Preschool and Kindergarten ~ Where to begin

There is no curriculum for a child of that age. However there are many wonderful things you can do to give your child what is truly the "best start". 

What a child of this age needs is rhythm, repetition and an active home life where Mommy allows her to participate. Helping you with your daily work, cooking, sweeping, etc. is the best curriculum you can offer. Neurophysiological researchers are finally confirming what wise parents and teachers have always known, that the first seven years provide a foundation for all of life. 

Toddlers and Preschoolers love to model your behavior and their play consists of acting out everything they take in from their surroundings, therefore the surroundings you create must be worthy of this imitation. Are you doing your housework with a "whistle while you work" attitude, or are you setting her in front of the TV or telling her not to bother you while you are busy. Many parents do not realize that young helpers grow to be willing participants in life whereas children who are told to step aside grow to be lazy and unwilling to lift a finger when it's time to help. 

 

You must be conscious and awake to what your child is taking in. Is the TV off? Does she have her own tools to work alongside you in the kitchen, garden, etc.? At our house we realize the importance of little hands helping so we have small sized cutting boards, knives, gardening tools, rakes, brooms and so forth all around the house.

These items are an investment in the child's education because they ARE the curriculum for this age group. Children also love to cook and play with dough. Bake bread, make soup, go to market and discuss what you are buying, and why. (Not with scientific explanations, but rather to give the child some sensory experiences. Example: "Oh my, look at all of these lovely apples. Which should be choose for our lovely cake?" and then smell them point out the bruised ones and behave as though the bunch you chose were the best of the lot - and what a great eye for apple picking your little one has!)

A child this age imitates, so provide creative opportunities where she can imitate you. There isn't much need for any explaining or discussion... Just go about your work, humming a sweet tune and soon your child will be working happily alongside you. She is watching you and wants to do as you do, so be aware of HOW you go about your work. Your child is learning how to behave and how to react during this time. 

 

Children of this age also delight in simple movement games, nursery rhymes and finger plays. If you want to feel like you need to "do something" as far as "curriculum", Than an informal circle is a good addition to your day. 

 

Allow your child to play. provide silks, stones, clips and indulge her wanting to build castles and hiding spaces. Allow your child's imagination to take over and try not to "instruct" your child on things at this age. When I worked as a parent toddler leader, I was so saddened by the parents who had to tell their child everything. 

They never allowed their children to explore or discover anything for themselves. The child would pick up a simple wooden block and begin to play and the parent would rush over "Oh, I see you have a block, what are you going to do with that?" - Meanwhile, for all we know, the child imagined it to be a piece of fruit, a person, a friend... Parents and children often quickly became agitated and the children would react by behaving in anti social ways. So allow your child to wonder and to imagine, to dream. Step back from the feeling that you must explain everything... now is not the time.

Finally, rhythm, rhythm, rhythm. This is KEY in the life education of any child. The child needs to know what she can count on, and know her place in her world. She just blossoms when there is order and simplicity and she feels good following a routine. Do you have a daily rhythm? A weekly rhythm? A seasonal rhythm? Do you celebrate festivals and holidays with your child fully involved?

In closing, I wanted to add that you should feel good that your child is home with you and know that in itself is the best start. While children from deprived homes may benefit from a nursery program, the IDEAL for toddlers and preschoolers is a stable, secure and loving home life with a parent who provides and encourages satisfying and creative activities for the child. 

Winter Verses and Circle time!

Look Out! Look Out!
Jack Frost is about!
He's after our fingers and toes;
And, all through the night,
The gay little sprite
Is working where nobody knows.

He'll climb a tree,
So nimble is he,
His silvery powder he'll shake;
To windows he'll creep,
And while we're asleep,
Such wonderful pictures he'll make.

Across the grass,
He'll merrily pass,
And change all its greenness to white;
Then home he will go,
And laugh, "Ho, Ho, Ho!
What fun I have had in the night!"

* * * * * * * *

Come in the garden
And play in the snow,
A snowman we'll make,
See how quickly he'll grow!
Give him a hat, stick and pipe,
And make him look gay.
Such a fine game
For a cold winter day!

* * * * * * * *

Snowflakes falling soft and light,
Snowflakes falling in the night,
Soft and Light, pure and white.
When the sun shines out so bright,
All the earth is dressed in white.

* * * * * * * *

When the North Wind whistles and blows,
Cherry red is brother's nose,
Very cold are sister's toes,
When the North Wind's blowing,
When the North Wind's blowing.

Logs upon the fire we'll throw,
For, as everybody must know,
We will have a fall of snow,
When the North Wind's blowing,
When the North Wind's blowing.
(Written By: Alfred S. Gatty)

**********************

Furry bear
If I were a bear,
And a big bear too,
I shouldn't much care
If it froze or snew:
I shouldn't much mind
If it snowed or friz-
I'd be all fur-lined
With a coat like his!
A.A. Milne

**********************

See the little snowflakes
Falling from the sky,
On the hills and housetops,
Soft and thick they lie.
On the window ledges,
On the branches bare;
See how fast they gather,
Filling all the air!

