time songs talk about squirrels gathering nuts, apples falling, leaves dancing and winds blowing, story time brings tales of animals gathering food and getting ready for the colder days; the activities suggested are below but please keep it simple if you are a new leader: Grinding flour and making bread rolls Leaf and seed/conker mobiles Pressing leaves, tracing leaves – drawing and colouring on top- leaf crowns Animals and people made of cones-sticks-conkers, etc… Conker spider webs, with sticks and wool Making apple juice, or apple sauce or apple tarts Corn dollies Walnut cots with little wool baby For Michaelmas, dragon bread or dragon wool- felted or knotted magic wool figures Pumpkin carving, pumpkin soup And for the St Martin or lantern Festival, making lanterns For lanterns I like also using the same paper used for drawing on pressed leaves with orange yellow red and brown crayons and put very diluted red and yellow paint. When dry I oil the paper for flame proof and transparent shiny effect. I make simple cylinder shape lanterns. Some leaders have been making papier-mache lanterns using balloons and tissue paper…I don’t like using glue and balloons with children; that is just my preference! Ring time Singing is part of my everyday life, but the children really respond well to singing, or even just a friendly high pitched singing voice. It is a natural thing we do with young children as we know they really respond to higher frequencies! It is important to be melodious and sweet rather than in perfect tune and to use your higher singing voice, which is easy to find if you don’t shout the song but just whisper. If I find that the children playing and the mum chatting is getting a bit too loud I hum a tune or sing a song, also to call children to the table; for example if the dough is ready and I start making rolls I set the aprons and the washing hands bowls and ask my assistant to help with getting the children ready as I am sitting at the table already kneading the dough, I sing pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake bakers man, or five current buns in the baker’s shop… Before ring time I sing the usual tidy up song: I met a little tidy mouse He said let’s tidy up this house Tidy, tidy here and there Tidy, tidy everywhere! When all is tidy and the toys covered and things are safe, we make a space in the middle of the hall.I go and stand there and call everyone. Who will come into my small ring, my small ring, my small ring, Who will come into my small ring and make it a little bit bigger. Good morning dear Earth, good morning dear Sun Good morning dear stones and flowers , everyone Good morning dear creatures, and the birds on the tree Good morning to you and good morning to me. Down is the Earth, up is the sky Here are my Friends, and here am I; Two eyes to see, two ears to hear And two feet to walk and run; Here are my hands, give yours to mine: Good Morning Everyone! Each song, or verse I sing or say twice. SSSSHH! Hide away, hide away, hide away! Where are all the children gone? AAAAh! Here they are! (this game is repeated three times) Ten little fairies stand up straight Ten little fairies make a gate Ten little fairies bow to the king Ten little fairies make a ring Ten little fairies dance all day Ten little fairies fly away Where did the fairies go? Fairies, where are you? Here they come again! (repeat all twice, the second time I say they flew into the garden, bye bye fairies!) In the garden this morning I saw:… Incy Wincy spider…sing the nursery rhyme Or a snail….tell a snail verse…etc… A nice one for babies on laps if they lay down is round and round the garden like a teddy bear, one step, two steps, tickle you under there! It’s a good one for mum and baby eye and body contact! So you can decide to stay on the floor and do more hand gesture songs like Hickory Dickory dock, etc… or stand up after a few songs, after you done some horse ride songs, the old time favourite! You can repeat each song up to three times. Then go to snack or I start a Journey and might say, to keep the thread going, -What a beautiful day for ride on a horse: and sing Horsey horsey don’t you stop Just let your feet go clippety -clop The tail goes swish and the wheels go round Giddi-up you are Homewood bound Trot trot trot trot trot- go and never stop Trot along my dearest pony, where is rough and where is stoney Trot trot trot trot trot- go and never stop Mummy and daddy and auntie Con Went on a horsey and rode along Mummy fell off-wheeeeeee! Daddy fell off- wheeeeeeeee! And auntie Con went on and on and on! I try to be clear with my words and gestures, I think about the gestures to go with the songs and remember lots of parents and carers might know the rhymes and songs but equally many don’t as they might be new to this or maybe from a different culture! For a group with mainly babies who are not quite walking yet, a ring time with mums sitting on the carpet and babies on their laps is more appropriate. If there are a few older children, a standing up rhyme is good with movements like jumping is a good one to do now as they would start to feel a bit restless. So we can also walk in a clockwise direction and sing a squirrel song, a farmer or miller song… To remember what happens next I take the group to a ‘journey’. The ponies and horses took us to a field/farm/meadow/or forest. I would stick to the usual ring time songs and maybe just add one extra ‘Steiner’style seasonal song. The first two or three weeks I sing about the wind: if you don’t know the tune just say it as a verse but in a high sing-song voice: When the wind blows, then the mill goes; When the wind drops, then the mill stops! Clickety clackety Clickety clackety Clickety clackety clack! (I make my arms look like the mill and when it stops drop my arms straight and noisily down my sides) You can sing Old Mc Donald had a farm, or Here we go round the mulberry bush, or any other song you are familiar with. I like to look at Autumn Poems, Songs and Stories Wynstones press for inspiration. These are my favourite ones: The leaves are green, the apples are red They hang so high above our heads Leave them alone with frosty weather Then they will all fall down together! The leaves are green the nuts are brown They hang so high and will not come down Leave them alone till frosty weather And then they will all come down together! For little children is nice to come back home after the ‘journey’ and I ‘ground’ them with a good bye squirrels, forest, meadow, fields/farm, apples, etc… and lead them back ‘home’ and sing ‘Wind the bobbin up’ song which