The Importance of Nature to Children

Connecting the Seasons in Waldorf Education 

by Claudia Marie Lenart

Waldorf Seasons Needlefelt Painting by Claudia Marie Felt

In Waldorf education, we celebrate the changing seasons in the classroom, in the community with seasonal festivals, and in the home.  Waldorf classrooms always include a beautiful season’s table that is decorated with gifts of nature, handmade animals, and items that reflect the present season.  Inspired by the beauty of the classroom, Waldorf parents often find a space in their homes as well for a seasonal nature table. 

Spring Flower Root Children by La Lutine

The awareness of the seasons and celebration of seasonal festivals has meaning in the Waldorf curriculum.

Recognition of the seasons establishes rhythm for the child and the natural rhythm of life is central to Waldorf philosophy.  Rahima Baldwin Dancy, author of You are Your Childs’ First Teacher, says that rhythmic activities provide children with a sense of security. 

Blue Bird Brooch By Lavender and Ladybugs

“The slower rhythm of the natural world with its changing seasons can provide the “content” of our experiences, as well as a powerful healing influence,” according to Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America.

Autumn Family by Soft Earth Art
Awareness of the changing seasons allows children to better appreciate nature and to feel at home in the natural world.  For Waldorf children, daily outdoor play is essential, through the heat of summer and even on the most frigid winter days.  Of course, Waldorf parents send their children to school with boots, hats, scarves, wool mittens –well prepared for the weather.  If the schoolyard has the slightest hill, you will be sure to see the children sledding daily in the snowy months. 

 

Observation of the changing seasons in early childhood provides a foundation for later scientific study.  As the child progresses through Waldorf school, teachers will take hiking trips where students will study and draw the anatomy of a plant or observe weather patterns.  The seasons are a perennial subject for Waldorf watercolor paintings as well. 

Original Watercolor Painting by Waldorf Teacher Dr. Rick Tan of Syrendell

Feeling at home in nature throughout the seasons, provides a child with a sense of wholeness and belonging to the world.  This sense of wholeness is at the foundation of Waldorf education and observation of the seasons instills a greater sense of connection to the natural world and to all life. 

Silk Butterfly Wings by ziezo

Claudia Marie Lenart, Waldorf parent, volunteer, and longtime writer about Waldorf education is a needlefelt artist on Etsy.  Her shop is ClaudiaMarie Felt.

Happy New Year!

The Waldorf on Etsy Team of artists and craftspeople wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year!  

Winter Fairy made by Peach Creations

January is full of the birthdays of many wonderful people who have enriched our lives.  People like Martin Luther King Jr., Woflgang Mozart, Joan Baez, Anne Bronte and Lewis Carroll.
Did you know that Charles Perrault, a Frenchman born in January over 300 years ago collected folk talks and wrote them down in a book called, Tales of Mother Goose?

A Golden Family of Bees by The Magic Fairy Lady

January is a great month to snuggle up with your kids and read some fairy tales together.    A fun activity for both parents and children is to get out paper and pencil, crayons or paint and create pictures from of the stories you just read together. 

Jumbo Triangular Pencils by ziezo Designs

Another fun activity is dressing up and acting out some of the scenes from these stories.  Or using little peg dolls or finger puppets to do the same.

The Princess and the Pea Peg Doll Set by Toadstool Forest

Peace and Prosperity to you in 2014!

The idea to celebrate the birthday of Charles Perrault as well as some of the play ideas are from:  

The Early Childhood Teachers Almanack by Dana Newmann - it's a great book full of activities for the whole year to enrich your child's life!

The Magic Nest Giveaway

Today we're sharing a special giveaway by Waldorf on Etsy artist Lucinda Macy of Willodel.  The giveaway begins on Dec. 1,  2013 and ends on Sunday,  Dec. 8, 2013.

"In the spirit of goodwill and giving back to those who have given and all those  who would like to give and inspire the imagination, creativity and embracing the spirit of the natural world..... let us enjoy our grand extended family that we have become and are becoming!" 

