Showing posts with label waldorf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label waldorf. Show all posts

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Winter Verses



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!"

https://plus.google.com/109808530826130426408/posts
* * * * * * * *
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


Winter scene

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







Thursday, May 17, 2012

Planting FUN!!!


"How do we understand one another? We understand the meaning of the words we speak, but on a deeper level we really take in the warmth and cold, the gaiety or gravity of anyone who speaks to us. The personal mood or feeling is, however, overlaid by something else, something the moods of sounds and words bring to us. Pop goes the weasel, ... Pussy cat, pussy cat, ... Worra, worra, worra, ... All of us remember being captivated by such sounds. Looking back we realize that it is not a single 's' or 'r' or 'o' that catches our attention, but the repetition, a rhythmic repetition, growing louder and softer, faster and slower, waking us or making us drowsy, bringing laughter or calm..."

~Rudolf Steiner


Children acquire a range of skills when they tend flowers in the a garden. Lessons about weather, soil, wildlife, ecology, and even language engage all five senses in children as they nurture plants they have grown themselves. Share your love of gardening with a child, and give him an opportunity to turn a summer of fun outdoors into a lifelong hobby.

Butterflies and Bumblebees

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Planting flowers that encourage pollinators to visit your garden captivates children and provides an important lesson in ecology. Children can be afraid of bees, but if they’re not allergic to beestings there’s no reason why kids can’t enjoy observing non-aggressive bumblebees and native honeybees filling the pollen baskets on their legs.


View Image


Butterflies are easy to attract with nectar-rich flowers like butterfly bush or ‘Butterfly Blue’ scabiosa. You should also plant host plants like bronze fennel so children can observe the entire life cycle of these garden jewels.




Let's Plant a Dinosaur Garden

If your child marvels at the prehistoric world that dinosaurs once inhabited, you can recreate some of that antediluvian mystery in your own backyard. Plants that thrived during the Jurassic period include ferns, conifers, cycads, and gingkoes. Although the exact species that lived millions of years ago may not be available for cultivation now, the architectural beauty of similar plants may start a learning quest for the budding botany student.

Plant your Child's Name Garden
This is so much fun to do with a child of any age. Go together and pick flowers that represent the first letter of the names like for A BROOK garden I would plant


Blueberry bushes
Raspberry Bushes
Oregano
Ozothamus
Kolkwitzia


This is a great way for learning about new plants and a special garden all of there own .


Here is a great little verse to say while planting your special plants.


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

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Candle at Bedtime


It's Simply Magical to us, the glow of the candle burning. Really there is nothing more peaceful and calming then when we say our nighttime blessing and light our candle. The warm glow that brightens the room and the wonderful smell of the beeswax burning. The kids love this time of day. I think we all cherish it. So calm and loving.

Our Night time blessing:

A star for you to wish on,
 A sun so warm and bright, 
 A moon for you to sleep on, 
 Happy dreams, 
 A kiss goodnight.

Do you have a night time blessing or prayer you say each night? 

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Local News on Guess what?? Finger Knitting!!

It's wacky Wednesday at Monkton Elementary School-- a day to be weird and celebrate the last week of school. But it's not just about dressing up; it's also about stepping up. Students are trying to roll out a Guinness World Record.
"At my house with Emily we were finger knitting and we got the idea of breaking the world record," said Sierra Petrocelli, a second-grader.
"We thought it would be fun," said Emily Larock, a second-grader.
But Sierra and Emily needed help to make it in the record books, so they brought their finger knitting effort to school.
"It started with maybe five or six kids and next thing you know everyone wants to finger knit," Teacher Barbara Yerrick said.
It's knitting that pays off and adds up-- the first- and second-graders made a 45-pound yarn ball.
"You wrap it around your fingers and keep flipping it over them," Emily explained. "Just your fingers."
"There were some naysayers in the beginning but I said wow, these are little kids with big dreams and why shouldn't we support them and encourage them? And here we are!" Yerrick said.
It all led up to this-- as students unraveled their goal of beating the record of 3.85 miles from Austria. Monkton students planned to beat that with over 5 miles.
"In math class we figured out how much we'd need to finger knit to beat the world record and how much we'd have to knit each week," Yerrick explained.
The kids knit all year to put their school on the map, keeping busy hands during read aloud and choice time in the school day.
Reporter Gina Bullard: Did you ever think it would be this big?
Emily Larock: No! (laughs)
"One of our students said it best; she said we're a tiny, little town in a tiny, little state and we're doing this really big thing and it's exciting," Yerrick said.
A big dream built on little strings as students push their way into the record books.
The kids did beat the record with a 5.6 mile finger-knitted chain. The ball is rolled back up now and will be put on display at the Bristol farmers market. And after that the kids want to turn the yarn into blankets for charity.