Look into the garden
Where the grass was green,
Covered by the snowflakes,
Not a blade is seen.
Look outside the window,
All looks still and white;
Under snowy blankets,
What a pretty sight!
(J.D. Macey)

* * * * * * * *

Finger Plays

A chubby little snowman had a carrot nose.
(show long nose with a closed fist like a trumpet in front of face)
Along a came a bunny, and what do you suppose?
(Hands show the bunny hopping)
That hungry little bunny, looking for his lunch,
(wiggle nose like a bunny)
Ate the snowman's carrot nose,
Nibble, nibble, crunch
(pretend to eat the carrot)
(Oak meadow fingerplays)

* * * * * * * *

Five little eskimos by the igloo door
one went out to feed the dogs, then there were four.
Four little eskimos rowing out to sea,
one jumped on an iceberg, then there were three.
Three little eskimos making fish stew,
one burned his finger, then there were two.
Two little eskimos hunting just for fun,
one chased a baby seal, then there was one.
One little eskimo all his work was done,
went home to supper, then there were none.
(Winter, p.51)

* * * * * * * *

Chickadee, chickadee,
Flitting through the holly tree-
With your cap and scarf of black,
Sweater gray upon your back
You're warm and happy in the snow
And when I hear you call,
I know My little friend has come to say
That wintertime's just fine for play.
(From Ladybug magazine)

* * * * * * * *

Verse for Lighting the Advent Wreath

The first light of Advent is the light of stones.
Stones that live in crystals, seashells, and bones.

The second light of Advent is the light of plants.
Roots, stem, leaf, flower and fruit by whom we live and grow.

The third light of Advent is the light of beasts.
Animals of farm, field, forest, air and sea.
All await the birth in greatest and in least.

The fourth light of Advent is the light of humankind.
The light of love, the light of thought, to give and to understand.
(Rudolf Steiner)

* * * * * * * *

We light one candle shining bright
Upon this Holy Advent night
Fill Our Hearts with loving might
Lead us to Christmas Day's brilliant light!

Second Week: We light two candles...

Third Week: We light three candles...

Fourth Week: We light four candles...

M.T. Shunemann, from The Christmas Star (available below)

* * * * * * * *

A candle's but a simple thing,
it starts with just a bit of string,
But dipped or rolled with patient hand,
it gathers wax upon the strand.
Until complete and snowy white,
it gives at last a lovely light.
Life seems so like that bit of string,
each deed we do a simple thing.
Yet day by day on life's strand,
we work with patient heart and hand.
It gathers joy, makes dark days bright,
and gives at last a lovely light.

* * * * * * * *

Riddle

I begin tall and thin, I end in a muddle, sad in a puddle (candle)

* * * * * * * *

Christmas Verses

Softly, softly, through the darkness
Snow is falling.

Meekly, meekly in the meadows
Lambs are calling.

Coldly, coldly all around me
Winds are blowing.

Brightly, brightly up above me
Stars are glowing.

* * * * * * * *

Christmas Wish

To every hearth a little fire,
To every board a little feast,
To every heart a joy,
To every child a toy,
Shelter for bird and beast.

* * * * * * * *

Mary rocks her baby,
Joseph holds a light,
Ox and ass are standing
In the stable bright.

Shepherds in the doorway
Come to greet the child,
Now they kneel before Him
And his mother mild.

One holds out a lambskin
Soft and white as snow,
All shall give their presents
Ere they homeward go.

* * * * * * * *

Story & Activity

There was a giant big and bold
Whose feet were getting very cold.
He came along to our town
And walked the stairs all up and down
Calling "Is no one hearing me?
My toes are freezing bitterly!
No single shop that I could tell
Has stocking giant-size to sell."

A little gnome both old and wise.
He gave him very good advice.
He brought two pretty bits of stuff.
The giant thought them good enough.
He wrapped his feet, his pain was eased.
And home he walked content and pleased.

Materials: Knotted cloth dolls [this could be a play silk or gauze square the you knot to show head and other body parts] with 2 extra pieces of fabric to wrap the giant's feet. Children can watch you knotting the characters.

VERSE: King Winter now is in the land,
he reigns with cold and freezing hand.
He makes Jack Frost touch nose and toes,
and gives our cheeks a shining glow.

