March Circle Time

Better late than never!

Hymn:

Joyful Joyful

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.

Scripture:

Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Verse:

A caterpillar crawled to the top of a tree.
"I think I'll take a nap'" said he.
So - under a leaf he began to creep
To spin his cocoon, & fell asleep.
All winter he slept in his cocon bed,
Till spring came along one day & said,
"wake up, wake up, little sleepy head.
"Wake up, its time to get out of bed."
So - he opened his eyes that sunshiny day.
Lo! he was a butterfly - & flew away!

Spring - Wynstones

Fingerplay:

"Come, little children," (beckon)
Calls mother hen.
"It's time to take your nap again". (head on hands)
And under feathers (make arms into wings)
The small ducks creep,
And she clucks a song
Till they fall asleep (head on hands)

Spring - Wynstones

Song:

Little snail, little snail,
on the rock you make a trail,
Carry your house upon your back,
It takes so long to get there & back,
But even though you're not very fast,
You're happy that spring has come at last

Spring - Wynstones

French:

Dans le ciel
© 2003 Alain Le Lait

Dans le ciel, dans le ciel

Il y a la lune

Dans le ciel, dans le ciel

La lune et le soleil
Dans le ciel, dans le ciel

Il y a les étoiles 

Dans le ciel, dans le ciel

Les étoiles et le soleil
Et dans le ciel il y a des oiseaux

Qui chantent cui, cui, cui, cui, cui
(x2)
Dans le ciel, dans le ciel

Il y a les nuages

Dans le ciel, dans le ciel

Les nuages et le soleil
Dans le ciel, dans le ciel

Il y a la lune

Dans le ciel, dans le ciel

La lune et le soleil
Et dans le ciel il y a des oiseaux

Qui chantent cui, cui, cui, cui, cui
(x2)

In the sky
© 2003 Alain Le Lait

In the sky, in the sky

There is the moon

In the sky, in the sky

In the sky, in the sky

There are the stars

In the sky, in the sky

The stars and the sun
And in the sky there are birds

Singing chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp
(x2)
In the sky, in the sky

There are the clouds

In the sky, in the sky

The clouds and the sun
In the sky, in the sky

There is the moon

In the sky, in the sky

The moon and the sun
And in the sky there are birds

Singing chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp
(x2)
The moon and the sun

Maths practice (clapping / beanbags / jumping)

Current recorder practice.

Rosie (preschooler)
Story - Golilocks & the three bears

February Circle Time

Hymn:

This is my Father's world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
his hand the wonders wrought.

2. This is my Father's world,
the birds their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white,
declare their maker's praise.
This is my Father's world:
he shines in all that's fair;
in the rustling grass I hear him pass;
he speaks to me everywhere.

3. This is my Father's world.
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!

Scripture

Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Verses:

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright
Winter will take another flight.
If Candlemas Day be cloud and rain
Winter is gone and will not come again.

Five little Inuits by the igloo door
One went out to feed the dogs & then there were four
Four little Inuits, rowing out to sea
One jumped on an iceberg, then there were three
three little inuits, making fish stew,
One burned his finger, then there were two.
Two little inuits hunting just for fun,
One chased a baby seal, then there was one.
One little Inuit all his work done
Went home to supper, then there were none.

(Winter Wynstones)

Finger Play

Winter tells us little bulbs (kneeling)
To tuck our heads in so (mime)
Then we will not need to shiver (cuddle self & shiver)
When the cold winds blow (blow)

Spring will come with sun & showers (pitter patter fingers)
Soon to raise our head (mime)
Then we'll grow & grow & grow ('grow' arms)
Right out of bed (standing)

(Winter Wynstones)

Song

See this post

“Quiet, Quiet, do not make a sound,
Holding now the string so tight,
We all make some winter light
Quiet, quiet, do not make a sound”

