A nurturing environment that is rhythmic in nature ensures a strong foundation that is essential to the healthy development of the young child. Predictable rhythms through the day, week and year provide security and a sense of the interrelationships and wholeness of life.
Our daily rhythm alternates periods of concentration and expansion, as if in a breathing rhythm where there is inhaling and exhaling. In the inhaling or breathing-in phase the child directs his attention to an activity that basically relates him to himself (drawing, water painting, eating…). In the exhaling or breathing-out period, the child relates mainly to the surrounding world (free play, gross motor movements etc.). For each breathing-in period the child needs a breathing-out period and so a pattern and balance is established.
In our weekly rhythm teachers strive to give a rhythmic structure to individual lessons as well where we reflect on a subject we explored the days before and follow that with presentation of a new element. Whatever has been taken in on one day is remembered and reflected on the following days. This builds a growing rhythm and a deeper sense of understanding of a subject.
Our daily rhythm alternates periods of concentration and expansion, as if in a breathing rhythm where there is inhaling and exhaling. In the inhaling or breathing-in phase the child directs his attention to an activity that basically relates him to himself (drawing, water painting, eating…). In the exhaling or breathing-out period, the child relates mainly to the surrounding world (free play, gross motor movements etc.). For each breathing-in period the child needs a breathing-out period and so a pattern and balance is established.
In our weekly rhythm teachers strive to give a rhythmic structure to individual lessons as well where we reflect on a subject we explored the days before and follow that with presentation of a new element. Whatever has been taken in on one day is remembered and reflected on the following days. This builds a growing rhythm and a deeper sense of understanding of a subject.
Young children are in deep harmony with nature and our seasonal rhythm connects us more to the natural world. Nature is a world of rhythms - the rising and setting of the sun, the flowering of trees, the change of seasons... when we provide supporting rhythms for children, we harmonize their being, thereby aiding the development of their inner rhythms of sleep, digestion, circulation etc. Monthly themes, block study, seasonal festivals and celebrations reflect and support our connection to the seasonal rhythm.
We highly recommend reading Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne for inspiration to create more rhythm in your children's life at home!
“Children depend on the rhythmic structure of the day–on its predictability, its regularity, its pulse…. By surrounding a young child with a sense of rhythm and ritual, you can help them order their physical, emotional, and intellectual view of the world. As little ones come to understand, with regularity, that ‘this is what we do', they feel solid under their feet, a platform for growth. Such a stable foundation can facilitate their mapmaking: the connectedness that they are charting in their brains, in relation to other people, and in their emerging worldview.” (Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne)
We also recommend the blog Rhythms of Play for more inspiration in how to create healthy rhythm and routine in your life at home.
Here's a look at how we learn through rhythm at Children's Garden:
Daily Rhythm
Our daily rhythm is a gentle guide to the flow of our day. We do not adhere to a rigid time structure for the day but we do follow the same order so there is a natural predictability of what comes next. This natural predictability helps promote positive behavior from the children - if they know what is coming next they are more willing to go with the flow of the day:
Art Projects
Circle
Schoolhouse Free Play
Snack
Outside Free Play
Guided Activity
Lunch (Morning Group) or Big Snack (Afternoon Group)
Special Classes: Hola Yoga, Music, Cooperative Games, or Conscious Discipline
Story Time
We highly recommend reading Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne for inspiration to create more rhythm in your children's life at home!
“Children depend on the rhythmic structure of the day–on its predictability, its regularity, its pulse…. By surrounding a young child with a sense of rhythm and ritual, you can help them order their physical, emotional, and intellectual view of the world. As little ones come to understand, with regularity, that ‘this is what we do', they feel solid under their feet, a platform for growth. Such a stable foundation can facilitate their mapmaking: the connectedness that they are charting in their brains, in relation to other people, and in their emerging worldview.” (Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne)
We also recommend the blog Rhythms of Play for more inspiration in how to create healthy rhythm and routine in your life at home.
