Christmas Thoughts and Dreams

The gifts have been unwrapped, food has been eaten in copious amounts for which we are so thankful for. Our little playroom became a temporary dining space, where family came together to eat, laugh and make memories. The little chalkboard indeed came in handy for a lengthy game of Pictionary.

🎄

These new few days of rest with my family, will no doubt bring more reflection on the year past and I already feel energised and motivated to start the New Year - my home based kindergarten will begin this year, and with that comes the opportunity to create memories with my family, to further my learning personally and professionally in Steiner. To really start to focus on who I am and how I can strengthen that person and be the best I can be.

❤️

The last decade has without a doubt been a tough one personally for me. But I go forth into the next one knowing it’s going to be amazing, and with hope and love it’s going to bring forth all our hopes and dreams.

Here’s to hope, love and happiness to you all.

K x

Choosing toys to compliment Waldorf Early Childhood Practice

Today’s seasonal feast in the indoor kitchen.... Natural objects are highly favoured in the Steiner Kindergarten over pre-formed man made versions.

Fostering a connection between nature and the imagination is a critical role of these toys..after all we don’t know what wonder or miracle a child is thinking of when they hold and feel an acorn, a pine cone. Engaging as many of the senses as possible (and Steiner~Waldorf acknowledges 12 senses) is seen as a key to healthy development. In addition to this we need to consider that play is the work of the child and they work through imitation. So when a child imitates cooking dinner for example the toys the child use are his/her tools. A child size broom, plates, and cloths, teapots and cups, cribs and dolls enable children to fully immerse themselves in this imitation - a small area or kitchen therefore with a few familiar objects and natural items to be used as ‘food’ would be particularly beneficial.

In today’s consumer driven world I think it’s more important than ever to make a conscious choice with toys. Ask yourself ; Is it beautiful? Does it feel good? Does it allow space for the imagination to flourish? Can it inspire imitation?

If it meets all of the above I would consider that a pretty good toy to have. Remember to always buy second hand first where possible, and check any wooden toys which are new are from sustainable forests.

Add your own magical fairy door to your playroom or child's bedroom

Because every playroom needs a fairy door and every self respecting fairy door needs a wreath of rosemary at Christmas.

I think for my childhood, fairies were the image of magic and wonder. My uncle used to hide chocolates in a local nature spot and take me there to find if the fairies had left any gifts for me. It was the highlight of my week, discovering these amazing treats left for me in nature, and was probably his, glad no stay dog had ate the chocolate he had so painstakingly hid and sprinkled with glitter! Fairy doors, offer a whole wealth of conversation, of care, of privacy, of another world, of other possibilities, of imagination. So obviously we needed to add one to the playroom.

This little door opens and was inexpensive from my local craft store. Help make give magic to the door, allow your child to choose colours and paint it! use watercolours, and add personal touches. What world do they want the fairies to be greeted with when they come into your home? Maybe every now and then they can leave a little treat and vice versa.?

Do you have a fairy door or garden you would like to share?