Joining the Willodel shop in this giving is The MagicFairyLady shop on etsy, a shop that embraces the love of the natural world and the power of creativity in a most unique and beautiful way. 

 

Their special giveaway:

 A Wee one with her Moonrise bed and bed table!

They also have a story with this Giveaway....

For more details and to enter this contest, 

please visit the Willodel website.

Happy Holidays & Happy Giveaways!

Tilly Tilda

Today it's my pleasure to introduce you to one of my favorite Waldorf on Etsy shops, Tilly Tilda, and welcome Tilly Tilda's artist and owner Suzy Mae to our blog!

 

Rabbit Nursery Art

 “The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things.” ~Plato 

I believe that all things emanate an energy. When I create I create with love and joy and I believe this comes through as a warmth.

Yellow Waldorf Fairy

I am a dreamer, poet, Mama to 5 girls, artist, maker of happy messes, fan of unmade beds. Inspired by sunlight and those still unkempt sacred wild places.  We are a family inspired by all things Waldorf. I fell in love with the traditional Waldorf crafted dolls and began to make them 6 years ago.  They have such a simple, soulful quality about them.

  Girl & Bird Nursery Art

 The name "tillytilda" is a nickname of my little girl Matilda who is now 6 years old, and the biggest fan of my handmade dolls. I call her my little apprentice doll maker.

Since childhood I have always loved to make and create. I have fond childhood memories of hours spent sorting buttons, trims and scraps of fabric into dollies, teddies and outfits for them all. Waldorf dolls have simple facial features that do not overwhelm a child. A child may bring their own imagination to a doll. Their doll will become a dear and special friend, a keeper of stories and reminder of adventures taken together.

Waldorf Pocket Doll - Amaya

As I create, a story is being woven through my hands. That is why each and every doll is unique and their characters become so alive for me. I hope that this translates. Especially for the children who will play with them. I start every single piece from scratch. Simple fibres, that enliven and quicken my heart and ignite the embers of a dream.  "Amaya seemed happy enough in her lace trimmed lavender dress but looking into her deep brown eyes I knew there was more to this girl than simply lavender and lace lovely though it is.  As soon as she spied my fluffy, sky wisps of merino sparkling like sunlit water in the evening light I noticed her eyes light up." There's more to this story, visit TillyTilda's blog  to read more and see the accompanying pictures of Amaya.

And then there is the wrapping. I use eco friendly wrapping materials as much as possible.  I like to keep it simple, elegant and rustic. I want the wrapping to be part of the experience of receiving a tilly tilda doll or crown. I want it to be a warm "hello" and a gentle "shake of the hand." An introduction and a welcome. 

Beret Knitting Pattern

One or two simple, lovingly crafted natural toys are the kind of toys a child will connect to, bond with, love and as the skin horse in the Velveteen Rabbit says " be loved real" in a child's mind and heart.

 

  Blue Fairy Waldorf Doll

As they are made entirely of natural fabircs the dolls themselves have a wonderfully comforting feel to them. These dolls are perfect for snuggling under blankies with. They are also very easy to dress up, as their arms and legs are very flexible. Tillytilda dolls are made in the old German doll making tradition. In accordance with the Waldorf pedagogy they are made using natural materials which are safe, soft and hard wearing. Children will love to touch these dolls soft mohair yarn locks and hold their comforting carded fleece filled bodies.

Waldorf Crown

 Almost all of my work has once been a dream. Not necessarily a sleeping dream, but something on the periphery of my vision in waking hours. Each creation seemed to me something that needed to become "real."  One part vision, one part whimsy, one part the child in my arms and the last part my own childhood heart. What I create is an essence of all these things fused together expressed in form. Every piece carries a little bit of story in it's fibres.