FINGER PLAY: A chubby little snowman had a carrot nose.
(show long nose with a closed fist like a trumpet in front of face)
Along a came a bunny, and what do you suppose?
(Hands show the bunny hopping)
That hungry little bunny, looking for his lunch,
(wiggle nose like a bunny)
Ate the snowman's carrot nose,
Nibble, nibble, crunch
(pretend to eat the carrot)

The Snow

This is the way the snow comes down,
Upon a winter day,
But soon the golden sun comes out,
And melts it all away.
Lines 1 & 2: flutter fingers down from arms raised position until arms are lowered.
Lines 3 & 4: make large circle with fingers for sun.
— Author Unknown




Making a Snowman
Roll a snowball round and round,
Round and round upon the ground.
Make one, make two, here's what you do,
You can build a snowman too.
As the sun shines down some day,
Poor snowman, he will melt away.
Lines 1 & 2: roll hands around each other.
Line 3: make two fists, then put one on top of the other.
Lines 4 & 5: hold fists in snowman position.
Line 6: open hands flat out on top of each other.
— Gloria T. Delamar, Author

Clap for Santa Claus
O, clap, clap the hands,
And sing with glee!
For Christmas is coming
And merry are we.
How swift o'er the snow
The tiny reindeer
Are trotting and bringing
Good Santa Claus near.
Our Stockings we'll hang,
And while we're asleep,
Then down through the chimney
Will Santa Claus creep.
He'll empty his pack,
Then up he will come
And calling his reindeer,
Will haste away home.
Then clap, clap the hands!
And sing out with glee,
For Christmas is coming
And merry are we!
Verse 1 - All lines: clap hands.


Verse 2 - All lines: lock thumbs together and make walking motions with other fingers to indicate reindeer and sleigh.


Verse 3 - Lines 1 & 2: point down with four fingers of one hand.
Lines 3 & 4: put one fist on top of the other to represent chimney andd put upper thumb inside of upper fist to represent Santa Claus going down chimney.
Verse 4 - Lines 1 & 2: raise thumb from upper fist as Santa Claus comes up chimney.
Lines 3 & 4: lock thumbs and walk with fingers.

Verse 5 - All lines: clap hands.— Emilie Poulsson, Author, 1893

Some cool Homeschool links!

So I happen to be stumbling online and find all these great educations sites and wanted to share them with you all!

Enjoy!

Miscellaneous:

Fun Holiday Worksheets!
Handwriting Worksheets
Craft Ideas
How far is it?
How much is inside?
Fun First Grade worksheets
Fun Second grade worksheets
Fun Third Grade worksheets
Fun Fourth grade worksheets
Fun Fifth Grade worksheets
Multi Grade worksheets
Spelling worksheets
Free Lapbooks!
Free Unit Studies



Measurement:

U.S. Weights and Measures
Metric Weights and Measures
The International System (Metric)
Metric Conversions
Conversion of Miles to Kilometers and Kilometers to Miles
Measuring Motion
Measuring Power
Nautical Measurement
How Early Measures Made Their Mark
Miscellaneous Units of Measure
Origins of Measurements
Cooking Measurement Equivalents
Standard Measurements in Sports
Polygons: How Many Sides?

Geometry:

The Geometry of the Sphere
Projective Geometry ala Steiner
Circles and Spheres
Coloring
Compass and Straightedge
Combinatorial Geometry
Covering and Packing
Dissection
Doubling the Cube
Fractals
Geometric Models
Geometric Topology
Geometry Lesson Plans
School-Bus Geometry
Spirals

Are you planting your seeds wisely?

Spring has definitely sprung so I say start now and plant your seeds wisely! Spend all the time you can with your young ones. I say submerge yourself in their hugs, kisses, laughter, play times and smiles. I say WAKE-UP and realize how lucky you are for the little treasure you have. I am an absolute believer of allowing your child to be selfish and alone with just you! It's wonderful and inspiring.

My children are so happy to be able to complete a task undisturbed,I have found that Gabe works better if left alone. They are happier when they are able to come up with original ideas, to be able to wake when they are ready, and to be with the people they love and trust the most... US! They are pleased to see how the world works on trips to the bank, the market, the post office... they are happy to be at the library looking, in quiet, in the morning hours, at all of the wonderful books full of ideas and plans... (if/when we went later in the day-when LOTS of school kids were "unwinding" from school, it was so chaotic that Gabe asked that we go at "the other time when it is like a library and not a playground")

I agree with everyone that what happens is that your young child models and takes in all of the wrong behaviors. It's too early to separate from Mom, and forming strong attachments to peers at this age is not "natural". what is wrong with our society is that everyone needs to busy themselves with friends, gatherings, meetings, clubs, social events, etc... because they cannot figure out what to do when they are faced with the quiet of home and just themselves... They have forgotten how to be intimate, and how to be quiet within... Everyone wants to be entertained, and expects that their children want and need it too, when nothing is further from the truth.

If we lived 100 years ago, and all of time before that, we would look forward to the few "festivals" a few times a year... and that would be about it. The majority of our time would be spent within our own community, where we would be doing the jobs and deeds of friends... knitting baby booties for John's new baby sister, making a new warmer quilt for Granny Ann for this coming winter, canning vegetables for the unfortunate Mrs. Widow, etc... Our social event would be a celebration of bringing in the harvest, welcoming the new family or saying our last goodbye to our favorite neighbor...

There would be no carpool, no little league, no night at the pizza place. It seems so unnatural to me that it isn't "obvious" to everyone where the problems arise. We are too busy to simply "live". Everyone is walking around in a depression, looking for meaning when it is the simple deeds that give meaning.