is a come back into the house after the pony-horsey ride- adventure and then is time for washing hand and snack Not until I tell Polly to put the kettle on! As the term progresses and we get into the time of first frosts and colder darker I start singing about gnomes going into the forest with their lanterns and a few lantern songs. I think it is very important for each leader (parent/leader, or carer) to do what rings true to oneself and sing what you enjoy and know well, also what your child likes too, especially if your child is with you at the session. It is a lovely thing to put one’s personality and sense of enjoyment and what the leader is familiar with. Because I am Italian and speak a bit of French I sing a few French and or Italian songs, especially if there are a few children in the group who speak those languages. In my Thursday group I had 4 children who either spoke French at home or had some French connection. The classic English nursery rhymes are old time favourite and many songs are in the mood of the fifth. A lot more about music for young children in the above mentioned book of the seasons by Wynstones press ; each of the four booklet has the same introduction. From the Autumn book I particularly like songs on pages 17,23,25,26,29,30,31,32,41,62. Snack time After ring time the transition is very smooth and after a couple of sessions the children know that when Polly put the kettle on is sang, then we go wash hands. I prepare a bowl of warm water with a drop of soap or lavender oil and a clean towel;I count children and set the table before ring time, while we tidy up. At the end of ring time I sing This is the way we wash our hands (on a sunny/rainy/windy/frosty morning) The table is empty and I put a centre piece of cloth, flowers in a low vase, something pretty. No candles. I don’t light a candle. But what I do is similar, a gesture of reverence; I might add a stone or crystal or pine cones and rearrange the flowers with loving gesture. When we all are gathered, sitting on chairs around the table, I catch the attention with a movement rhyme I made up so to stop children banging on the table. I then sing: Blessings on the Blossoms Blessings on the fruit, Blessings on the leaves and stems, Blessings on the root…. Hold hands, hold hands, hold hands everybody: Blessings on the food, Blessings on the food! 29/3/2015 0 Comments Spring songs and talesSpring is coming, spring is coming
birdies build your nest. Weave together straw and feather doing each your best. Spring is coming, spring is coming flowers are growing, too. Pansies, lilies, daffodilies now are coming through. Spring is coming, spring is coming all around is fair. Shimmer, glimmer on the river, joy is everywhere. I’d also like to share the story we tell around this time, between the Spring Equinox and Easter. Easter in our home is more a celebration of new life than a religious observation, and I adapted this story to fit us in that respect. Lady Spring and the Easter RabbitOnce upon a time, Lady Spring awoke from her long Winter’s nap. Just like last year, and all the years that came before, Father Sun gently tapped her on the shoulder and shone his warm light down on her to wake her. Lady Spring dressed in her finest gown of sky blue, with a silken ribbon in her hair, and she set out into the meadow to greet all of the animals and flowers. As she walked, she listened and looked for the for the sounds and sights of Spring—children playing in the sunshine, families sowing seeds in their gardens, people celebrating the return of the season … but she saw no one. The doors were all closed, windows shuttered, and the yards and fields lay empty. Where were all the people? A robin lit on a nearby branch to share his song with Lady Spring. She listened kindly and then asked, “Where are all the dear people of the village? Do they not know that Spring has arrived?” The robin tweeted a reply, for he had flown here and there and had picked up this news in the village: “The Winter was so very long … and so very cold, and everyone has been tucked in tightly into their houses for so long—I don’t think they know that Spring has arrived!” Lady Spring had an idea. She called out to all the animals of the forest, and they gathered in the meadow. She told them all that the good people of the village needed their help. Someone must share the news that Spring was here. Who would do it? All of the animals began to shout “Send me, send me!” and Lady Spring announced: “We shall have a race. The animal that can run all the way around the world and return here first will be our messenger.” The animals agreed. The wild stag went first. “I am the fleetest afoot. Surely I will win the race.” And off he went. But when he got to the rocky hills, he started leaping from rock to rock and ended up playing there for many hours and forgot all about the race. Next was the salmon. “I can dart through the water and swim with the tides. Surely I shall win the race.” The salmon began swimming as fast as she could, but soon the sunbeams dancing on the stream caught her eye, and she thought the sparkles of light were little flies. For the rest of the day she leaped here and there trying to catch them. Then the hawk called, “I am the swiftest of all the creatures who circle the earth. Surely I will win the race.” He shot like an arrow into the sky and soared above the meadow, until down in a field, he spotted a mouse. He swooped straight down to get it and forgot all about the race. The little rabbit went quietly on his way. He never looked left or right, but gazed straight ahead and held steadfastly to his course. Just as the sun was setting, he returned to Lady Spring in the meadow, completing his circle of the earth. Lady Spring gave thanks to the humble rabbit and asked him to visit the village that night, sharing news of the arrival of Spring. The little bunny asked, “How will they know it’s true?” Lady Spring thought for a moment and then took a small egg from her pouch. She gently gave it to the rabbit and said, “Show them this egg. Just as the golden yolk shines inside the hard shell of the egg, so the light of the sun shines again and warms the earth in Springtime, so that new life can begin.” The little bunny set out on his way with joy, and every year he journeys from house to house, village to village, bringing beautiful eggs to all the families and sharing the news that Spring has returned. Snip, snap, snout, this tale is all told out. 6/3/2015 0 Comments Colourstrings - music sessionsAcorns would like to suggest this lovely music classes for young children.
