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!
I am often surprised how much there is to see and notice even in places we know well and see every day. When we take the time to slow down and pay attention, there are treasures to be found everywhere.
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.
NATURE NOTES
Learn to speak ‘chickadee’ with Teacher Jacob! Then see if you can call some chickadees to you on your morning adventure.
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
Pack your backpack with a snack, water, and extra clothes. It’s time to go on a Spring Treasure Hunt!
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.
SPRING TREASURE HUNT
Who doesn’t love a good scavenger / treasure hunt?! Children love to go on the hunt for hidden treasure. This is a great activity for looking closely and focusing attention. It is amazing how many other things you will notice in nature as you look around your environment.
Materials:
Spring Treasure Hunt list (PDF version to print)
Optional:
A magnifying glass
Binoculars
A basket for collecting items that your child may want to add to your nature table
STORY TIME
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 FOR THE LETTER U
The Nature Kindergarten children love to pretend that they are unicorns when they play in the forest. Inspired by their play, I have chosen to share the New York Times bestseller (and favourite at our house): Uni the Unicorn by Amy Rosenthal, illustrated by Brigette Barrager, as our story for the letter U.
Invite your child to pay attention to the pictures that they imagine as they listen to the story.
ART
DRAW A UNICORN PICTURE
Ask your child to draw the picture that came into their mind as they listened to the story. They might choose to include the letter U somewhere in their drawing.
Materials:
Crayons
Drawing paper
When we draw in the Nature Kindergarten class, the children start by drawing a large border around their paper. This practice encourages them to do their best work and have an appreciation for beauty and order.
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!