The simple daily moments.

This past week while my sister Meg was off too work the kids and I "helped" her 18 month old son make some beautiful Mother's day gifts for her. As we were decorating one of her gifts I was explaining to him simply how this was for his mama and how it was for her special day. He totally knew and got right to work decorating and smiling and saying "mama mama".Yesterday when she opened them she was so touched that she started to cry.

It was simple, but so meaningful.

My sister and I were talking about Mother's Day and how at school the teachers help the students make gifts for their mom. I started thinking how my children make me things all the time without anyone's "help". I get tons of cards,drawings,paintings and even imaginary gifts. Those are way more special than any teacher made gift.

I wholeheartedly believe that expecting that a child's soul gets what it needs in a playgroup, or a classroom setting, is just selling the child and parent both short.
Friends are fun, yes... but they should not make up the largest portion of our days, and the days should not always be structured, well planned and filled up and busy-busy. Young children need time to wonder, to dream, and to have you all to themselves. They need to just "be" and not to be learning how all of the time. When again in their life will they have this? Never! Maybe that is whey there are so many "adult children" with problems in our society...

Young children, and young adults need a strong foundation, strong roots... they get that from YOU the parents! Your job is the most important job in the world, and anyone trying to "sell" you their playgroup, class, or social agenda is just trying to fill up their own empty longings for what they don't have the courage to create and face in their own lives! (whew: talk about soapbox queen..!)

Our children will benefit and grow into wonderful people because we fought the good fight! We have shown them what to strive for ourselves. My suggestion is begin to take care of what matters.. teach your children the importance of cutting vegetables to make a soup for all to share, to sew a blanket for the cats new kittens, to loan, borrow, barter and trade, to care for the house, the yard, the neighbor... there will be plenty of time to "play"... remember, "daily work is the play of childhood" and letting them imitate you at work at home is what is most important to a young child.

I shudder to think of what "soul forces" are at play in a child who is being taught vanity ("Let's get pretty for school") and societal expectations ("We have to go... this is our play day") at such a tender age. What messages is that sending? That you cannot rely on yourself to make fun? That you "need" friends to have a happy day? That family is not enough, or that the party is more important that the work that needs to be done?

When was the last time your child folded daddy's shirts? When was the last time s/he swept the floor clean? What matters most now, is being a family and caring for the home and the family... tending to the garden, the pets, and the days work... People with teens complain that all they want to do is hang out with their friends, that they don't want to do their chores, etc... and I want to say "What did you think? You had them in playgroup since birth... you TAUGHT them that was what was important!" and most people just simply don't get it. They were taught, by their parents, what was MORE important... Taught by the way their lives were structured and their days spent, when they were young. That is when the seeds are planted!

Of course, these are my strong thoughts and feelings... and I do admit, I don't have many friends because of them.

But to me the size of my "circle" doesn't matter... it is what it's made of that counts.

Lessons from a 4 year old

Our daughter is 4 ½ years old. Just take an example of our typical day together. I am awakened each morning with the touch of her small, soft hand gently stroking my hair and face. "Mama... Mama" she says until I moan an answer. "I want to snuggle in bed with you ," she says. I lazily roll over and let her come snuggle in bed, which at this age she seems to enjoy best. So there we are all snuggled up in bed it is wonderful. Sometimes our youngest Azeda Peace does not like this and will protest stating that she wants to nurse so she get her "own" snuggle time.

During this time, our seven year old jumps up, greets us all with a hug and is off to open all of the windows and curtains in the house and into the backyard to greet the day . My husband and I look at each other and smile, knowing too well that this morning ritual will end soon as she will be off with him to start the day... and so we allow ourselves to savor in each and every moment.

After getting her morning snuggles, she is ready to go. "Come on Kelly, Come on Ben" as she stands at the foot of the beds handing us our clothes... I am hungry and I need my hot cocoa" I am pleased that she knows this routine and her day flows with such a familiar rhythm. We get up, and by now, Gabrial has prepared a surprise breakfast (or at least set the table). "Wow Gabe, Thank you!" says Brook as she looks over each item with awe and wonder. (Yes, with awe, wonder and complete surprise, each and every day!)

After breakfast we set about our day's work. Each day the work is different, but we try to follow our weekly rhythm. Almost every day involves some sort of errand in the car and this is her favorite because Gabe knows the car isn't too much fun, so he opts to stay at home. This makes it all the more special for Brook as I believe she thinks that this too is "women's work". She kisses the men goodbye and we are off.

I used to feel guilty taking such a young child in the car to do the errands. I believed that it wasn't really the natural way, and that children didn't need to be exposed to vehicles, traffic, lines at the grocery store, etc. But I've changed my views as well as where and how I go about the errands. For example, we no longer shop at the mega-super stores and markets. It is a completely different experience for children to visit a small produce stand instead. We visit the local Co-op where we see the same familiar faces each week as we shop. We believe this show of support for smaller businesses is beneficial to our community as well as to our children.