Gina Bullard - WCAX News VERMONT
http://www.wcax.com/story/14870996/monkton-students-try-for-a-finger-knitting-title?redirected=true

Friday, April 22, 2011

Fairy Flowers



Buttercups and Bluebells
and Lady slippers, too.
Are favorite fairy flowers

I'm almost sure it's true.

For somehow they just seem to be
So perfect in their size.
And must be used in lots of ways
By tiny folk so wise.



The yellow buttercups perhaps
Like golden goblets shine,
And all the fairy weddings
The lovely bluebells chime.


And if we could ask the elves
The finest flower to choose,
Undoubtedly their choice would be
The one that grows their shoes.

For these, called Lady slippers,
are velvet soft and neat,
So perfect for the fairies
with their lively dancing feet.

Now children, if you find some
Flower petals on the ground,
Be sure to tiptoe softly, for
There must be elves around!
by Violet Bigelow Rourke

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Mama Love

Bright and early this morning around Five am. I was awoken by a sweet little sick girl... tummy aches and pains. She needs lots of 'mama love', snuggles and some nourishing tea.




Most people know that it is important to replace minerals as well as lost water after illness, especially the tummy bug but most electrolyte drinks contain only sodium and potassium rather than all the minerals our bodies need to be healthy.


Very Simply you can make your own mineral-rich herbal electrolyte drink by combining a few herbs.  This nourishing tea contains:

• B vitamins, which support the functioning of the liver and nervous system.

• calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, chromium, potassium, silica, and other trace minerals. Calcium and magnesium help build healthy bones, ease muscle spasms and cramping, and reduce inflammation. Zinc enhances immune system functioning, while chromium helps regulate blood-sugar levels.





To replace lost electrolytes the body basically needs sodium and sugar. The following recipe will help to replenish these electrolytes naturally and also offer the added benefits of chamomile and ginger.

Ginger is anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and anti-emetic and so will help to relieve cramping, reduce inflammation and reduce nausea and vomiting. Chamomile is also anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory but moreover is anti-microbial. In particular it contains chamazulene, which is active against Staphlococcus aureus. In addition, chamomile is relaxing and so will help to calm upset children.
You can also make delicious Popsicles with this tea.



Herbal Re-hydration Tea

2 tbsp honey or sugar
1/4tsp table salt
1/4tsp baking soda
Combination of each chamomile flowers,nettles,elderflower and berries,Lemon Grass,Rose hips,Cinnamon,Wild cherry Bark
1 inch raw ginger root sliced
8 cups boiled water


Boil 8 cups water, add the salt, baking soda, honey, herbs and ginger. Stir, cover and leave to infuse for at the least 10 minutes but can be steeped for up to 3 hours. Strain through muslin and sip a little every 10-15 minutes. Can be a warm or cold tea.

Peace loved sipping on her tea. I can tell it made her feel better  almost instantly.




She said "Mama, I love the smell of pretty wet flowers"









Then she drank up every last bit



How do you give your little one "Mama Love" when they are under the weather?

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Inner work and creativity

I believe that inner work is very necessary and that we are continuously growing. We are faced with challenges and hurdles to overcome because that is what makes us better ourselves. I feel as much a "student" as my children are and I am eager to wake each new day to see what information and experiences it holds.