 

Vintage Paper Origami Butterflies
To see more of the beautiful creations of Suzy Mae please visit her Waldorf on Etsy shop Tilly Tilda

Visit TillyTilda's blog 
Visit Suzy Mae's parenting blog A Soulful Life

Like Tilly Tilda on Facebook

Follow her on Pinterest

Check her out on Red Bubble

~ENJOY~

100 Ways To Be Kind To Your Child

In honor of my sons, my nephews, my cousins and all the other October birthdays, here is a post to inspire you to bring more kindness to your everyday life.  I'm stepping outside the Waldorf on Etsy team today to bring you the work of  Alissa, a homeschooling mom to three kids, who blogs about having a fulfilling, creative life that includes her children:  

Creative With Kids The Art of Joyful Parenting

100 Ways to Be Kind to Your Child

100 Ways to be Kind to Your Child was written in February 2012 by Alissa, as a participating blogger for Toddler Approved’s 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge.  She spent a month knowing she would be writing about how to be kind to her children.  It’s not that she didn’t want to be kind to her kids all the time, but, it made a real difference to be thinking about this list.

"When I consciously decided to find ways to be kind to my kids I found I was catching myself more often before I sighed impatiently." Alissa shared,  "I started finding more times to make kind eye contact, or smile.  These are just little shifts, but they add up. "

Needle Felted Madonna and Child
Here is a sampling of ideas from the list: 

 100 Ways to Be Kind to Your Child

Tell your child:

2. I love you no matter what.
5. I love you when you are far way.  My love for you can reach you wherever you are.
8. Thank you.
9. I enjoyed playing with you today.
10. My favorite part of the day was when I was with you and we _______.

Share:
11. The story of their birth or adoption.

14. A story about yourself when you were their age.

16. What your favorite color is.
17. That sometimes you struggle too.
18. That when you’re holding hands and you give three squeezes, it’s a secret code that means, “I love you”.

Play:
22. Hop Scotch
23. Board Games
26. Twenty Questions
27. I Spy on long car rides
28. Catch

Waldorf Inspired Memory Game

Pretend:
29. To catch their kiss and put it on your cheek.
30. That their tickle tank is empty and you have to fill it.
31. That their high five is so powerful it nearly knocks you over.
33. That you are explorers in the amazing world of your own backyard.

Try:
35. To get enough sleep.

37. To eat decent food.
38. Dressing in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
41. Dancing in the kitchen.
45. Using a kind voice, even if you have to fake it.

Read:
46. A book of silly poems.
47. A story and then act out the plot.
48. Your favorite childhood book to them.
50. Outside under a tree.
53. About age appropriate behavior so you can keep your expectations realistic.

Autumn Pear Pod House

Listen:
54. To your child in the car.
57. One second longer than you think you have patience for.
58. For the feelings behind your child’s words.

Ask:
60. What do you think would happen if______?
61. How shall we find out?
62. What are you thinking about?

Show:
65. Your child how to do something instead of banning them from it.
68. How to cut food.
69. How to fold laundry.
70. How to look up information when you don’t know the answer.
72. That taking care of yourself is important.

 Wool Felted Play Food

Take Time: 

74. To look at the birds.
75. To let your child pour ingredients into the bowl.
76. To walk places together.
77. To dig in the dirt together.
78. To do a task at your child’s pace.

Trust:
80. That your child is capable.
81. That you are the right parent for your child.
82. That you are enough.

Delight:
84. Clean your child’s room as a surprise.
86. Put a love note in their lunch.
87. Make their snack into a smiley face shape.
89. Sit on the floor with them to play.

 Reusable Lunch Pack

Let Go:
91. Of how you thought it was going to be.
92. Of your need to be right.

Give:
93. A kind look.
94. A smile when your child walks into the room.
97. Your child a chance to work out their frustrations before helping them.
99. A hug.
100. You get to choose the next one!  What is your favorite way to be kind to your child?

Pink Blossom Flower Fairy

To read the full list, to learn more about Alissa and to connect with her, visit her Etsy shop:

 Joyful Parenting Ideas Etsy Shop.

And sign up for her Joyful Parenting newsletter to get more simple ideas about how to nurture connection with kids.  

A big thank you to Alissa for sharing her ideas on kindness with us!

Enjoy!