Brook loves these errands. When she is offered a sample of cheese, or a cookie, she beams with joy and expresses a heartfelt "Thank you!" The post office is where she gathers her "business" and is always sure to take a few extra colorful sheets (of hold mail forms, certified mail and registered mail forms) home for her brother. After each stop she talks about it all the way to the next stop or until we get home. She is also so excited about money and has her "own" special purse for her coins and loves to collect any receipts she gets. She is also always thinking of her older Brother. While at the store she will say "I want to get a cheese for me and one For Gabe".

When we get home, we allow the natural rhythms of our moods, the day's events, the menu, the weather, etc. shape our day. The great advantage of choosing to work at home (very simply and frugally) allows us this luxury. We made the decision when we decided to have children that "careers" would be placed on hold, and more creative endeavors would have to take shape. This is a great asset to home schooling as well, because the children learn very much from having to "make something from nothing" so to speak.

But the magic of spending so much time with a four and a half year old is still one of the greatest gifts and benefits of choosing our lifestyle. Sometimes I see frustrated mothers at the store with their children. The children look so tired and stressed out, as does mom. I have gotten the comment " Today is just one of those days" from these mothers... as if they are seeking compassion and a comrade in their suffering. I politely smile and yet feel so hurt inside, thinking how society's expectations and "norms" have clouded their own experiences.

I think of how much pure joy is stolen from children in today's world. How many children get the wonderful gift of their parent's attentions? Most of our children grow up cynical and without any magic at all in their lives. This is why we have chosen this path. This is why we seek to build community with others who share the same ideals. This is why we study, we read and we get informed. This is the reason why we parent the way we do. It's not just the children's birthright. It's not a gift for the children. It is the way it should be.

My wonderful and brilliant Four and a half-year-old taught me that lesson. And I am forever thankful.

Number verse!

Verse for Introducing Number Qualities:

All together we are class ONE
See, the whole wide world is one
And the brightly shining sun
Sheds its light on everyone.
All alone I stand as one
And my heart shall be a sun.

You and I, we are TWO
And many things together do.
On two feet we walk and stand
With two eyes we view the land.
Two ears to hear what wise men tell
Two hands with which to do things well.

Father, mother and child are THREE
And make one happy family.
As head and heart and limbs so strong
Make one good man who'll do no wrong.

Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring
FOUR different seasons to us bring.
From East and West, and South and North
The brother winds come blowing forth.
We make FIVE with our head
And our arms and legs outspread.
Now we are most like a star,
Shining brightly from afar.

We find SIX in all that is around
See, sparkling crystals in the ground
The honeycomb made by the bee,
Six-petalled flowers we also see.

The shining rainbow shows us SEVEN
As it stretches down from Heaven,
And the week has seven days
Taking us on different ways.

Wriggling spiders on EIGHT legs crawl
Spinning webs on every wall.
Octopus has eight legs too,
Four times as many legs as you.

NINE is a mystery hidden away
A secret to be revealed one day.

TEN fingers have we on our two hands.
Ten toes, as on two feet we stand.
For ten contains within two fives
Which we'll remember all our lives.

-Anon

Backyard Discoveries

I have always kept my eye out for anything that may look like a little fairy house at craft stores, yard sales, etc...

Not too long ago, Michael's was having a sale and my husband had the afternoon off, so I got to go alone. In their floral section I found little "nests" and birdhouses, which didn't really look like functioning bird houses, but were made of wood and covered with moss, etc..

I purchased several items and kept the bag hidden in the car until they went to their grandmother's and I again had some free time. I carefully placed all of the items I had found all over the backyard, into hiding places within the bushes, on branches, etc...

Some they discovered right away, some are still awaiting discovery. It was interesting to watch from my window and see how they reacted when they suddenly made a discovery - precious!

It was also interesting to see what had happened to the ones who sat in the elements for weeks - how they became a part of the landscape and truly came to look like fairies had moved into them! It was an idea which has brought many hours of joy to my children...

All back yards have the potential for great discovery and activities. You should try to keep the area as natural as possible, and yet have a variety of "tools" on hand. These would include any of the following: a place for digging, a vegetable or flower garden, some wild growing plants (vines, wildflowers) wind chimes, windsocks, wind wands, pinwheels, prisms to catch the sun, gazing balls, a bonfire pit (obviously with supervision), planting sunflower houses or bean tents so children can experiment with light and dark, a water table, watering cans, seeds, potting soil and pots, scraps of wood (no nails!) for building, a long log for a balance beam, a hammock or comfortable chair, tree stumps which could be used for chairs & tables, cotton gauze cloths which could dirty, clothes pins or play clips, ropes, etc...

Simple Garden Magic:

Additionally, keeping a garden is a large part of the Waldorf curriculum. Even if you have an apartment in the city - try to keep a window box of herbs for your children. they will love it. It's also fun to take a drive out to local farms and farmer's markets.