As a parent-teacher, we must seek the balance and interweaving of thinking, feeling and willing in ourselves.
In the Heart - the loom of Feeling,
In the Head - the light of Thinking,
In the Limbs - the strength of Will
Weaving of radiant Light,
Strength of the Weaving,
Light of the surging Strength;
Lo, this is Man!
~ Rudolf Steiner, Ecce Homo


Take note of how you are sitting at the computer right now... are you sitting up straight or are you hunched over. Stay comfortable but raise your shoulders, elongate your neck to hold your hear high instead of allowing it to just sit upon your shoulders. Raise your chest as well. This immediately opens your breathing and allows you to take in more air. Breathe....
Take a moment to think about the people you love. Did you let them know today how important they are in your life? Did you tell them that you LOVE them? You should. Right now...


Think about each and every thing you are thankful for. Hold the thought in your mind. Remember it when you lay in bed tonight and go over your "list" a few times. Aren't you so blessed? There are so many things to be thankful for! Going to be with this though will bring a better sleep and dreams and you will awaken feeling refreshed and revitalized.


When you wake up tomorrow morning, stand and walk tall. Look at yourself in the mirror and see the person you WANT to be. Spend the day walking around with the belief that you are this person! Watch your posture. Is your head held high? Are you breathing properly? Feel the power of this posture and how well you feel at the end of the day. Include this feeling as one of the things you are grateful for!


Take a break. The dishes, the laundry, even the lessons can wait for a day. Take your children outside and wonder at the beauty of nature. Walk barefoot. Climb a tree with them. Swing, don't just push them... Be a child for a day. Be their friend for a day. Make a picnic and spend the afternoon laying on the grass watching the clouds slowly drift by. Squat down or sit so you are at your child's level and look deep into their eyes. Tell them how blessed you feel that they chose you to be the Mommy! Hug and kiss and tickle and play with your child. Your child needs physical affection and thrives on it. Remember, that is what attachment parenting is all about - no matter if your child is a teen. Hug and hold your child! In the evening take stock of the beautiful day and think about how grateful you are for the moment.


Be less serious. Laugh a little... no, laugh a LOT. Remember that laughter is the best medicine. Be silly, be funny, allow your child to be silly! Your child needs to see you laugh and play too, and you'll feel better!


In Reiki, we are taught that all of us have the ability to tap into the universal life flow. When you become attuned to Reiki, you open up channels to allow this life force energy to flow THROUGH you. It is constant and ever present, it is all around us at all times, when you channel this energy, and it flows through you you can do wonderful things. It deals with opening your Chakras, understanding the flow of energy, etc. but the bottom line is that in a way you are "detached" because you are using the energy which is flowing through the world and NOT using the energy which is in you.

You do not go away feeling depleted, but rather refreshed and invigorated.

Let me share something that I strongly believe: Next to the power of the universe and it's life flow, the power of thought is the most powerful "tool" we humans have been given. We need to keep our thoughts positive and focused on what we HOPE to become. You become what you think about. Everything in the world is THOUGHT MANIFESTED.

The mindset you have is what will cause you to feel drained or to feel refreshed. When I get burned out - and it almost always coincides with the times they get all wound up and "trouble making" (lots of energy flowing without an outlet) we go outside and talk to the earth.

This ALWAYS seems to center and bring them back into balance. I feel myself getting agitated because they are no longer playing creatively and they just get into that too much energy but unfocused play where they will end up being destructive, too rough, negative, etc... I stand up and say something like "oh, I feel some strange energy in the house right now" then I look at the clock and say "have we been inside all of this time?" I start to quickly clean up whatever I am doing and I head outside... They model and follow. Outside I begin to talk to the earth, the trees, the birds, the flowers...

"Oh little flowers, I could feel you calling me outside. It's much to dark in the house and the air is not as fresh as it is out here. Thank you for reminding me to come and look at your beauty. What a lovely shade of violet you have become. Have many butterflies and bees come calling today? What's that? The tree needs a hug? My goodness, I will hug the tree! I like to hug all of the trees because they help my body to breathe! I feel better when I hug the tree too because I know that the tree is my brother. In spirit, all of my great great grandmothers and fathers who have passed away, and who were buried in the earth became a part of this wise old tree... This tree holds the secrets of the generations and I am blessed that I have strong arms to give the tree a great big hug. Oooohhh. can you smell the moss today? It smells like it's growing, the heavy rain last night must have really saturated the moss. (kneeling) Oh my goodness, look at this little rollie-pollie worm - pick it up gently, this is its new home...."