We will be practicing counting 1-100 / 100 - 1 & skip counting

French

Avec un gros nez
© 2003 Alain Le Lait

C’est un chien, c’est un chien
Ouah, ouah, ouah (repeat)
C’est un chien, c’est un chien
Avec un gros nez
C’est un chat, c’est un chat
Miaou, miaou, miaou (repeat)
C’est un chat, c’est un chat
Avec un gros nez
Un chien et un chat, avec un gros nez
Ce n’est pas souvent qu’on en voit passer 
(x2)
Un oiseau, un oiseau
(whistle 3 times) répétez
Un oiseau, un oiseau
Avec un gros nez
Un poisson, un poisson
(smack lips 3 times) répétez
Un poisson, un poisson
Avec un gros nez
Un oiseau, un poisson, avec un gros nez
Ce n’est pas souvent qu’on en voit passer 
(x2)
C’est une vache, c’est une vache
Meuh, meuh (répétez)
C’est une vache, c’est une vache 
Avec un gros nez
Un cochon, un cochon
Ron, ron, ron (répétez)
Un cochon, un cochon
Avec un gros nez
Une vache, un cochon, avec un gros nez
Ce n’est pas souvent qu’on en voit passer 
(x2)

With a big nose
© 2003 Alain Le Lait

It’s a dog, it’s a dog
Woof, woof, woof (repeat)
It’s a dog, it’s a dog
With a big nose
It’s a cat, it’s a cat
Meow, meow (repeat)
It’s a cat, it’s a cat
With a big nose
A dog and a cat, with a big nose
It is not often that you see that go by 
(x2)
A bird, a bird
(Whistle 3 times) repeat
A bird, a bird
With a big nose
A fish, a fish
(Smack lips 3 times) repeat
A fish, a fish
With a big nose
A bird, a fish, with a big nose
It is not often that you see that go by 
(x2)
It’s a cow, it’s a cow
Moo, moo (repeat)
It’s a cow, it’s a cow
With a great big nose
A pig, a pig
Oink, oink, oink (repeat)
A pig, a pig
With a big nose
A cow, a pig, with a big nose
It is not often that you see that go by 
(x2)

Recorder Practice

Mary had a little lamb

Rosie's story for this month will be the gingerbread man

January Circle Time

We will be taking off the first week in January.
Here is our circle time for the rest of the month:

Hymn

We three kings of Orient are

Bearing gifts we traverse afar

Field and fountain, moor and mountain

Following yonder star



O Star of wonder, star of night

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to thy Perfect Light

Scripture

Matthew 2:11

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

Verse:

Now that winter's come to stay
all the trees are bare.
Little birds must fly away
To find their food elsewhere.

Little seeds lie hidden
In the dark brow earth,
Waiting until bidden
To rise above the earth.

(winter - Wynnstones)

Finger Play:

Softly, Softly, through the darkness ('patter' fingers)
Snow is falling
Sharply, sharply, in the meadows (cup ear)
Lambs are calling
Coldly, coldly, all around me (cuddle self)
Winds are blowing.
Brighly, brightly, up above me ('twinkle' fingers)
Stars are glowing

(winter - Wynnstones)

Song:

On the wind of January, down flits the snow.
Traveling from the frozen north
Cold as it can blow.

(winter - Wynnstones)

Math Facts:

counting 1-100 & 100-1
Skip counting 2's 3's 4's & 5's


French:
(I think we will most likely just learn the first line verse of this song)

Bonjour
© 2003 Alain Le Lait

Bonjour, bonjour 

Comment ça va?

Bonjour, bonjour

Trés bien, merci
Je suis content d’être ici

Avec tous mes petits amis

Bonjour, bonjour

Comment ça va?

Merci, merci

Merci d’être ici

Merci, merci

Écoutez
Aimez-vous cette chanson?

J’éspère que je suis dans le ton

Merci, merci

Merci d’être ici


Hello, hello

How are you?

Hello, hello

Very well, thank you
I am happy to be here
With all my little friends

Hello, hello
How are you?

Thank you, thank you

For being here

Thank you, thank you

Listen up

Do you like this song?

I hope that I am in tune

Thank you, thank you

For being here 

Recorder:

Mary Had A Little Lamb

December Circle Time

December Circle Time

Hymn -
Silent Night

Scripture -
Luke 2:8-14
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Alphabet beanbag toss

Verse -
Hush a bye, hush a bye, holy night,
angels have brought the child of light:
All mankind shall gently bear Him,
all the beasts shall nestle near Him,
all the flowers shall adore Him,
all the stones shall kneel before Him,
all the world shall worship Him,
Cherubim & Seraphim.