Steiner said:

"Although it may seem absurd, it must be stated that a person who has not learned to distinguish an ear or rye from an ear of wheat is no complete human being. It can even be said that a person who has learned to distinguish between rye and without having observed them growing in the fields, has not attained the ideal. As teachers we should avoid going on botanical expeditions to collect specimens to be shown in the classroom. The children themselves should be taken out and wherever possible, be brought to understand the plant world in its actual connection with the earth, with the rays of the sun, with life itself. Through this we can find the transition in a quite naive way to something else which is very important."

Verses for Autumn

Here are a few of our favorite verses and even an Autumn story! Enjoy!
Autumn wind came stealing
Through the woods one day,
And creeping round the tree, he stole
Their beauty all away.
He tore their russet dresses,
Combed off their golden hair.
He blew away the tattered bits,
And left them brown and bare.

* * * * * * * *

Autumn winds are sighing,
Stealing through the forest brown,
As they softly pass the tree trunks
Little leaves come falling down.
But a stronger gale is blowing
And then the leaves themselves
Rise and dance about the forest
Just like little elves.
Faster, faster see them whirling
Till the gale has passed.
One by one the tired leaflets
Sink to rest at last.

* * * * * * * *

The north wind came along one day,
So strong and full of fun;
He called the leaves down from the trees
And said, "Run children run".
They came in read and yellow dress,
In shaded green and brown,
And all the short November day
He chased them round the town.
They ran in crowds, they ran alone,
They hid behind the trees,
The north winds laughing found them there
And called "No stopping please"
But when he saw them tired out
And huddled in a heap,
He softly said, "Goodnight my dears,
Now let us go to sleep."

* * * * * * * *

My nice red rosy apple has a secret midst unseen;
You'd see if you could slip inside,
five rooms so neat and clean.
In each room there are hiding
two seeds so shining bright;
Asleep they are and dreaming
of a lovely warm sunlight.
And sometimes they are dreaming
of many things to be
How some day they'll be hanging
upon a Christmas tree

* * * * * * * *

The world is full of color
'Tis Autumn once again
And leaves of gold and crimson
Are lying in the lane
There are brown and yellow acorns
Berries and scarlet haws
Amber gorse and heather
Purple across the moors
Green apples in the orchard
Flushed by a glowing sun
Mellow pears and brambles
Where colored pheasants run

* * * * * * * *

October is a piper,
Piping down the dell
Sad sweet songs of sunshine
Summer's last farewell,
He pipes till grey November
Comes in the mist and rain,
And then he puts his pipe away
Till Autumn comes again

* * * * * * * *

Jack O Lantern, Jack O lantern
Your light it doth shine,
Sitting up upon the window
And your light it is mine.

Once you were a yellow pumpkin
Sitting on a sturdy vine
Now you are a Jack O lantern,
And in the night you will shine.

* * * * * * * *

Verses For Spring

* * * * * * * *

In our Winter garden, seeds lie warm below,
flowers are waiting, waiting, waiting
for the Spring to show
* * * * * * * *

SONG: STANDING:
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.

* * * * * * * *

VERSE: STANDING:
King Winter be gone,
then soon cometh the spring!
The ice is a breaking,
the flowers awakening,
and green groweth each thing!
King Winter be gone,
then your rule put away,
the birds one and all,
now with jubilant call,
now bring tidings of May!

* * * * * * * *

SONG: STANDING:
Winter goodbye, winter goodbye.
You may no longer stay.
Springtime is on its way.
Winter goodbye, winter goodbye.

* * * * * * * *

SONG: STANDING:
Spring is coming, spring is coming,
birdies build your nests.
Weave together straw and feather,
doing each your best.

Spring is coming spring is coming,
flowers are waking too.
Daisies, lilies, daffodillies,
all are coming through.

Spring is coming, Spring is coming,
all around is fair.
Shiver, quiver, on the river
joy is everywhere!

* * * * * * * *

VERSE: SITTING:
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.
Sing Through the Seasons, p.5

VERSE: STANDING:
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 rise and shine.
So with his rays of gold he knocked and knocked
at each flower family's door,
Wake up! Wake up! he chuckled with glee
Time to wake up and color Earth¹s floor!
The snowdrops were first, the crocus and rosies,
daffodils, violets, and all sorts of posies,
yawning and stretching under Radiant Sun.
Yes, all we flowers create spring time fun!

* * * * * * * *

SONG: STANDING:
White coral bells upon a slender stalk,
lilies of the valley deck my garden walk.
Oh don't you wish that you could hear them ring?
That will happen only when the fairies sing.

* * * * * * * *

VERSE: STANDING:
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.

* * * * * * * *

SONG: WALKING:
I can't see the wind, but the wind can see me.
It follows me dancing across Lanternlea.
It blows round my ankles, it puffs through my hair,
it tangles me up 'till I do not know where,
or whither or thither or why I'm this way.
The way of the wind on a merry March day.