Each and every time I do this my children do a complete turn around from the afternoon energy and come straight into balance.

In Reiki, we work to become grounded and I think what happens in the afternoon is that we tend to come apart and "float" our energies. All we really need is to ground ourselves again. Walking barefoot on the grass and or hugging a tree really does the trick in my family. It's quick, it's simple and it brings us back into a calm center, always. As a matter of fact, I cannot recall a time when this didn't work.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

In the Winter

In the winter time we go
Walking through the fields of snow.

Where there is no grass at all,
Where the top of every wall,
every fence and every tree
Is as white as white as white can be.

And our mother's always know
By the footprints in the snow,
Where it is the Children go.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Preschool and Kindergarten ~ Where to begin

100_0909



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. 


DSCN9780



 
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. 


Photobucket


 
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. 

Monday, June 21, 2010

Summer Verses and Circle

Full early in the morning
Awakes the summer sun
The month of June arriving
The cold and night are done
The cuckoo's a fine bird
She whistles as she flies
And as she whistles "cuckoo"
The bluer grow the skies


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Come out, come out this sunny day
The fields are sweet with new mown hay
The birds are singing loud and clear
For summer time once more is here
So bring your rakes and come and play
And toss and tumble in the hay
The sweet wild roses softly blow
All pink and white the roses grow
The nodding daisies in the grass
Lift up their heads to hear you pass
Upon this happy, sunny day
When you come out to make the hay.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The summer's warm showers are falling like mist
My face and my hair by their soft touch are kissed
The dry thirsty ground becomes fragrant and cool
On every green leaf lies a small shining pool
Earth blossoms again
I do love the rain.





~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


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 the wind set free

 


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When woods awake and trees are green
And leaves are large and long
'Tis merry to walk in the forest fair
And hear the small birds' song



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sunshine Fairies Circle Dance


We are the sunshine fairies
And with our sparks of light
We shimmer and glimmer in the air
Hugging flowers with colors so bright

(Begin standing in a circle, children hold out their arms at their sides and turn in place clockwise as fairies. Stop and flick fingers as sparks. Hold out arms at sides, flutter fingers, then turn in place counterclockwise; hug self and rub hands up and down over folded arms.)


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Butterfly Game


Dancing among the flowers with dainty painted wings
Flits the golden butterfly, joy to my heart she brings
Stopping only for a rest to sip the morning dew
Then flits and flutters off again
Butterfly, I can't catch you!

(Children sit in a circle with hands held up and cupped on top of head acting as flowers. Butterfly dances inside the circle, flitting in and out of the space between seated children. Butterfly stops behind one child in circle for a rest, bends, and sips dew by tickling a flower in the child's palms. Flower child jumps up and chases butterfly back to his place, then becomes the next butterfly. Repeat game with new butterfly.)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Happy Summer! 



 http://www.adkland.com/SolarHome/Sunrise-from-my-deck-MVC-779F-459Web.jpg
 


 

Friday, May 21, 2010

Daily Rhythms & Routines


Rhythm

Having a daily rhythm does not mean following the clock. "Rhythm and human life cannot be separated. Plants, animals and human beings all reveal rhythmical qualities in form, movement and growth patterns. Humankind moves through life embraced by great, rhythmical "tides" - the cosmic pulling of the planets, nature's rhythms of day, night and seasons and the biological rhythm of heart and lungs." (Quote taken from Natural Childhood: The First Practical Holistic Guide for Parents of the Developing Child. We highly recommend this outstanding book for a deeper understanding of rhythm and a fully "Waldorf" childhood.
"Rhythm" is not the same as "Schedule"
It is important to understand that "rhythms" are not really like schedules and/or time tables... but more like the flow of the way the day begins, continues, closes, etc... If your rhythm at dinner is to set the table, light a candle, say a blessing and eat the meal, then if it's at 5:00 one night and then at 6:30 the next night because daddy is running late or the beans aren't cooked, but you still follow the pattern of setting the table, lighting the candle, saying the blessing and eating... then you DO have a rhythm.