Winter - Wynstones

Finger Play -

Mary rocks her baby, (rock)
Joseph holds a light (twinkle fingers)
ox & ass are standing
In the stable bright (‘rainbow’ hands)

Shepherds in the doorway
Comr to greet the child, (bow)
Now they kneel before Him (mime)
And His mother mild

One holds out a lambkin (hold out hands)
soft & white as snow, (stroke)
All shall give their presents (hold out hands)
Ere they homeward go (wave)
Winter - Wynstones

Song -

We are shepherds& we sing of lots of jolly things.
We can dance & we can shout, we can wave our caps about.
The stars shine above us, the snow shines below And we are so happy in this wondrous glow.

Winter - Wynstones


Math Facts -
Counting 1-100 / 100-1 beanbag games

(bean bag toss. Whisper numbers, shout the skip count numbers)

There was a family strange indeed;
Each member had a peculiar speed
They could walk for half a day
Counting footsteps all the way.
Here they come,
Number One

I am proper, neat & prim
My walk is straight, my clothes are trim
That every one’s the same for me.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 (up to 24)

But my two steps are not the same.
For I must lean upon my cane
Although I’m bent & weak & old
I can still count with numbers bold
2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20,22,24

Im a lad, light & gay
And I’d much rather play
I can run with my ball
While the numbers I call
3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36


Our French Song -

He is born the divine child
He is born the divine child,
          Play oboe, resonate musette.
          He is born the divine child,
          Let's all sing his accession.
          For more than four thousand years
          We've promised by the prophets,
          For more than four thousand years
          We've been waiting for this happy time.
          A stable is his lodging,
          A bit of hay is his little bed,
     A stable is his lodging,
          For a god such a humble thing.
          O Jesus, o all powerful king,
          Such a little child you are,
          O Jesus, o all powerful God,
          Rule completely over us.

Il est né le divin enfant
Il est né le divin enfant,
Jouez hautbois, résonnez musette.
Il est né le divin enfant,
Chantons tous son avènement.
Depuis plus de quatre mille ans
Nous le promettaient les prophètes,

Depuis plus de quatre mille ans
Nous attendions cet heureux temps.
Une étable est son logement,
Un peu de paille est sa couchette,
Une étable est son logement,
Pour un dieu quel abaissement.
O Jésus, ô roi tout puissant,
Tout petit enfant que vous êtes,
O Jésus, ô roi tout puissant,
Régnez sur nous entièrement.


Rosie’s Story - (preschooler)
The little Fir Tree
Winter - wynstones

Snack time & read aloud -
One Wintry Night

November Circle Time

November Circle Time

Hymn -

Holy Holy Holy

Scripture -

Philippians 4:6-7:
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Alphabet beanbag toss

Verse -

Grey squirrel, grey squirrel,
swish your bushy tail ( wave arm behind back)
Grey squirrel, grey squirrel,
swish your bushy tail ( wave arm behind back)
Wrinkle up your little nose (mime)
Hold a nut between your toes (run on the spot)
Grey squirrel, grey squirrel,
swish your bushy tail ( wave arm behind back)

Autumn - Wynstones

Finger Play -

A Farmer rose at the break of day, (stretch arms)
He got on his horse & galloped away. (gallop!)
He galloped away, he galloped away,
He got on his horse & galloped away. (gallop!)
Oh, come all my men, oh come, said he, (beckon finger)
Our carrots & turnips for to see. (put out hands)
In the warm brown earth they have grown so big
We must bring out our spades & dig dig dig. (mime)
So fetch your spades & come along
To dig up the roots with your arms so strong, (mime)
To lay them out in the sun to dry,
And then in the cart pile them up on high (mime)

Autumn - Wynstones

Song -

Autumn goodbye, Autumn goodbye,
You may no longer stay, Winter is on its way.
Autumn goodbye, Autumn goodbye,