* * * * * * * *

SONG: STANDING:
Pitter, patter raindrops,
falling on the treetops,
falling down on garden beds,
wetting all the children¹s heads.
Pitter, patter raindrops,
falling on the treetops.

* * * * * * * *

VERSE: STANDING:
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!

* * * * * * * *

VERSE: STANDING:
And now the rain is over
the sky is bright and blue,
and yonder in the meadow,
the sheep are happy too.

* * * * * * * *

SONG: STANDING:
White sheep and black sheep,
Graze on a hill,
When the wind stops
You all stand still.
When the wind blows
You walk away slow;
White sheep and black sheep,
Where do you go?

* * * * * * * *

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.

* * * * * * * *

VERSE: WALKING:
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.

* * * * * * * *

SONG: SITTING:
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.

* * * * * * * *

VERSE: STANDING:
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.

* * * * * * * *

SONG: ON THE FLOOR:
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.

* * * * * * * *

VERSE:SITTING:
Little brown seeds so small and round,
Are sleeping quietly under ground.
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:

* * * * * * * *

VERSE:STANDING:
Let us go back home,
and wash our hands and face,
brush our hair,
change into a clean shirt, and pants.
Tie your shoes and we are off to go to the fair!

Good Morning, Mistress and Master!
I wish you a happy day!
Please to smell my garland,
'cause it's the first of May.

A branch of May I have brought you,
and at your door I stand;
it is but a sprout, but it's well budded out,
the work of Nature's hand.

* * * * * * * *

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: HOLDING RIBBONS WALKING:
We're dancing, we're dancing
around the Maypole high.
In colors 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!

* * * * * * * *

A little brown rabbit popped out of the ground
wriggle his whiskers and looked all around.
Another wee rabbit who lived in the grass,
popped his head out and watched him pass.
Then both wee rabbits went hippity-hop,
hippity-hop, hippity-hop,
'til they came to a wall and had to stop.
Then both wee rabbits turned themselves around
and scuttled off home to their holes in the ground.

* * * * * * * *

Two little beaks went tap, tap, tap!
Two little shells went crack, crack, crack!
Two fluffy chicks peeped out, and oh,
they like the looks of the big world so.
They left their houses without a fret,
and two little shells are now to let!

* * * * * * * *

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!

* * * * * * * *

A 9-foot length of white gauze can be purchased for this game, to become the chrysalis. Smaller 45-inch squares of dyed gauze can be given to the children, to drape over their backs when they are caterpillars, then grasp behind them as they fly like butterflies. Even so, a picnic blanket an imaginary wings work fine.

Busy Caterpillar, by Lisa Patrell
Busy busy caterpillar, fuzzy and furry.
Eating lots of leaves in such a hurry.
Come here busy caterpillar and make a wish.
Upside-down you're a chrysalis.
Wait a long winter,
or a few weeks of summer days.
Open your door and fly away.

The Movements
(busy busy) Speak at a staccato clip. Children craw around on all fours
pretending to eat green leaves. (come here) Speak with a singsong elongated
voice. One of the children is beckoned forth and laid at the edge of a
blanket. (upside down) Continue using your singsong voice, and roll the
child in a picnic blanket, so their feet and head stick-out. (wait) Speak
very quietly, and stand the child. Make a hood with the excess fabric at
their shoulders, and hold them in place. (open) Grab the edge of the
blanket, and say this line joyfully, while unfurling the child, so they
spin-slowly. (fly) The child flaps their arms, as if they are wings and run
as if they are flying.

* * * * * * * *

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!

* * * * * * * *

Spring is coming, spring is coming
Birdies go build your nests
Weave together
Straw and feather
Doing each your best, doing each their best.

* * * * * * * *

Spring is coming, Spring is coming
All around is fair
shiver, quiver, on the river
joy is everywhere-joy is everywhere!!

* * * * * * * *

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.

* * * * * * * *

In the heart of a seed,
Buried deep so deep,
A tiny plant
Lay fast asleep.
"Wake," said the sunshine,
"And creep to the light."
"Wake," said the voice
Of the raindrops bright.
The little plant heard
And it rose to see,
What the wonderful,
Outside world might be.

* * * * * * * *

Little Brown Seeds
Little brown seeds so small and round,
Are sleeping quietly under ground.
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.

* * * * * * * *

Flutter, flutter butterfly
Floating in the springtime sky
Floating by for all to see
Floating by so merrily
Flutter, flutter, butterfly
Floating in the springtime sky!

* * * * * * * *

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.

* * * * * * * *

I can be as tiny as a tiny, tiny seed,
Or I can be as tall as a tall, tall tree.
I can be as wide as the wide, wide world,
Or I can just be me!

* * * * * * * *

I awake from my sleep
I awake from my sleep
I stretch to the sky
I jump into the light
to greet the new day

* * * * * * * *

When the snow is on the ground.
Little bells can be found:
Hush! Tread soft for I can see
Snowdrops sweet for you and me.