Form Drawing

 Form Drawing 

by Brenda Massei of Pail and Pie  

Nursery Art

My eight year old son gets to choose his daily school work from a weekly checklist. Once per week his list includes form drawing and without fail, enthusiastically, he chooses it every Monday. So, what is so wonderful about form drawing for him? "Probably, I like it because of all the crazy forms I get to draw," he answers me. It may go deeper than that. 

Branch Pencils

In 1919 Rudolph Steiner introduced form drawing which is taught to children ages 6-10 . This simple idea, of having children essentially copy freehand drawings, is more than just a crayon to paper. Before children are shown a form to recreate on their page, they are immersed in the feeling of the form. Children are introduced to each new form through stories, movements through the air, or walking the form as a few examples. The feelings from this engagement with a form can vary based on the form taught.
 For instance, if a teacher has a restless group that needs energy, a sharp, stiff form can create some liveliness. In contrast, slow, rounded forms can do just the opposite, create harmony and peace for children who need some calm. Having children focus on a form and replicate it with intention create zen like moments that can linger.

Syrendell

Last year my son would not stop at the end of the page. Indeed he drew form drawing borders around his pages and went on to create new forms based on his moods. This year he chooses form drawing every monday and enjoys each new expression. An acquaintance's daughter grew up to create and sell beautiful celtic knot motifs on cards as an extension from early form drawing instruction. Form drawing is enjoyable.

 
 CELTIC DRAWN CARD:
Form drawing gives pleasure while creating repeated patterns with lines instead of waiting to admire only an end product. It is an experience one can feel. The creating can indeed trump the joy of the ended design.

Symmetry? Counting? Geometry? Art? Form drawing can dive into any of these aspects as indeed the line is the most primeval form of creation and art. Teaching children to enjoy the movement of line over paper proves beneficial.

Fairy & Elf Gift Tags

Read more about how form drawing affects your mood in the article Form Drawing by Rosemary Gebert. (Link: http://www.waldorflibrary.org/images/stories/articles/formdrawing.pdf)

See the connection of form drawing to art in the book: 
Painting and Drawing in Waldorf Schools Classes 1 to 8 by Thomas Wildgruber. 

Positive Watercolor Card

 See more of Brenda's great articles on her blog:

Pail and Pie
 Visit Brenda's Waldorf on Etsy team shop for gift ideas:

Pail and Pie

Brigit's Bell

Today we welcome fellow Waldorf on Etsy Artist Karen Traversy from Brigit's Bell

 

 Orange Peg Doll Witch

I have worked with children my whole life.  I have Mastered in Education with a Waldorf Certificate.  I helped to found a Waldorf school in my community 15 years ago

 

Rainbow Witches 

 I am now retired from teaching and I am so happy to be spending my days in arts and crafting.  I have been a crafter since childhood-my grandmother taught me to knit, my mother, to sew. 

Blue Angel

 I am a needle and mixed media artist encompassing a broad range of projects:  Peg dolls, knitted goddesses, prayer flags, garden art shingles, photography and so on.

 Blueberry Gnome

 My etsy shop is full of handmade miniatures, dolls and toys.  They are Waldorf inspired for nature table, storytelling and imaginative play or lovely seasonal displays. Natural fibers and materials are used almost exclusively.

 I started my shop to offer many of the items I made for my classroom but also to express my interest in spirituality, myths, folktales and fairy-tales.

Heart Brooch Ornament

 I think having a creative outlet is essential to being a happy, fully developed human being.

 The world needs bits of beauty and whimsy.

Felt Mushroom

 Visit me through out the web:

My Etsy shop, Bridgit’s Bell: http://etsy.com/shop/bridgitsbell

My Blog, also Bridgit’s Bell: http://bridgitsbell.blogger.com

My Pinterest page: http://pinterest.com/karen_traversy

My Facebook page, also Bridgit’s Bell: http://facebook.com/bridgitsbell

My Twitter account: http://twitter.com/#/traveller9851

My Flickr account: www.flickr.com/photos/bridgitsbell

http://about.me/karentraversy

 Thank you & Enjoy!