Autumn - Wynstones

Clapping Rhyme -

Remember, remember the fifth of November (clap rhythmically , show 5 fingers)

Gunpowder, treason and plot. (clap rhythmically)

I see no reason, why gunpowder treason (clap rhythmically ( shake head)

Should ever be forgot. (clap rhythmically)

Guy Fawkes, guy, t'was his intent (clap rhythmically)

To blow up king and parliament. (hands ‘burst’)

Three score barrels were laid below (3 fingers)

To prove old England's overthrow. (clap rhythmically)



By God's mercy he was catch'd (clap rhythmically)

With a darkened lantern and burning match. (clap rhythmically)

So, holler boys, holler boys, Let the bells ring. (shout!)

Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king. (shout!)

Math Facts -
Counting 1-100 / 100-1 beanbag games

(bean bag toss. Whisper numbers, shout the skip count numbers)

There was a family strange indeed;
Each member had a peculiar speed
They could walk for half a day
Counting footsteps all the way.
Here they come,
Number One

I am proper, neat & prim
My walk is straight, my clothes are trim
That every one’s the same for me.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 (up to 24)

But my two steps are not the same.
For I must lean upon my cane
Although I’m bent & weak & old
I can still count with numbers bold
2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20,22,24

Im a lad, light & gay
And I’d much rather play
I can run with my ball
While the numbers I call
3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36

My step is strong
I’ll not go wrong
With all my might
Ill guard what is right
I’ll always know
How far to go
4,8,12,16,20,24,28,32,36,40,44,48

Like a mouse I go
Fearfully tip toe
Looking to the left
Looking to the right
Watching to & fro
Danger’s not in sight
Lightly I arrive
I an number five.
5,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,45,50,55,60

Our French Song -

Do you know how to plant cauliflowers?


Do you know how to plant cauliflowers?
In the fashion, in the fashion
Do you know how to plant cauliflowers?
In the fashion of our place
We plant them with the finger
In the fashion, in the fashion
We plant them with the finger
In the fashion of our place
We plant them with the foot
In the fashion, in the fashion
We plant them with the foot
In the fashion of our place
Do you know how to plant cauliflowers?...
We plant them with the knee ...
We plant them with the elbow ...
Do you know how to plant cauliflowers?...
We plant them with the nose ...
We plant them with the head ...
Do you know how to plant cauliflowers?...

Savez-vous planter les choux?


Savez-vous planter les choux?
À la mode, à la mode
Savez-vous planter les choux?
À la mode de chez nous
On les plante avec le doigt
À la mode, à la mode
On les plante avec le doigt
À la mode de chez nous
On les plante avec le pied
À la mode, à la mode
On les plante avec le pied
À la mode de chez nous
Savez-vous planter les choux?...
On les plante avec le genou ...
On les plante avec le coude ...

Savez-vous planter les choux?...
On les plante avec le nez ...
On les plante avec le tête ...
Savez-vous planter les choux?...

(I copied this from the internet & now cannot find the source. Please leave a comment for me if you know the writer - I would like to credit Him & link to his website. Thank you)

Rosie’s Story - (preschooler)
Autumn Story -
pg 66 Autumn - wynstones

Alphabet Blackboard Drawings

This post is going to be my resource for my alphabet blackboard drawings.
I hope it is useful to someone else, too!

"W" ~ Waves



"T" ~ Tree



"S" ~ Swan



"M" ~ Mountain



"F" ~ Fish





"C" ~ Cat



"H" ~ Hut



"J" ~ Jug





"B" ~ Bear/Butterfly



"G" ~ Golden Goose



"K" ~ King Thrushbeard

Hello Harvest Moon

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained
Psalm 8

We had a change from our usual bedtime routine today to enjoy the harvest moon. We had already enjoyed our traditional Harvest Moon Cake; & at bedtime we had supper, along with this lovely story: Hello Harvest Moon. We went upstairs, said our prayers, Rosie nursed & we waited as the sun began to set.

The, there it was! Our big friend, Harvest Moon! The girls pulled on warm clothes over their pajamas & we went outside to observe & sketch.