Contact details ContactJo BarwickTelephone07791863618Email[email protected] DescriptionFun group Music classes for under 6's. Colourstrings is an approach to teaching instruments/music that keeps alive our natural imaginative and joyful connection to music. My classes are for 0-6 year olds and build the musicianship skills that underpin all our later music training, be it singing or playing an instrument (for more information please visit: http://www.colourstrings.co.uk). It is the best musicianship training I have come across, yet is taught in the most appropriate way for that age and stage so the children have fun, learn turn-taking and cooperation while they enjoy songs, rhymes, dances and games together. On Tuesday morning 0-3 year old babies and toddlers unconsciously build a wide range of early literacy and music skills such as eye-contact, language, pitch, pulse, rhythm, and dynamics with an emotionally warm connection to their carer and other adults. On Thursday afternoons 3-4 year olds find their own singing voice and build confidence while unconsciously experiencing more complicated rhythm, pitch, dynamics, dances and games. Followed by a class in which more experienced 5 and 6 year olds start to work semi-consciously with these skills and prepare for future SOLFA and notation work. My training: PGCE (early years specialism) from Goldsmiths, BA in Acting from Central School of Speech and Drama, and the Colourstrings Music Kindergarten course. I am also very influenced by Steiner education practice. Other InformationTuesday 10.30 am age 0-3 with carer. Thursday 2pm age 3-4, and 2.45pm age 5-6, and 3.45pm 3-6 year olds Ten week terms for £60. At Mycenae House in Charlton/Blackheath Standard 6/3/2015 1 Comment Spring is coming!Spring Circle for little children
A collection of verses and songs for ring time http://susannah-moonchild.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/spring-circle-for-little-children.html Spring is coming, spring is coming: birdies build your nest! Weave together straw and feather, doing each your best! Spring is coming, spring is coming: flowers are coming too, Pansies lilies, daffodillies, All are coming through! Spring is coming, spring is coming, All around is fair! Shimmer, quiver on the river Joy is everywhere! Wake up, wake up, all you little children, Sunlight, sky bright, Spring is coming now Gusty March winds blowing Daffodils a blowing, Birds sing, bells ring, There’s blossom on the bough. ~~~ Piper, piper , play your happy music! Singing, singing, we will follow on. Dancing through the daytime Lead us to the May time Ding dong-Spring song, Winter ‘s past and gone! In and out the dusty bluebells, In and out the dusty bluebells, Who will be my partner? Tippy-tappy tippy-tappy On my shoulder.............. Tippy-tappy tippy-tappy On my shoulder.............. Tippy-tappy tippy-tappy On my shoulder.............. You will be my partner. ( Also Pit-a-pat on your shoulder…different version!) Sleepy Bunnies See the little bunnies sleeping ‘till is nearly noon… Shall we wake them with a merry tune? Oh so sweet- Are they ill? Wake up soon! Hop little bunnies hop, hop, hop, Hop little bunnies hop, hop, hop Ten little fairies stand up straight Ten little fairies make a gate Ten little fairies bow to the King Ten little fairies make a ring Ten little fairies dance and play Ten little fairies fly away ( hide away) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daffodilly down came to town With her yellow bonnet and her green gown! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Crocus, crocus , open up - Catch a Sunbeam in your cup! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The silver raindrops patter upon the earth today Tip tap, their knock is gentle and this is what they say “Awake now little flowers and open wide your door, Put on your rainbow dresses as Spring is here once more! An early Spring puppet play A simple puppet play I do at parent and child sessions I use simple objects like pine cones for trees and green dark green and light green scarves for grass/earth and blue scarf for sky some wooden animals; Mother Earth puppet; some root and flower children – felt figures bits of bark, twigs, pussy willow; some flowers...any nature finding will do! Silk scarves in white for snow, pink, orange and yellow; little magic wool fairies could be used too. The Story of the Root Children By Sibylle Von Olfers Under the ground, deep in the earth among the roots of the trees, the little root-children were fast asleep all winter long. They felt nothing of the biting wind, the cold snow or the stinging hailstorms. They slept peacefully in their warm burrows. They were dreaming of the sunshine in which they had played all through the summer. And what wonderful dreams they were! When at last winter came to an end and the sun began to melt the snow, Mother Earth came along with her candle to wake them up again. “Wake up, children,” she called kindly. ”Time to get up now! You’ve slept long enough. Spring is coming and there’s work to be done. I’ve brought you scissors, needles and thread and pieces of cloth so that you can all make new clothes. Wake up! As soon as you’re ready, I’ll unlock and open the doors up to the ground.” The children yawned and stretched. Then they jumped up merrily. Hurray, spring is coming! Mother Earth had pieces of lovely coloured cloth in her basket. Each of the root-children chose her own colour to make a dress. The Daffodil chose a bright yellow cloth, the wild rose a soft pink, and the poppy a bright orange. Then they sat down in a cosy circle and began to work busily. They cut, they sewed and pressed until everything fitted exactly. And, as they worked, they sang all the spring songs that they knew. (Sing second verse of “Spring is Coming”): Spring is coming, Spring is coming, flowers are coming too, poppies, roses, daffodillies, all are coming through! All are coming through! As soon as they as they had finished making their new dresses, they went up to Mother Earth in a long procession. Mother Earth looked over her spectacles in surprise when she saw the root-children coming so soon. “Well, well, you have been quick,” she exclaimed, ” and how nice it all looks!” Up above ground, the warm sun was already bringing out the new green leaves on the trees. At last it was really springtime! Mother Earth opened the door. Then out into the lovely spring sunshine came a procession of root-children with their blades of grass and flowers. Radiant Sun from his throne in the sky Looked down on earth where sleeping seeds lie And thought to himself, "I think it's time For flower babies to wake up and play." So with his rays of gold he knocked and knocked At each and every flower family's door, "Wake up! Wake up!" he chuckled with glee, "Time to wake up and colour the earth's floor!" The snowdrops were first, then crocus and rosies, Daffodils, violets and all sorts