Ideally, your children will participate in the daily life of your family, supported by the rhythms and activities sent by the teachers. In the Getting Started post we suggested a daily rhythm similar to the structure of our day in Nature Kindergarten. We encourage each family to use this material in the way that works best for them. Some families may use everything we send, and others may use a little here and there. Both approaches are right, and no one needs to feel guilty if they are not using everything we share – you know best what your child needs in this difficult time. We’re here to support you!
Out my kitchen window this morning, I can see a couple of robins hopping around on the ground. Every so often they stop and tilt their heads towards the ground. They remain still. Then quick as a flash they bob their heads down to the ground and come up with an insect or worm in their beak! I have been looking around my yard to see where they will build their nest this year. When you are outside today, pay attention to what the birds are up to.
Good morning dear Earth, and good morning dear Sun
Good morning to the rocks, and dear bushes every one
Good morning to the bears, and the birds in the trees
Good morning to you, and good morning to me.
WEEK 1 - SEASONAL POEMS
Repetition is so important for children. They love to become so familiar with poems and songs so that they can repeat them or sing by themselves. It gives them a sense of mastery. The poems and songs become like old friends providing children with a sense of comfort.
Actions to go with the poem -
1st Line: Begin by crouching down low.
2nd Line: Make sleeping gesture with palms together.
3rd Line: Remain crouching, open eyes look around surprised.
4th Line: Remain crouching, put hands to ear.
5th Line: Rise slowly, stretch arms upward.
6th Line: Stand on tiptoes, turn in place.
SPRING IS SINGING
Hear the birds sing their song
Now that spring has come along,
Hear each voice sweetly singing,
Joy and light to each heart bringing!
Robin Redbreast, Sparrow, Lark,
Thrush and Hummingbird listen - hark!
Other voices sing loud and clear,
It’s happy children - springtime’s here!
~ Betty Jones
WEEK 1 - SEASONAL SONGS
A LITTLE SEED
A little seed, for me to sow
A little earth to make it grow
A little hole, dig, dig
A little pat, pat, pat
A little rain, and that is that
A little sun, a little shower
a little while, and then a flower.
SPRING IS HERE
Spring is here, spring is here,
All around is fair,
Shiver, quiver on the river,
Joy is everywhere!
Spring is here, spring is here,
Flowers are waking too,
Crocus, lilies, daffodillies,
All are coming through.
Spring is here, spring is here,
Birds go build your nest,
Weave together straw and feather,
Doing each your best.
Spring is here, spring is here,
All around is fair,
Shiver, quiver on the river,
Joy is everywhere!
IT’S A RAINY DAY TODAY
It’s a rainy day today
Drip, drip, drip
It slips away
In the garden
And down the street
Making puddles at our feet
It’s a rainy day today
(whistles)
MORNING ADVENTURE
Looking for a way to ease the transition into outdoor clothes and get out the door? In our Nature Kindergarten we use this song to signal that it is time to get ready to head out on our adventure. We use the same song to signal the end of our forest play time and cue the children to put their backpacks on and get ready to travel back to school.
Little Bird
Little bird, little bird
Where are you going to?
Little bird, little bird
Where will you fly?
Into the wood and over the meadow
In the blue sky, that’s where I will fly.
NEST BUILDING
On your adventure this morning, why not pretend that you are birds getting ready to build your nest. What materials will you need? Here are some ideas from our local birds: twigs, pieces of vine, long meadow grasses, feathers, milk weed fluff, cattail fluff, and mud or clay.
Here are some things that might help you with your collection:
Scissors or garden clippers
A basket
A container for mud
Weaving a nest is harder than it looks! It is kind of amazing that birds do it with their beaks! To make this activity easier for us humans, you can mix the grasses and other materials into the mud and then shape the nest.
Nest building materials.
Gather some mud!
Shape the nest.
Then let them dry!
STORY TIME
Read one of the books that you have at home, tell a story, or listen to one of the stories that have been posted on the blog. In our Nature Kindergarten, we sing ‘Mother of the Fairy Tale’ and light a candle to set the tone and the children listen attentively without interruption.
STORY EXTENSIONS
Once the children have heard the story several times, you can share the story in a new way, with puppets or by pretending it together.
PROJECT
CREATE A NATURE TABLE
This spring nature table was created by my two children. You’ll notice the sparkly rocks ;)
If you are not familiar with the concept of a nature table, it is a special place (could be a shelf, table top, or a tray on your kitchen table) that is lovingly created and tended to reflect the season. It is a place where your children can place the feather they found on your walk, or the seed pod that took their fancy. Cover a small surface with spring colours (browns and pastels). Other elements can be added as well, such as: seasonal blooms, small figurines (the Root Child you made yesterday, the nest you made today!), seasonal pictures… the idea is to create something beautiful that brings elements of the outside and the season into your home. Revisit it over the next few weeks to keep it looking ‘fresh’ and tidy.
If you already have a special place to put the natural treasures that your child brings home from your outdoor explorations (we never run out of ‘sparkly rocks’ at our place!); spring is a nice time to refresh your nature table to reflect the changing season.
Another seasonal display sits on our kitchen table. This one was co-created with my children.
We end our day with this verse during our closing circle:
Brave and true, I will be
Each kind deed sets me free
Each kind word makes me strong
I will fight for the right
I will conquer the wrong.
MORE RESOURCES
This is a fantastic website that has inspired me for many years. It has lots of wonderful resources and suggestions for Waldorf-Inspired activities to do with your children. Visit Meagan Rose Wilson.
CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY
You have the opportunity to connect with other parents and families on the Nature (home)School journey through a private Facebook group. The digital forum is a place where you can post photos of the activities that you get up to with your children, share stories or inspirations from your outdoor adventures, and connect with other families. Please follow the link to connect with other families in the online community or from Facebook - search: Nature (home)School Support.
We are a very small Not For Profit School. If you like these resources and find them helpful, please consider making a donation to our Nature Kindergarten program. We appreciate your support!