Rosie sketched in her nature journal, Elianna sketched in her new moon journal. Each evening, she will be making a quick sketch of the moon in her little book, just before she goes to bed. This is not something covered in Waldorf first grade (It is a later grade, but which one escapes me right now) but she loves to observe the moon - an old friend returning that she has missed over the light bedtimes of the summer months.
The first sketch was actually last months full moon, but we had to stay up especially late for that one : ) From now onwards, the moon is up at a realistic time for sleepy six year olds : )

Elianna's Sketch:



Rosie's Sketch:



I love how she captured exactly what she could see. When the moon first came up, it was partly hidden for her, because of her height.

Happy Harvest Moon to you all : )

October's Circle Time

Our memory verse:

Hebrews 11:6:
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Verse:

ABCDEFG
Little robin readbreast sitting on a tree
HIJKLMN
He fell in love with little Jenny Wren
OPQRSTU
Dear little Jenny, I want to marry you.
V & W,XYZ
Poor little Jenny she blushed quite red.

from A Journey Through Time in Verse and Rhyme

Fingerplay

I am a pumpkin, big & round. (hands above head in O )
Once upon a time I grew on the ground. (arms under chin)
Now I have a mouth, two eyes & a nose )point)
What are they for, do you suppose? (point out)
When I have a candle inside shining bright (‘twinkle’ fingers)
I’ll be a Jack-O-lantern on Hallowe’en night. (hand up)

From Autumn

Song:

Hurry little children, come along with me: (run around)
Come into the garden & shake the apple tree (mime)
I will shake the big ones, you can shake the small.
When we’ve filled our basket, (gather apples)
Home we’ll take them all, (stagger home)
Home we’ll take them all.

From The Singing Year

Math Facts:

We are learning to skip count - so far we have covered 2's & 3's. This month we are adding in 4's, hence why we dont say the whole poem.
(bean bag toss. Whisper numbers, shout the skip count numbers)

Arithmetic Verse:

There was a family strange indeed;
Each member had a peculiar speed
They could walk for half a day
Counting footsteps all the way.
Here they come,
Number One

I am proper, neat & prim
My walk is straight, my clothes are trim
That every one’s the same for me.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 (up to 24)

But my two steps are not the same.
For I must lean upon my cane
Although I’m bent & weak & old
I can still count with numbers bold
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (up to 24)

Im a lad, light & gay
And I’d much rather play
I can run with my ball
While the numbers I call
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (up to 24)

My step is strong
I’ll not go wrong
With all my might
Ill guard what is right
I’ll always know
How far to go
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(from A Journey Through Time in Verse and Rhyme

French:
Action Song -

Tête, épaules, genoux, pieds
(Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes)


Tête, épaules, genoux, pieds

Genoux, pieds (x2)

Les yeux, les oreilles, la bouche et le nez

Tête, épaules, genoux, pieds

Genoux, pieds

Recorder Practice will be 'Hot Cross Buns'

After circle time, our rhythm is such that my elder daughter makes a snack for both girls & my youngest daughter & I share a story. The story for the month of October will be "The little grey pony" From Autumn

Happy October!

Michaelmas is Here

It is God's eye that sees me.
It is God's mouth that calls me.
It is God's feet that lead me.
It is God's arm protecting me.
It is God's thoughts enlightening me.
It is God's courage strengthening me.
It is God's heart that loves me.
Conqueror of the dragon, Michael
Lead us to the Bringer of Peace.

(adapted from 'At Michaelmas' - Stories for the Festivals of the Year by Irene Johanson )

Photo's from our Michaelmas tea party :

Blackberry Jam Tarts & Blackberry & Nettle Tea

Celebrating Michaelmas

Michaelmas ~ 29th September

The feast of Saint Michael, one of the seven archangels of Scripture, originated in the sixth century. Michael, whose name in Hebrew means "Who is like God?", is revered as the leader of the angelic army who will conquer Satan and his armies of demons, and is considered the defender of the Church.