of posies Yawning and stretching under radiant sun, Yes, all flowers create springtime fun! Welcome Spring - Circle time Verses For Spring Where are the froggies when the north winds blow? We cannot see them in the ice and snow. Deep, deep down in the mud they lie, froggies sleeping with tight-closed eyes. When the warm spring sun comes out, froggies wake and jump about. Oh, how happy they will be, a springtime world they will see. Where are the turtles when the north winds blow? We cannot see them in the ice and snow. Deep, deep down in the mud they lie, turtles sleeping with tight-closed eyes. When the warm spring sun comes out, turtles wake and crawl about. Oh, how happy they will be, a springtime world they will see. Where are the bears when the north winds blow? We cannot see them in the ice and snow. Deep, deep down in a cave they lie, baby bears sleeping with tight-closed eyes. When the warm spring sun comes out, bear cubs wake and run about. Oh, how happy they will be, a springtime world they will see. Where are the squirrels when the north winds blow? We cannot see them in the ice and snow. Cracking nuts in a hollow tree, squirrels are cozy as cozy can be. When the warm spring sun comes out, squirrels wake and jump about. Oh, how happy they will be, a springtime world they will see. * * * * * * * * A little seed for me to sow. A little earth to make it grow. A little hole, a little pat, a little wish, and that is that. A little sun, a little shower, a little while, and then a flower. * * * * * * * * Spring is here, said the bumble bee How do you know, said the old oak tree I see yellow daffodils Dancing with the fairies on the windy hills. * * * * * * * * Pitter, patter raindrops, falling on the treetops, falling down on garden beds, wetting all the children¹s heads. Pitter, patter raindrops, falling on the treetops. * * * * * * * * Now the sky has darkened, and the rain is sprinkling down. Shall we hide beneath a tree, or run back home to town? No! We like the rain! * * * * * * * * VERSE: WALKING: Splish, splash, splish, splash here's how we walk in the rain. Splish, splash, splish, splash here¹s how we walk in the rain. And splash -we run through the puddles. And splosh - we skip in the rain. And splish - we turn round the corner until we come home again! * * * * * * * * And now the rain is over the sky is bright and blue, and yonder in the meadow, the sheep are happy too. * * * * * * * * FINGERPLAY: This is a house for a robin (make a nest with hands) This is a hive for a bee (two fists together to make a hive) This is a hole for a bunny (thumbs and pointers on both hands to make hole) And this is a house for me! (Arms and hands form roof overhead) * * * * * * * * In our Springtime garden, rosy morning glow, Sunshine falling, calling, falling, seeds are waking so. * * * * * * * * Through the meadow let us walk, and see what wonders spring has brought. Skipping, skipping, let us go, as the breeze blows to and fro. But watch your step and look where you go! Here is a creature tiny and slow. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caterpillar, caterpillar you are such a pretty sight. Caterpillar, caterpillar green and yellow, black and white. Take care what you do, robins are a watching you. Take care what you do, robins are a watching you. Caterpillar, caterpillar creep away and hide you soon. Caterpillar, caterpillar spin yourself a warm cocoon. Dark and silent lie, till you are a butterfly. Dark and silent lie, till you are a butterfly. * * * * * * * * Flutter, flutter butterfly Floating in the springtime sky Floating by for all to see Floating by so merrily Come bright butterfly close to me. Your beautiful wings I should like to see. You fly like a bird, you sip like a bee, but you're really a flower on the wind set free. Look high and low and you will see, the butterfly is not alone in this meadow. Hop, said the grasshopper, ³hop, hop, hop! The summer is coming and I can¹t stop. All winter long I lay asleep, and the winter seemed it would never, never end, but an April raindrop fell on my nose, and woke me up from my repose, and now it's time to have a little peek, and see if I can find a little friend. Here comes a honey bee...² Hum, said the honey bee, ³hum, hum, hum! Fresh sweet clover field here I come! All winter long I lay asleep, and the winter seemed it would never, never end, but an April raindrop fell on my nose, and woke me up from my repose, and now it's time to have a little peek, and see if I can find a little friend. Here comes a squirrel now...² Scurry, said the squirrel and waved her tail like a little brown ship with a furry furry sail. All winter long I lay asleep, and the winter seemed it would never, never end, but an April raindrop fell on my nose, and woke me up from my repose, and now it's time to have a little peek, and see if I can find a little friend. Here comes a rabbit now...² Jump, said the rabbit with a jump, jump, jump, I must find a fat lettuce to make me plump! All winter long I lay asleep, and the winter seemed it would never, never end, but an April raindrop fell on my nose, and woke me up from my repose, and now it's time to have a little peek, and see if I can find a little friend. Here comes a grasshopper... * * * * * * * * VERSE: WALKING: I see across the meadow is a farmer working, sturdy and strong, with his sack of seeds he strides along; Let's go work with him in the field today. It's time to sow our seed. * * * * * * * * SONG: WALKING: Heigh ho, heigh ho, the farmer doth sow. Heigh ho, heigh ho, the farmer doth sow. The birds are a singing, the little seeds springing, Heigh ho, heigh ho, the farmer doth sow Little brown seeds so small and round, Are sleeping quietly underground. Down come the raindrops sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle. Out comes the rainbow, twinkle, twinkle, twinkle. Little brown seeds way down below, Up through the earth they grow, grow, grow. Little green leaves come one by one. They hold up their heads and look at the sun. * * * * * * * * SONG: WALKING: Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow, Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow, Can you or I or anyone know How oats, peas, beans, and barley grow? First the farmer sows his seed, Stands erect and takes his ease, He stamps his foot and claps his hands, And turns around to view his lands. Chorus: Next the farmer waters the seed, Stands erect and takes his ease, He stamps his foot and claps his hands, And turns around to view his lands. Chorus: Next the farmer hoes the weeds, Stands erect and takes his ease, He stamps his foot and claps his hands, And turns around to view his lands. Chorus: Last the farmer harvests his seed, Stands erect and takes his ease, He stamps his foot and claps his hands, And turns around to view his lands. Chorus: * * * * * * * * SONGS FOR MAY FAIRE_ MAY POLE DANCE SONG: SKIPPING: Sing a song of May Day, Hi dee ho dee hay! Showers of flowers from breezy bowers, Hi dee ho dee hay! Dancers and prancers in high grass Hi dee ho dee hay! Joyfully skip each lad and lassie, Hi dee ho dee hay! SONG: WALKING_ SKIPPING Here we go round the May Pole high, The May Pole high The May Pole high Here we go round the May Pole high, Let coloured ribbons fly! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We're dancing, we're dancing around the Maypole high. In colours of the rainbow our ribbons do fly. Dear children take a ribbon please today May flowers all are we. Around, around, around, a garland we do weave. Tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la la. Hi diddle de, hi diddle de, come join me, come join me. Hi diddle de, hi diddle de, come join me, come join me please. Tra la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, Tra la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. Hi diddle de, hi diddle de, come join me, come join me. Hi diddle de, hi diddle de, come join me, come join me please. Tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la la. We thank you dear Maypole. (bow) We thank you dear Maypole. (curtsy) * * * * * * * * FINGERPLAYS: Five little peas in a pea pod pressed. One grew, two grew, and so did all the rest. They grew and they grew and they did not stop, until one day, the pod went POP! * * * * * * * * This is my wee garden plot. I'll rake it with care and it will grow a lot! Peas and carrots and salad from seeds. I'll plant and water and pull out the weeds. The sun will shine and bathe my garden in light, all the plants will be happy and taste just right. Here, try some, have a bite! * * * * * * * Have you ever seen a rainbow On a sunny springtime day, After it's been raining In the misty month of May? Out from the clouds it will appear, And then it's gone away. Have you ever seen a rainbow On a sunny springtime day? * * * * * * * * Spring is here, said the bumble bee How do you know, said the old oak tree I see yellow daffodils Dancing with the fairies on the windy hills. Spring is coming spring is coming flowers are waking too daisies, lilies, daffodillies all are breaking through! All are breaking through! * * * * * * * * Cherry Blossoms Little cherry blossom buds Closed up oh, so tight! See them bursting into bloom, Colored pink and white. Along comes the spring breeze, Blowing all around, And down fall the petals, Twirling to the ground. * * * * * * * * Here we go, to and fro, over the rainbow bridge we go. Treading softly, treading slow, over the rainbow bridge we go. Gathering light from sun and star, gathering light from heaven afar, Down to earth all things to greet, sharing the light with all we meet. Here we go, to and fro, over the rainbow bridge we go. Treading softly, treading slow, over the rainbow bridge we go. * * * * * * * * * * Come golden butterfly, close to me, Your beautiful golden wings, I should like to see. You fly like a bird, you sip like a bee, But you're really a flower the wind has set free. * * * * * * * * * * Two little clouds one summer's day Went flying through the sky. They went so fast they bumped their heads, And both began to cry. Old Father Sun looked out and said, Oh, never mind my dears, I'll send my little fairy folk To dry your falling tears. One fairy came in violet, And one in indigo, In blue, green, yellow, orange, red, They made a pretty row. They wiped the clouds tears all away, And then out from the sky, Upon a line the sunbeams made, They hung their gowns to dry. Spring Circle for little children A collection of verses and songs for ring time Spring is coming, spring is coming: birdies build your nest! Weave together straw and feather, doing each your best! Spring is coming, spring is coming: flowers are coming too, Pansies lilies, daffodillies, All are coming through! Spring is coming, spring is coming, All around is fair! Shimmer, quiver on the river Joy is everywhere! Wake up, wake up, all you little children, Sunlight, sky bright, Spring is coming now Gusty March winds blowing Daffodils a blowing, Birds sing, bells ring, There’s blossom on the bough. ~~~ Piper, piper , play your happy music! Singing, singing, we will follow on. Dancing through the daytime Lead us to the May time Ding dong-Spring song, Winter ‘s past and gone! In and out the dusty bluebells, In and out the dusty bluebells, Who will be my partner? Tippy-tappy tippy-tappy On my shoulder.............. Tippy-tappy tippy-tappy On my shoulder.............. Tippy-tappy tippy-tappy On my shoulder.............. You will be my partner. ( Also Pit-a-pat on your shoulder…different version!) Sleepy Bunnies See the little bunnies sleeping ‘till is nearly noon… Shall we wake them with a merry tune? Oh so sweet- Are they ill? Wake up soon! Hop little bunnies hop, hop, hop, Hop little bunnies hop, hop, hop Ten little fairies stand up straight Ten little fairies make a gate Ten little fairies bow to the King Ten little fairies make a ring Ten little fairies dance and play Ten little fairies fly away ( hide away) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daffodilly down came to town With her yellow bonnet and her green gown! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Crocus, crocus , open up - Catch a Sunbeam in your cup! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The silver raindrops patter upon the earth today Tip tap, their knock is gentle and this is what they say “Awake now little flowers and open wide your door, Put on your rainbow dresses as Spring is here once more! An early Spring puppet play A simple puppet play I do at parent and child sessions I use simple objects like pine cones for trees and green dark green and light green scarves for grass/earth and blue scarf for sky some wooden animals; Mother Earth puppet; some root and flower children – felt figures bits of bark, twigs, pussy willow; some flowers...any nature finding will do! Silk scarves in white for snow, pink, orange and yellow; little magic wool fairies could be used too. The Story of the Root Children By Sibylle Von Olfers Under the ground, deep in the earth among the roots of the trees, the little root-children were fast asleep all winter long. They felt nothing of the biting wind, the cold snow or the stinging hailstorms. They slept peacefully in their warm burrows. They were dreaming of the sunshine in which they had played all through the summer. And what wonderful dreams they were! When at last winter came to an end and the sun began to melt the snow, Mother Earth came along with her candle to wake them up again. “Wake up, children,” she called kindly. ”Time to get up now! You’ve slept long enough. Spring is coming and there’s work to be done. I’ve brought you scissors, needles and thread and pieces of cloth so that you can all make new clothes. Wake up! As soon as you’re ready, I’ll unlock and open the doors up to the ground.” The children yawned and stretched. Then they jumped