* * * * * * * *

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)

* * * * * * * *

The snowflakes sink down,
and neath their white gown
there hides a white crown
three wee flowers you see

Their heads are bent low,
Their hearts do not show
Who dreams neath the snow?
Three wee bells you see.

But soon they will ring
And tell us of spring.
Who can it be?
Snowdrops are we.

* * * * * * * *

bears who look for berries early
find bigger, better berries surely
but bees must wait till buds are open
before they buzz among the blossom

* * * * * * * *

pussy willow
I know a little a little pussy
her coat is silver gray
she lives down in the meadow
not very far away
although she is a pussy
she'll never be a cat
for she's a pussy willow
what do you think of that?

* * * * * * * *

lippety and loppety are two little rabbits
lippety loppety, lippety lop
all down the long field they go thro' the stubble
the lippety loppety back to the top

lippety loppety down to the bottom
and lippety loppety back to the top
lippety loppety lippety loppety
lippety loppety lippety lop
I can turn myself

I can turn myself and turn myself
or curl up when I will
I can stand on tiptoe high
or hold myself quite still

* * * * * * * *

Wake, little leaves,
For the Springtime is calling you;
Soft blow the breezes
And warm is the sun;
Wake, little leaves,
For the Springtime has come at last;
Wake, little leaves,
For the Springtime has come!

* * * * * * * *

White Sheep and Black Sheep
White sheep and black sheep,
Graze on a hill,
When the wind stops
You all stand still.
When the wind blows
You walk away slow;
White sheep and black sheep,
Where do you go?

* * * * * * * *

Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley Grow
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:

* * * * * * * *

Pussy Willow wakened from her cozy winter nap.
For the frolicking spring breeze, on her door would tap.
" It is chilly weather, though the sun feels good;
I will wrap up warmly and wear my furry hood."
Mistress Pussy Willow opened wide her door;
Never had the sunshine seemed so bright before.
Never had the brooklet seemed so full of cheer;
"Good morning, Pussy Willow, Welcome to you, dear!"
Never guest was quainter, than when Pussy came to town,
In her hood of silver gray, and tiny coat of brown.
Happy little children cried with laugh and shout,
"Spring is coming, coming, Mistress Pussy Willow's out!"

* * * * * * * *

The North Wind is a beggar
Who shudders at the cold.
The South Wind is a sailor
With pockets full of gold.
The East Wind is a gypsy
With saucy cap and feather.
The West Wind is a wizard
Who conjures wicked weather.

The Winter Wind's a giant
As grumpy as a bear.
The Summer Wind's a lady
With flowers in her hair.
The Autumn Wind's an old man
As touchy as a thistle.
The Spring Wind is a gay lad
Who blows a silver whistle.

* * * * * * * *

I saw you toss the kites on high
And blow the birds about the sky;
And all around I heard you pass,
Like ladies' skirts across the grass----
O wind, a-blowing all day long,
O wind, that sings so loud a song!

I saw the different things you did,
But always you yourself you hid,
I felt you push, I heard you call,
I could not see yourself at all----
O wind, a-blowing all day long,
O wind, that sings so loud a song!

O you that are so strong and cold,
O blower, are you young or old?
Are you a beast of field or tree,
Or just a stronger child than me?
O wind, a-blowing all day long,
O wind, that sings so loud a song!

* * * * * * * *

A kite, a sky,
and a good firm breeze,
And acres of ground
away from the trees,
And one hundred yards
of clean, strong string---
O boy, O boy!
I call that Spring!
At evening when I go to bed,
I see the stars shine overhead;
They are the little daisies white
That dot the meadow of the night.

"And often while I'm dreaming so,
Across the sky the Moon will go;
It is a lady, sweet and fair,
Who comes to gather daisies there.

"For when at morning I arise,
There's not a star left in the skies;
She's picked them all and dropped them down
Into the meadows of the town."

* * * * * * * *

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.

* * * * * * * *

"In a milkweed cradle, all close and warm,
Little seeds are hiding safe from harm.
Open wide the cradle now, hold it high.
Come along wind, help them fly!

* * * * * * * *

There's a bridge of wondrous light
Filled with colors shining bright
Red and orange, yellow, green,
The fairest colors ever seen,
Blue and violet, magic rose;
Down from heaven to earth it goes

* * * * * * * * * *

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.

* * * * * * * * * *

Tipperty-toes, the smallest elf,
Sat on a mushroom all by himself,
Playing a little tinkling tune
Under the big round harvest moon;
And this is the song that Tipperty made
To sing to the little tune he played.
Red are the hips, red are the haws,
Red and gold are the leaves that fall,
Red are the poppies in the corn,
Red berries on the rowan tall;
Red is the big round harvest moon,
And red are my new little dancing shoon.

* * * * * * * * * *

By the bushes on the green,
A little bunny can be seen,
With shiny paints - red, yellow, blue,
To paint a spring time egg for you!

* * * * * * * * * *

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.

* * * * * * * * * *

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 color 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!

* * * * * * * *