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 12:7-9

Michaelmas Prayer:

Holy God,
Your care for us is more than we can imagine, and your love touches us in so many ways. As once you sent your archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael to protect your chosen ones, let them be our companions, to watch over us. As we begin the season of autumn may we celebrate your presence in the beauty of nature, and be messengers of your love to all whom we meet.
Bless this meal we now share, and bless all we do in Jesus' name ~ Amen.


Michaelmas Tea Party:

The feast was known, in English, as "Michaelmas", and this name lives on in a wildflower, a white aster with many small star-like flowers, that blooms in late September, known as the Michaelmas daisy. They make an ideal posy for the Michaelmas table.

Blackberry tea or cordial

Blackberry Jam Tarts

Ingredients
• 14 oz plain flour
• 7 oz butter , chilled and diced
• 1 & 3/4 oz caster sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 340g jar jam , use 1 flavour or a mix if you have them

Method
1. Whizz the flour and butter to breadcrumbs in a food processor. Add the caster sugar and mix. Add the yolks and pulse until it comes together (you might need to add a splash of water). Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 20 minutes.
2. Heat the oven to gas 5. Roll out the pastry and stamp out circles big enough to fit 2 x 12-hole jam tart tins. Bake for 15 minutes then add small spoonfuls of jam to each and bake for 5 minutes.

Legend has it that when the archangel Michael threw Lucifer out of heaven (on what would become Michaelmas), the devil landed in, of all places, a blackberry patch, where he promptly spat on the berries, rendering them inedible! So by long held tradition on Michaelmas you should eat your fill of blackberries before they're no good!

Songs for the Day

The Singing Day is a super book for inspiring a person to want to sing their way through the day with their children : )
We have already made verses an important part of our day - now it is the turn of songs!

Say's Candy Verney in a Singing Day:

Rhythm is important in young children's lives. Not so much the mechanical beat of the metronome, but the movement of the breath, contraction & expansion like the sea's tide flowing in & out. Children have no use for , & no conception of linear time, but they thrive when their day has a breathing rhythm, a flow between the IN of peace, rest, reflection; & the OUT of activity, action & interest in the world.

When such rhythm becomes a part of the child's everyday experience, it promotes health & contentment & strengthens growing life forces. The world is chaotic without rhythm. Singing can be used as signposts & cornerstones to mark these flowing rhythms: not only of the day, but also the longer rhythms of the week, & to celebrate the annual rhythms of the seasons & the cycle of the year.

Here are the songs I have chosen to make a part of our day. 'You are my Sunshine' is a song I have always sung to my girls when they get up - I started when Elianna was a tiny baby. Moon River, well, just because it's Moon River ; ) & the others come from the book. The book comes with it's own CD to help you learn the tunes, but you could always make your own.

Upon waking:

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

Tidying Up

Now’s the time to tidy up.
Let’s be busy pixies,
Busy Pixies hard at work
Tidying everything away.

To calm down!

I wiggle my fingers
I wiggle my toes
I wiggle my shoulders
I wiggle my nose
Now all the wiggles are gone from me
And Im as still as I can be.

Bathtime

Rub a dub dub
Two babes in the tub
Who do you think got wet?
The daddy the mummy
The teddy bear’s tummy
Hoppity out you get!

Bedtime

I’ll sing you a little song
And it wont take very long
Goodnight, my darling, goodnight

The stars in the sky
Look down where you lie
They shine so bright for you.

Chorus
Snuggle up, little darling, snuggle up
The angels will ghuard you
Will guard you, will guard you.
All through the night

In the field, in the town
The silver moon is looking down
At you safe fast asleep tonight

Any time : )
Moon River
Moon river, wider than a mile
Im crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever youre goin, Im goin your way

Two drifters, off to see the world
Theres such a lot of world to see
Were after the same rainbows end, waitin round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me

We sing a hymn each morning as part of our circle time & have a seasonal song, fingerplay & verse. My voice is not the best by any stretch of the imagination, but my girls are so very forgiving.

Have fun singing!

Our Week

In between everyone catching colds, here is some of our week:

Riding lessons





Our letter this week was the letter 'T'









Painted watercolour leaves for our nature circle





Walked in the woods

Happy Equinox!