up merrily. Hurray, spring is coming! Mother Earth had pieces of lovely coloured cloth in her basket. Each of the root-children chose her own colour to make a dress. The Daffodil chose a bright yellow cloth, the wild rose a soft pink, and the poppy a bright orange. Then they sat down in a cosy circle and began to work busily. They cut, they sewed and pressed until everything fitted exactly. And, as they worked, they sang all the spring songs that they knew. (Sing second verse of “Spring is Coming”): Spring is coming, Spring is coming, flowers are coming too, poppies, roses, daffodillies, all are coming through! All are coming through! As soon as they as they had finished making their new dresses, they went up to Mother Earth in a long procession. Mother Earth looked over her spectacles in surprise when she saw the root-children coming so soon. “Well, well, you have been quick,” she exclaimed, ” and how nice it all looks!” Up above ground, the warm sun was already bringing out the new green leaves on the trees. At last it was really springtime! Mother Earth opened the door. Then out into the lovely spring sunshine came a procession of root-children with their blades of grass and flowers. Radiant Sun from his throne in the sky Looked down on earth where sleeping seeds lie And thought to himself, "I think it's time For flower babies to wake up and play." So with his rays of gold he knocked and knocked At each and every flower family's door, "Wake up! Wake up!" he chuckled with glee, "Time to wake up and colour the earth's floor!" The snowdrops were first, then crocus and rosies, Daffodils, violets and all sorts of posies Yawning and stretching under radiant sun, Yes, all flowers create springtime fun! Welcome Spring - Circle time Verses For Spring Where are the froggies when the north winds blow? We cannot see them in the ice and snow. Deep, deep down in the mud they lie, froggies sleeping with tight-closed eyes. When the warm spring sun comes out, froggies wake and jump about. Oh, how happy they will be, a springtime world they will see. Where are the turtles when the north winds blow? We cannot see them in the ice and snow. Deep, deep down in the mud they lie, turtles sleeping with tight-closed eyes. When the warm spring sun comes out, turtles wake and crawl about. Oh, how happy they will be, a springtime world they will see. Where are the bears when the north winds blow? We cannot see them in the ice and snow. Deep, deep down in a cave they lie, baby bears sleeping with tight-closed eyes. When the warm spring sun comes out, bear cubs wake and run about. Oh, how happy they will be, a springtime world they will see. Where are the squirrels when the north winds blow? We cannot see them in the ice and snow. Cracking nuts in a hollow tree, squirrels are cozy as cozy can be. When the warm spring sun comes out, squirrels wake and jump about. Oh, how happy they will be, a springtime world they will see. * * * * * * * * A little seed for me to sow. A little earth to make it grow. A little hole, a little pat, a little wish, and that is that. A little sun, a little shower, a little while, and then a flower. * * * * * * * * Spring is here, said the bumble bee How do you know, said the old oak tree I see yellow daffodils Dancing with the fairies on the windy hills. * * * * * * * * Pitter, patter raindrops, falling on the treetops, falling down on garden beds, wetting all the children¹s heads. Pitter, patter raindrops, falling on the treetops. * * * * * * * * Now the sky has darkened, and the rain is sprinkling down. Shall we hide beneath a tree, or run back home to town? No! We like the rain! * * * * * * * * VERSE: WALKING: Splish, splash, splish, splash here's how we walk in the rain. Splish, splash, splish, splash here¹s how we walk in the rain. And splash -we run through the puddles. And splosh - we skip in the rain. And splish - we turn round the corner until we come home again! * * * * * * * * And now the rain is over the sky is bright and blue, and yonder in the meadow, the sheep are happy too. * * * * * * * * FINGERPLAY: This is a house for a robin (make a nest with hands) This is a hive for a bee (two fists together to make a hive) This is a hole for a bunny (thumbs and pointers on both hands to make hole) And this is a house for me! (Arms and hands form roof overhead) * * * * * * * * In our Springtime garden, rosy morning glow, Sunshine falling, calling, falling, seeds are waking so. * * * * * * * * Through the meadow let us walk, and see what wonders spring has brought. Skipping, skipping, let us go, as the breeze blows to and fro. But watch your step and look where you go! Here is a creature tiny and slow. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caterpillar, caterpillar you are such a pretty sight. Caterpillar, caterpillar green and yellow, black and white. Take care what you do, robins are a watching you. Take care what you do, robins are a watching you. Caterpillar, caterpillar creep away and hide you soon. Caterpillar, caterpillar spin yourself a warm cocoon. Dark and silent lie, till you are a butterfly. Dark and silent lie, till you are a butterfly. * * * * * * * * Flutter, flutter butterfly Floating in the springtime sky Floating by for all to see Floating by so merrily Come bright butterfly close to me. Your beautiful wings I should like to see. You fly like a bird, you sip like a bee, but you're really a flower on the wind set free. Look high and low and you will see, the butterfly is not alone in this meadow. Hop, said the grasshopper, ³hop, hop, hop! The summer is coming and I can¹t stop. All winter long I lay asleep, and the winter seemed it would never, never end, but an April raindrop fell on my nose, and woke me up from my repose, and now it's time to have a little peek, and see if I can find a little friend. Here comes a honey bee...² Hum, said the honey bee, ³hum, hum, hum! Fresh sweet clover field here I come! All winter long I lay asleep, and the winter seemed it would never, never end, but an April raindrop fell on my nose, and woke me up from my repose, and now it's time to have a little peek, and see if I can find a little friend. Here comes a squirrel now...² Scurry, said the squirrel and waved her tail like a little brown ship with a furry furry sail. All winter long I lay asleep, and the winter seemed it would never, never end, but an April raindrop fell on my nose, and woke me up from my repose, and now it's time to have a little peek, and see if I can find a little friend. Here comes a rabbit now...