Here's a look at how we learn through rhythm at Children's Garden:
Daily Rhythm
Our daily rhythm is a gentle guide to the flow of our day. We do not adhere to a rigid time structure for the day but we do follow the same order so there is a natural predictability of what comes next. This natural predictability helps promote positive behavior from the children - if they know what is coming next they are more willing to go with the flow of the day:
Art Projects
Circle
Schoolhouse Free Play
Snack
Outside Free Play
Guided Activity
Lunch (Morning Group) or Big Snack (Afternoon Group)
Special Classes: Hola Yoga, Music, Cooperative Games, or Conscious Discipline
Story Time
With so many new children this month we have been focusing a lot on our rhythm and touring the different learning areas we offer to create a solid platform for growth. Share the rhythm and pictures with your kids to help them build a strong foundation.
Art Projects
As children arrive we have art projects and schoolhouse materials for the children to interact freely with. We have been getting to know all our new friends so we have kept the art projects as a simple introduction to the supplies that are commonly available to create with. Our art projects are process based - please read our blog Raising Creative Thinkers with Process Art to learn more!
Chalk with Water
Beeswax Crayons & Colored Pencils
Watercolors
Finger Painting
Collage with Scissors, Glue, Washi Tape, Glitter, Ribbons...
Stencils
Pastels
Modelling Beeswax and Googley Eyes
Circle
In our opening circle we unite as one group, connect with each other through singing and various greeting activities and move our bodies in brain smart ways that enhance our ability to learn.
Schoolhouse Free Play
On the first few days of a new school year we give the kids a tour of our schoolhouse and play gardens so they have more understanding of all there is to discover and play with:
Dress Up and Pretend Play Areas
Our dress up and pretend play area are filled with high quality, Waldorf inspired furniture and toys.
Dress Up and Pretend Play
Here are 10 developmental benefits of dress up and pretend play for kids by Sarah Baldwin, author of Nurturing Children and Families.
1. Brain Building
Dress-up and pretend play engages your child’s brain and memory. Dramatic play requires kids to remember what they’ve seen or heard. They remember how their parents behaves when performing household chores when they are imitating her. Or they recall the details of a fairy tale they’ve heard before acting it out.
2. Vocabulary Building
Pretend play builds vocabulary as a child decides what his or her character would say. It gives them a chance to expand their vocabularies with words and phrases that they might have heard in stories, but wouldn’t ordinarily use. Children may then begin to use these new words in conversations.
3. Problem-Solving
Who’s going to be the doctor? Who’s going to be the patient? Children must make decisions when they engage in dress-up and pretend play. They practice problem-solving problems when deciding on what costumes elements and props each character needs to act out a scenario.
4. Empathy
When a child is engaged in role-play, it helps her see the world through another’s eyes which increases empathy – whether pretending to be a parent nurturing a baby, a doctor taking care of an injured patient, or a firefighter putting out a fire. Dramatic play helps children understand the role that helpers play in in our lives.
5. Emotional Development
Children are constantly confronted with scary situations that they don’t understand – whether witnessing an accident in real life, or seeing violent images on TV. Children process their fears through play, which helps them make sense of the world, and overcome their feelings of helplessness.
By allowing children to act out their fears through dress-up and role playing, we are helping their emotional development.
6. Motor Skills
Children develop fine motor skills by putting on dress-up clothes, whether buttoning a shirt, zipping up pants, or tying on a pirate’s bandana
They use their large motor skills when engaged in role-play, whether they are jumping like a superhero, running like a baseball player, or twirling like a ballerina.
7. Gender Exploration
When children choose costumes and characters to be, they are able to explore different gender identities and the behaviors of those characters.
While boys often want to be superheroes, firemen, or pirates, and girls often want to be fairies and princesses, it is normal and healthy for children to try on different gender roles as they learn about the world. A child should never be ridiculed for pretending to be a different gender.
8. Imitation
Children are naturally imitative creatures. They learn about the world by imitating the lives of the adults and others around them. Through dress-up and dramatic role-play, children explore the lives of other people by imitating their actions, feelings and words.
9. Socialization
Pretend play encourages cooperation and taking turns. Children learn how to negotiate as they agree on stories and rules. They develop interest in others and learn how to give-and-take.
10. Imagination
Children’s imaginations are limitless, and have not yet been hardened and constrained by the “realities” of the world. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, believed that imaginative play in early childhood is the key to creative thinking during the adult years.
When children engage in dress-up play, their imaginations are given free reign. There is no limit to who, where, or what they can be.
1. Brain Building
Dress-up and pretend play engages your child’s brain and memory. Dramatic play requires kids to remember what they’ve seen or heard. They remember how their parents behaves when performing household chores when they are imitating her. Or they recall the details of a fairy tale they’ve heard before acting it out.