Though much is changing, I stand strong
And in the darkness shine.
For sleep, the plants & creatures long
But I have work divine.
For sun-seeds golden I'll be sowing,
Warmly from my heart's depth's glowing,
Into winter's icy flowing.

Michael Hedley Burton

The Autumn Equinox

The Autumn Equinox by Ric Kemp

Tomorrow is the Autumnal Equinox.
We are planning a fun autumn picnic, with the idea of talking about the Nut & Root Children. This is a lovely idea taken from Marsha's group. (See below)
Our cookies are made (thank you Mel!) Tomorrow we will be dipping half of each cookie in chocolate, to represent the equal hours of darkness & light of the equinox.
We will be taking them along on our picnic, along with home-made bread & butter, chunks of cheese & a thermos of hot chocolate : )

I am hoping this Equinox book will have arrived for us to read - if not, we will have it for next year ; )

The Autumn equinox and the spring equinox are the two days in the year when the hours of daylight and darkness are exactly equal.
In September as the Sun is moving southwards we refer to it as the autumnal equinox
The Sun is at its lowest path in the sky on the Winter Solstice. After that day the Sun follows a higher and higher path through the sky each day until it is in the sky for exactly 12 hours. On the Spring Equinox the Sun rises exactly in the east travels through the sky for 12 hours and sets exactly in the west. On the Equinox this is the motion of the Sun through the sky for everyone on earth. Every place on earth experiences a 12 hours day twice a year on the Spring and Autumn Equinox.
Harvest festivals are traditionally held on or near the Sunday of the Harvest Moon. This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox (about Sept. 23). In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Father, we thank you
For all that you have made.
You chose to create us in Your own image.
You made us stewards of Your creation,
For all that You are,
For all that You have done,
For all that You have given.
We offer our humble thanks & praise. Amen

The Nut and Root Children!

Go nutting! Yup, not go nuts, but gather your favorite children, several sturdy baskets (one packed with nut breads spread with cream cheese, tiny tomatoes and mini carrot sticks, and honey sweetened steeped peppermint tea, and head for the woods.............be sure to take along the essentials for survival (matches, first aid kit, compass or GPS unit, a metal whistle, water for drinking, and a pocket knife)....in your backpack....it is also nice to tuck in a small towel for drying feet or hands, your favorite reading aloud book for a rest time, and sunscreen).

(There is such a strong need to help children connect to nature in our current culture.........in nature, we can help the children feel the living quality of the minerals and stones, as they rest on the earth, silently, the living beings who do not wander (roots fixed to the earth) and the living beings with fur or feather or scales (animals and birds) who do move about and follow the rule of Mother Earth...and really see all the complicated forms in nature, elements of the water, earth, fire and air, breathe deep in the mountains or valleys or deserts, air that is so rich with promise of new vistas and ideas.....if we can experience this feeling of being in an unplanted woods, an untended garden, a wild area, this is very very good for the health and development of the child and the of course, the adult, too. Even within most large cities, a drive of 30 minutes or less can take us into an area such as this, do find them, cultivate a knowledge of these special places, and devote your energy to bringing your children and little friends there.....)

Spend the day collecting nuts and cones. At this time of year, you can find chestnuts, walnuts, acorns, hazelnuts, hickory, and many other types, depending on where you live. Small pine or fir cones or other cones are also looked for in your search..........show the children any poisonous plants and teach them to avoid these dangerous beauties!

Keep an attitude of respect for the plants and animals, do not allow your children to tear off branches or kick away moss..........but do help them to see into the miniature world of ferns, mosses, stream beds, under roots, and behind logs.....hike around for several hours, then stop and enjoy your snack, then ask the children to rest a while and you can read aloud from your book (Wind Boy is always a favorite or the Brambly Hedge family)....what a wonderful way to spend a fall
day, outside, in the cool of the wildnerness.

NEXT DAY:

Spread out your finds on a work-tarp on your table. Examine and sort all the items, identify them if you can, look at their attributes and add to them from your store of nature items.........begin to assemble some small figures, acorn heads, sunflower seed features, pine cone scales, cone bodies, small twig arms r legs, moss hair, some small dyed wool for hair, tiny noses, wings of maple 'helicopters', perhaps, and glue together. Use a clear or yellow thick wood glue if possible, and assemble a whole family. Let dry overnight........