² Jump, said the rabbit with a jump, jump, jump, I must find a fat lettuce to make me plump! All winter long I lay asleep, and the winter seemed it would never, never end, but an April raindrop fell on my nose, and woke me up from my repose, and now it's time to have a little peek, and see if I can find a little friend. Here comes a grasshopper... * * * * * * * * VERSE: WALKING: I see across the meadow is a farmer working, sturdy and strong, with his sack of seeds he strides along; Let's go work with him in the field today. It's time to sow our seed. * * * * * * * * SONG: WALKING: Heigh ho, heigh ho, the farmer doth sow. Heigh ho, heigh ho, the farmer doth sow. The birds are a singing, the little seeds springing, Heigh ho, heigh ho, the farmer doth sow Little brown seeds so small and round, Are sleeping quietly underground. Down come the raindrops sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle. Out comes the rainbow, twinkle, twinkle, twinkle. Little brown seeds way down below, Up through the earth they grow, grow, grow. Little green leaves come one by one. They hold up their heads and look at the sun. * * * * * * * * SONG: WALKING: Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow, Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow, Can you or I or anyone know How oats, peas, beans, and barley grow? First the farmer sows his seed, Stands erect and takes his ease, He stamps his foot and claps his hands, And turns around to view his lands. Chorus: Next the farmer waters the seed, Stands erect and takes his ease, He stamps his foot and claps his hands, And turns around to view his lands. Chorus: Next the farmer hoes the weeds, Stands erect and takes his ease, He stamps his foot and claps his hands, And turns around to view his lands. Chorus: Last the farmer harvests his seed, Stands erect and takes his ease, He stamps his foot and claps his hands, And turns around to view his lands. Chorus: * * * * * * * * SONGS FOR MAY FAIRE_ MAY POLE DANCE SONG: SKIPPING: Sing a song of May Day, Hi dee ho dee hay! Showers of flowers from breezy bowers, Hi dee ho dee hay! Dancers and prancers in high grass Hi dee ho dee hay! Joyfully skip each lad and lassie, Hi dee ho dee hay! SONG: WALKING_ SKIPPING Here we go round the May Pole high, The May Pole high The May Pole high Here we go round the May Pole high, Let coloured ribbons fly! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We're dancing, we're dancing around the Maypole high. In colours of the rainbow our ribbons do fly. Dear children take a ribbon please today May flowers all are we. Around, around, around, a garland we do weave. Tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la la. Hi diddle de, hi diddle de, come join me, come join me. Hi diddle de, hi diddle de, come join me, come join me please. Tra la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, Tra la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. Hi diddle de, hi diddle de, come join me, come join me. Hi diddle de, hi diddle de, come join me, come join me please. Tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la la. We thank you dear Maypole. (bow) We thank you dear Maypole. (curtsy) * * * * * * * * FINGERPLAYS: Five little peas in a pea pod pressed. One grew, two grew, and so did all the rest. They grew and they grew and they did not stop, until one day, the pod went POP! * * * * * * * * This is my wee garden plot. I'll rake it with care and it will grow a lot! Peas and carrots and salad from seeds. I'll plant and water and pull out the weeds. The sun will shine and bathe my garden in light, all the plants will be happy and taste just right. Here, try some, have a bite! * * * * * * * Have you ever seen a rainbow On a sunny springtime day, After it's been raining In the misty month of May? Out from the clouds it will appear, And then it's gone away. Have you ever seen a rainbow On a sunny springtime day? * * * * * * * * Spring is here, said the bumble bee How do you know, said the old oak tree I see yellow daffodils Dancing with the fairies on the windy hills. Spring is coming spring is coming flowers are waking too daisies, lilies, daffodillies all are breaking through! All are breaking through! * * * * * * * * Cherry Blossoms Little cherry blossom buds Closed up oh, so tight! See them bursting into bloom, Colored pink and white. Along comes the spring breeze, Blowing all around, And down fall the petals, Twirling to the ground. * * * * * * * * Here we go, to and fro, over the rainbow bridge we go. Treading softly, treading slow, over the rainbow bridge we go. Gathering light from sun and star, gathering light from heaven afar, Down to earth all things to greet, sharing the light with all we meet. Here we go, to and fro, over the rainbow bridge we go. Treading softly, treading slow, over the rainbow bridge we go. * * * * * * * * * * Come golden butterfly, close to me, Your beautiful golden wings, I should like to see. You fly like a bird, you sip like a bee, But you're really a flower the wind has set free. * * * * * * * * * * Two little clouds one summer's day Went flying through the sky. They went so fast they bumped their heads, And both began to cry. Old Father Sun looked out and said, Oh, never mind my dears, I'll send my little fairy folk To dry your falling tears. One fairy came in violet, And one in indigo, In blue, green, yellow, orange, red, They made a pretty row. They wiped the clouds tears all away, And then out from the sky, Upon a line the sunbeams made, They hung their gowns to dry. 3/10/2014 0 Comments What is rhythm?Extract from The Waldorf Connection
Rhythm is the foundation for providing a stable & stress-free environment for your family. And it makes everything so much easier. I could go on and on about the benefits of a strong rhythm. It is the “key” to a happy household. A good daily rhythm supports YOU the Mom! Here’s how: *Frees Your Energy-No more spending all your time wondering what is coming up next in your day. Having a daily rhythm will free up your energy. Having a plan already in place give you freedom knowing all is taken care of. *Less Stress- Knowing you have it together gives you piece of mind, less stress and a chance to breathe. Everything won’t always be perfect, but with a plan to start with there is a much better chance! *More Focus: Having peace of mind will allow your thoughts to be present and mindful with what you are currently doing. (Not thinking of the errand you forgot to run or chicken you forgot to thaw out). *More Fun Sprinkled in: Once your basic pieces of the day are mapped out, you will find opportunities to add some fun! Use your precious time for activities you love because you know the rest is all set. Rhythm Support your Kids too: *Kids thrive on a secure environment. *They love knowing that YOU have it under control. *A peaceful, flowing home allows them to play fully without worry. *Reduces discipline issues because the routine is set and it just becomes “what you do.” *Their activities are more balanced into a “in and out” rhythm. - See more at: http://thewaldorfconnection.com/keeping-your-rhythm-in-check/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WaldorfHomeschoolingConnection+%28Waldorf+Homeschooling+Connection%29#sthash.qhlMnTiZ.dpuf 5/9/2014 0 Comments Colourstrings music classesHello all!