It happens like the tide, in a more natural way as opposed to watching he clock and the race against time, which I feel causes unnecessary stress, pressure, and so forth. I think as a home schooling parent... THIS is one of the biggest issues of school for me. This lesson from 9:45 through 10:30 then break and go on to that lesson from 10:45 through lunch.... meanwhile, it seems that it breaks up JUST when the creative energy and/or inspiration begins to flow!!!

It is likely that you already have plenty of rhythms set in place and are just scared away by the term itself, or how it was presented to you... Just think of your daily chores, work, necessary things you do (brushing teeth, getting ready for bed, etc...) I am sure that with a bit of conscious observation, you'll discover many rhythms already set in place at your home!

Seasonal Rhythm

January brings the snow
Makes our feet and fingers glow.
February brings the rain
Thaws the frozen lake again.
March brings breezes, loud and shrill,
Stirs the dancing daffodil.
April brings the primrose sweet,
Scatters daisies at our feet.
May brings flocks of pretty lambs,
Skipping by their fleecy dams.
June brings tulips, lilies, roses,
Fills the children's hands with posies.
Hot July brings cool showers,
Strawberries and Sunflowers.
August brings the sheaves of corn,
Then the harvest home is borne.
Warm September brings the fruit,
Sportsmen then begin to shoot.
Fresh October brings a pheasant,
Then to gather nuts is pleasant.
Dull November brings the blast;
Then the leaves are whirling fast.
Chill December brings the sleet,
Blazing fire and Christmas treat.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Natural Gift Giving for the Holidays

By Eileen Straiton
Watching our child's eyes light up with excitement during the holiday season is one of the many joys of parenthood. With our love, each year, many of us go to the ends of the earth, wait in long lines for hours and spend more than our budget permits in an attempt to create a magical experience for our children.

More often than not, we return from our shopping trip overwhelmed and over budget. And when the holiday arrives, we are understandably disappointed to see our carefully found treasures thrown into a pile of accumulated things while our children move on to open the next package.

Not long ago, the holiday season was a simple time of family traditions, gratitude, and gift-giving from the heart. The magic and beauty of the season did not come from how much one could receive but from how much one could give.

Decorating was beautiful and modest with candles and branches of evergreens draping the doorway. Family and friends would gather together, bringing along homemade treats and small gifts of appreciation.

Most gifts were made by hand and simple. Mothers would knit sweaters for their children and fathers would search local shops for the perfect gift. Children would receive much less but appreciate much more. A new set of blocks, a special doll, or a set of books would be cherished for years to come.

Toys were natural and open-ended, leaving room for hours of imagination and free play. They did not blink, flash, need batteries, or keep children indoors for most of their day.

How, in a world that is much different now, do we recapture the truth and surround our children with warmth, simplicity, and peace this holiday season?

The Benefit of Natural Toys

Toys of today are much different than the basic and sturdy toys of our past. In addition to the more recent concerns of lead paint on some foreign-made toys, some of the components that are added to products made with PVC plastics have been linked to cancer and other serious ailments. "A recent Greenpeace study revealed that PVC softeners known as phthalates have been found to cause liver and kidney damage and disrupt hormonal systems in children (see "Teething Toxins," In Brief, March/April 1998). In response, several European nations have banned PVC toys altogether. U.S. toy distributors are still debating the issue."

With the very safety of our children's playthings in question, many parents are choosing to buy natural toys and products for children this year. But safety is not the only benefit of items made from natural materials such as wood, cotton, silk, or wool.

Children, like sponges, absorb their environment and the world around them. The quality and essence of the things that we surround our children with can have a direct effect on their behavior, health, and ability to learn. Holding something beautiful that is made from the earth has tremendous positive psychological effects on human beings.

In fact, natural materials teach children correctly about the world around them. When a child picks up a rock that is made of plastic, it feels light and weightless. In nature, rocks are heavy and solid.

Toys that do not require batteries invite open-ended play. This type of play sparks children's creativity and requires them to finish the story on their own. Many electronic toys have a predetermined ending - leaving little room for imagination causing the child to lose interest quickly.

More often than not, loud toys over-stimulate young children. Blinking lights, loud sounds, and so much going on muffles the child's ability to hear his or her imagination speak. We must quiet the noise in order to allow our children to listen to the true magic that is within.

Equally important is the fact that natural toys are better for the environment. Plastic can sit in landfills for hundreds of years and is not biodegradable.

If you have a skill such as sewing, knitting, or woodworking, consider making your child something special this year. Not only does this send a message of love, but it also teaches patience. The time spent on creating something from hand is a wonderful way to show your children the benefit of working toward a goal.

If you are not particularly crafty, there are plenty of retailers that sell natural toys online. Before purchasing, be sure to ask the retailer where the toys are manufactured and what materials are used during production. Here are some wonderful places to start shopping for natural children's products.

https://www.taraluna.com/
Fair Trade, Organic and Green Gifts and Products

www.atoygarden.com
A Broad Selection of Open Ended, Natural, Creative and Fun Toys for Children. Fair Trade and Made in the USA toys as well.

www.kinderdolls.com
Waldorf Inspired Dolls and Toys.

www.achildsdream.com
Natural Crafts, Toys, Supplies, Dolls and Books.

www.waldorfsupplies.com
Waldorf Home and School Supplies - Many of the art supplies are imported from Europe.

http://www.threesisterstoys.com
Natural Playthings and Waldorf Toys.

http://www.ecotoytown.com/
Earth Friendly Non-Toxic Toy Store

http://planethappytoys.com
Every product sold at Planet Happy must meet or exceed current US and European safety standards.

http://toyspectrum.com/
Traditional wooden toys and children's gifts.

http://www.willowtreetoys.com/
European Waldorf toys, natural wooden toys, Montessori toys and dolls that are educational and encourage open-ended, creative play.

http://www.novanatural.com/
Waldorf dolls, children's books and natural craft supplies to stimulate creative play.

http://www.oompa.com/
Natural and Wooden Toys and Products.

http://www.thewoodenwagon.com/
All of The Wooden Wagon's toys comply with the rigorous European testing standards.

Quality over Quantity

Let us keep in mind that it is not only the quality of the gifts we give this year but also the quantity. How much is really enough?

Before holiday shopping, take a good look around your home. How loved are your child's belongings? Gifts lose their value when children are surrounded by so many things. It is unfair of us to expect a child to cherish a new toy when they are surrounded by so many of them.

When deciding to purchase an item for your child, be selective and ask yourself the following questions: What purpose will the toy have? Does your child already have this type of item? Does it engage all five senses and encourage imagination? It is much better to offer fewer, higher quality toys that your child will get more use out of than an abundance of toys that will go unappreciated.

This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to teach children the lesson of giving this holiday season. This year, many children around the world won't even have a holiday meal, let alone presents. Talk to your child about this and then spend a day sorting through items that are no longer cherished or age-appropriate to donate to others. If the charity only accepts new toys, considering selling your items and donating the money earned to a worthy cause.

Simplify and Reduce Stress

Much as young children take in the aesthetics of their environment, they also absorb the feelings and emotions of their caregivers. We must be mindful of the message we are sending to them during the holidays and throughout the year. Here are a few ideas on how to limit stress and create a more peaceful celebration for yourself and your children:
Try to limit the number of commitments you make. When possible, combine functions to avoid excessive travel or entertaining. Consider scheduling some events for after the holidays so you can relax and truly enjoy the company of your family and friends.

Create beautiful traditions with your children. String popcorn, make ornaments, or go caroling. Allow even the youngest child to assist with preparing the holiday meal, setting the table, or baking cookies.

Demonstrate kindness. Visit a nursing home, adopt a needy family, or write letters to those who may be alone this holiday season. Children can add so much to the lives of others who have so little.

Consider shopping online for many of your gifts this year. This is a wonderful way to save gas and reduce your stress by avoiding busy stores and shopping malls.

Above all, let us remember that true happiness cannot be wrapped and placed under a tree. When we teach our children this, we have already given them the greatest gift.

***Feel free to share this article with others - just please include the following bio at the end of each posting:
Eileen is a work-at-home mother to four daughters. She writes and publishes monthly nature guides for parents and caregivers of young children at http://www.littleacornlearning.com and has many ideas and activities for parents on her blog at http://eileensplace.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

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


Winter scene

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







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