Next Day:

Add some touchs to the little Nut and Root Children: this can be plant dyed wool felt capes or cloaks, scarf round neck, use old
felted sweaters to cut and glue on vests, slippers, berets, and more.........the personalities may begin to emerge and some children may wish to go further and glue together furniture, beds, tables, small dishes of half nutshells, and more.....a chestnut shell makes a lovely baby's bed!

Place these nature people and animals on your nature table, to enjoy and play with! What fun!

Marsha Johnson
Shining Star School
Portland, Oregon

PS, Adults like to do this, too! Invite another family along and have a grand time........roast ears of corn or sweet potatoes and
make it a regular Fall Event. I also think this event works so well for days when the working parent (often Daddy) can come, too, and can help to put together some little figures, add a root house of bark and moss, gather stones for a water garden part, and take part in the fun, too.

Young Children and Worship

I recently shared with you our new 'Quiet place'.

Today I would like to share with you how I plan to use it more fully.
I have been reading an inspiring book: Young Children and Worship
A key point of my family's journey into Waldorf home education has been the idea that children are very much children & not 'miniature adults' - This book, for me, resonates with that thought & develops the idea that children are very spiritual beings. The stories are not presented in a fashion of the parent (or teacher) teaching the key points of the Bible stories - "how many loaves & fish did the little boy give to Jesus?" etc etc but in a way that develops wonder & reflection & encourages a true relationship with our heavenly Father.
The first three 'lessons' are showing the children how to enter the 'worship place' in a respectful, calm & appropriate way, how to listen & talk with God. Then the lessons present different Bible stories & encourage reflection & worship.
The book has pages to photocopy in the back, to make figures & scenes for the storytelling. I am going to keep it much simpler than that & use odd Ostheimer animals that we already have (sheep & a wolf) & very simple, faceless wood conical figures for the people. This will keep preparation to a minimum & encourage the girls imaginations to really connect with each story.
We will begin this week with the first lesson - & our quiet place will be our place of worship. I hope that, by the time we have finished working through this book together, our quiet place will be a place were my girls feel drawn to - when they need to pull away from busyness, when they need to go & be peaceful. God is inside us - He is with us always. But often we need to follow the example of Jesus, get alone with God to hear that Still Small Voice.

Wet on Wet Watercolour & Happy Accidents

For our wet on wet work this week I introduced Yellow & Red.
We started with red in the centre & I talked about how red is a bossy colour who likes to dominate & have FUN!
Then along comes Yellow! Yellow likes to play, be friendly & dance around.

Here is a link I found very helpful for the process of writing your own colour stories & talking about colour with children.

I also recently had some great wisdom shared with me regarding wet on wet by a lady called Mel.
Here is what she had to say:

The purpose of the wet-on-wet method is not to create a finished product but to experience the process. To delve into the color. To learn it's nuances. What happens when I put it on heavy here? How about if I put a small bit here and keep spreading it out. How far can I take this on drop of color? Where is the light coming from in my picture? Is there warmth? Is there movement? What is it like to put the smallest bit of paint on our brush and pull it across the page? How about if we put a lot? How can we take away excess paint?

Rather than telling them NOT to paint or draw a picture, help guide them through a deeper experience. These are as much soul exercises as much as they are intellectual and physical.

Keep at it - it will happen. Watch for the shift of understanding and connection in yourself and your children.

I found this helped us today hugely! No-one (much to my great surprise!) tried to paint 'something' they just explored with the colours.

My first grader put down her brush mid-way & stated that she had had enough-she didnt like her work & wanted to start again. Hmm..
I suggested that once I was done with my own painting, I would get out new paper for her. She sat for a while & then picked up her brush again. she finished her work & was happy with it. We talked about 'happy accidents' :)

When we had finished clearing up, I noticed my painting had been splashed with water -effectively lifting some of the colour. "It is pretty, mummy" said Elianna. "A happy accident!"

Elianna's work:



Rose's Work:



My own Work: