Waldorf Way: Spring

I spoke with our fabulous teacher candidate last night for the umpteenth time! I just can't get enough of his insight and knowledge on children and their place in the world. I can hardly wait until he joins us to lead the children in their learning this Fall! He said something that stood out to me, "There's nothing in our culture, outside of Waldorf, that truly honors spring."

He's right! I started thinking about it and realized that, outside of structured religions and the focus on the Easter holidays, there's nothing that honors the transition from the harsh winter months into spring. In Waldorf education; however, there's a strong emphasis on the seasons of the year as it provides internal rhythm for the young child! Here's what I'm loving, and doing, this spring with my boys. 

"The Rainbow" puppet show by The Hidden Bloom on youtube (learn it and perform it)
Toddlers/Preschoolers can reinact it with their own silks and figurines. 
Ages 5-7y can illustrate the story using beeswax crayons, pastels or watercolors.
Older children can retell the story in their own words by making a book or writing a screnplay!

Create a nature table for SPRING using play silks by Sarah's Silks and items from each life kingdom such as flowers, trees, rocks, crystals, animal figurines, and perhaps a chalkboard drawing on a mini board. Don't be afraid to use ALL the colors of the rainbow!

Books: 
The Story of the Root Children by Sybill Von Olfers
Pelle's New Suit by Elsa Beskow
Spring, by Gerda Muller
A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman
Planting a Rainbow 
Pippa & Pelle and the Spring Garden
Thumbelina by Elsa Beskow
Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Kenkes

Have you discovered Toy Making Magic yet? This is an $8 a month toy making subscription service by a fellow Waldorf mama! Definitely look into it. 

Unfinished, wooden eggs are in the craft section at Hobby Lobby and Amazon.com. Let kids paint eggs and then create a nest using items from nature. 

Use large basin, planting pots, cinder blocks, or whatever materials you have to create a play garden for your child. A pair of gloves, shovel, watering can and seedlings are all that's needed for hours of fun and months of enjoyment! We pulled weeds the other day and rescued worms that were at risk in the sun after we accidentally disturbed theuir home. 

The most important thing to do this season is get outside! Don't worry about having the right "toys"! Simply get out in nature and feel the sun on your skin and enjoy the sounds of the new animals, birds, and bees buzzin' in the spring air. 

Let me know how I can support your journey whether it's homeschooling, enrichment, daily rhythm, or parenting- I'm here for YOU! Thank you for joining the tribe!

​Chelsea Vail, Whole Heart

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