Thank you for your support over the move to Mycenae House. We are now settled in there and I am enjoying the rooms and the environment. We start the Colourstrings new year on September the 23rd 2014. It will be a ten week term, as usual, with half term the week of October the 27th. The term ends on December the 4th. It is £60 for the term. The classes are Tuesdays 10.30am age 0-3 (with the possibility to move it back to 10am, especially if I can break the class into two age groups again) Thursdays 2-2.45pm age 3-4 3-3.45pm age 4-6 4-4.45pm age 3-6 I have had more interest in an after-mainstream-school class and would like to hear from you if you know of anyone, or if you, yourselves, might like to come to a 4pm (possibly 4.15) class on Thursdays for 3-6 year olds? This would cost me an extra hour's room hire, so I do need to have a few people coming to make it happen. We will cover the same skills and focus a lot on games, dances and partner work to help the mix of ages. While the two classes earlier will continue to be structured for the specific age/developmental stage. Of course, it depends who is in each group, ultimately, as I will plan according to the actual children. Please let me know if you are intending to come, or would like more info on any of the above classes. Please forward the attached flier onto anyone you think may be interested, and please feel free to print and post in your schools and community buildings or local cafe's if you can. I hope you are enjoying your summer holidays, and are feeling relaxed about the coming year ahead. I am looking forward to seeing you all again, and seeing how much the children have grown. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Warm regards, Jo Barwick Colourstrings 07791 863 618 6/8/2014 0 Comments Acorns soup recipeI have been asked to put this post again; it seems appropriate as it is Harvest Time and this soup is getting more and more popular, thanks to my lovely assistant Gity who makes it for my group sessions and for other leader's groups too!
Acorns parent and Child's soup recipe, which has been passed down from Kindergarten to Acorns, not quite modified or re-adapted, but rather changed and slightly distorted, as in a recipe Chinese Whisper! It has never been written down, by us in Acorns, nor Greenwich Steiner School, as far as I know! I am sure there is a recipe in one of the Steiner books somewhere... I am slightly reluctant writing this down, so I do it with the knowledge that you understand two things: it will be similar but never exaclty the same as Susannah's soup, now, Gity's soup, and for this reason, each soup is unique and the product of one or two or more kitchen fairies! The second thing is that this is an ever changing and quite flexible recipe as it needs to change according to the season and ingredients available! I have one rule of my own: I do not put nightshades in with the exception of an occasional potato or tomato, but for sure, never aubergines and mushrooms. I simply do not like them in a soup! Perhaps sauteed or grilled but not swimming in broth! It's a personal thing! So, for the Acorns soup there are different options: with grains added at the beginning or at the end; this depends on how long the grain needs cooking. As for quantities, this soup fills the pot and it is a sharing soup, I do not measure anything and it should feed the whole group - avarage number of people, 15! Barley and vegetable soup: Sautee 1 onion in sunflower oil Add pearl barley - about one cup stir and add 2 chopped carrots, add a bit of water and a bay leaf add root vegetables such as half a swede, cubed turnips, a parsnip, sliced/chopped or cubed add some golden beetroot or some butternut squash and/or some sweet potato all root vegetables cut small stir add more water cook for 15 minutes add some more water add leeks, sliced maybe add greens such as kale, cabbage cut or shredded small parsley marigold boullion, I like the orange top one or the purple-reduced salt- about one large tablespoon switch off and cover with lid serve after about 10 minutes, so is cooler for little mouths! Vegetable minetrone soup Sautee 1 onion or two shallots in some olive oil add chopped carrot, a stalk or two celeri, finely sliced stir until they start sweating a bit add 1 potato cubed ( could be a sweet potato) add water- about 2 litres add chopped/cubed butternut squash 1 red beetroot cover and simmer for 15 minutes then, add leek, cabbage, broccoli or peas, or all of above! add some garlic add some tomato passata (optional) or some fresh chopped plum tomatos without skin at this point it is optional to add some red lentils or cooked chick peas towards the end of cooking. some herbs, like basil oregano and parsley marigold boullion, about a tablespoon add some more water if necessary (already boiled from kettle) and a packet of pasta around 250 gr or a bit more- up to 400gr this could be short pasta or baby pasta stars, which take only 5 minutes cooking time, or maccheroni, penne or even spaghetti-rice noodles- but broken in small pieces - I often add rice or millet pasta or corn kamut or quinoa pasta when I want a wheat free soup, and it is lovely- the best brands are Biona, La Terra e Cielo, Bioidea, but also supermarket own brands of wheat/wholewheat or wheat free pasta are good, my favourite one ( being a fussy Italian) are the Marks and Spencer's pastas. Stir and simmer for a further 5 minutes and switch off and cover the soup will rest a bit and you may serve it with bread and butter after 10 minutes Hope you enjoy these recipes and please, if you have any recipes send them in! Sometimes parents bring lovely soups at the outdoor group, and I would love those recipes! Susannah 21/5/2014 0 Comments Acorn's bread recipe!The much-promised super simple Bread Recipe!
This is the Acorns style bread, from Nicola Jackson who attends the indoor Thursday sessions and brings this bread when Amy can't. So hope to follow with Amy's recipe as well on a new post soon. This is to make a large Campaillou-style loaf that will keep well for several days. We've lots of lovely flour and olive oil to make this with! Ingredients: 700g water 2 tsp fast yeast 150g Malted granary flour 75g Rye flour Up to 1 tbsp black treacle or molasses 500-600g strong white bread flour 3 tsp salt or to taste 1tbsp Olive oil NB/ this is our own recipe made by trial and error! It's a very wet dough so use a spatular to mix until you knead. Method: 1) Mix the water with the yeast, rye and granary flour, and treacle and leave for a couple of hours until the watery mix begins to bubble a little. You can leave it longer, overnight if you like. 2) Stir in the salt, olive oil, white bread flour until the mixture becomes doughy enough to knead. Use well-floured hands and knead for 10 mins, adding flour as needed until the dough starts to 'bounce back' when you press it. Only add more than the 500g of flour if you need it as you want a very moist dough. 3) Put in a large clean, oiled mixing bowl, cover with cling film and leave to rise for a couple of hours 4) Pull out of bowl with floured hands and fold over itself several times - like folding a big blanket up 5) Put on a heavily floured baking tray, slash and cover with flour - you need the flour topping to stop it burning 6) Put in Very Hot oven - ours is 250 fan - with a large bowl of boiling water at the bottom. The steam helps it rise and get a super crust 7) Reduce heat in the oven after 30 mins or so to 180 for another 40 mins then take out and leave to cool. |
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