2. Vocabulary Building
Pretend play builds vocabulary as a child decides what his or her character would say. It gives them a chance to expand their vocabularies with words and phrases that they might have heard in stories, but wouldn’t ordinarily use. Children may then begin to use these new words in conversations.
3. Problem-Solving
Who’s going to be the doctor? Who’s going to be the patient? Children must make decisions when they engage in dress-up and pretend play. They practice problem-solving problems when deciding on what costumes elements and props each character needs to act out a scenario.
4. Empathy
When a child is engaged in role-play, it helps her see the world through another’s eyes which increases empathy – whether pretending to be a parent nurturing a baby, a doctor taking care of an injured patient, or a firefighter putting out a fire. Dramatic play helps children understand the role that helpers play in in our lives.
5. Emotional Development
Children are constantly confronted with scary situations that they don’t understand – whether witnessing an accident in real life, or seeing violent images on TV. Children process their fears through play, which helps them make sense of the world, and overcome their feelings of helplessness.
By allowing children to act out their fears through dress-up and role playing, we are helping their emotional development.
6. Motor Skills
Children develop fine motor skills by putting on dress-up clothes, whether buttoning a shirt, zipping up pants, or tying on a pirate’s bandana
They use their large motor skills when engaged in role-play, whether they are jumping like a superhero, running like a baseball player, or twirling like a ballerina.
7. Gender Exploration
When children choose costumes and characters to be, they are able to explore different gender identities and the behaviors of those characters.
While boys often want to be superheroes, firemen, or pirates, and girls often want to be fairies and princesses, it is normal and healthy for children to try on different gender roles as they learn about the world. A child should never be ridiculed for pretending to be a different gender.
8. Imitation
Children are naturally imitative creatures. They learn about the world by imitating the lives of the adults and others around them. Through dress-up and dramatic role-play, children explore the lives of other people by imitating their actions, feelings and words.
9. Socialization
Pretend play encourages cooperation and taking turns. Children learn how to negotiate as they agree on stories and rules. They develop interest in others and learn how to give-and-take.
10. Imagination
Children’s imaginations are limitless, and have not yet been hardened and constrained by the “realities” of the world. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, believed that imaginative play in early childhood is the key to creative thinking during the adult years.
When children engage in dress-up play, their imaginations are given free reign. There is no limit to who, where, or what they can be.
Block Play Area
Montessori Area
Montessori inspired materials are available to the children to explore and learn with.
Nature Table
The Nature Table offers a way for the children to connect to the natural world and reflects the rhythm of the seasons.
The Safe Place
The safe place is an area where the children can go if they are having big feelings and have the space and tools to practice self-regulation. For more details on how we use the safe place see our previous blog:
http://www.austinchildrensgarden.org/blog/archives/02-2016
http://www.austinchildrensgarden.org/blog/archives/02-2016
Snack with Social Emotional Learning
To start off our day together in a positive way we like to focus on social emotional learning while we have snack - we practice our grace and courtesy at the table and discuss ways we can be kind and helpful.
Outside Free Play
In outside free play the children play and explore in our 1/4 acre of lush gardens and natural play areas.
Sandbox
Kids LOVE sand! It invites participation; it permits children to make and test hypotheses; it stretches the imagination; it provides a potentially soothing sensory experience; and it is an excellent avenue for children to learn physical, cognitive, and social skills.
Because sand play is open-ended, the child determines the direction and path of his or her own play. This freedom then clears the way for the child to build developmental concepts.
According to constructivist theory, children have an inner drive to build an understanding of their world as they explore and interact with materials. Concepts about how the world works are built gradually and become increasingly complex as the child enters a rich learning environment and exercises his or her freedom to play.
(Early Childhood News)
Because sand play is open-ended, the child determines the direction and path of his or her own play. This freedom then clears the way for the child to build developmental concepts.
According to constructivist theory, children have an inner drive to build an understanding of their world as they explore and interact with materials. Concepts about how the world works are built gradually and become increasingly complex as the child enters a rich learning environment and exercises his or her freedom to play.
(Early Childhood News)
Strawbale Playground
Magic Tree
This is our quiet sacred space for imagination play, gentle art activities, and yoga or music classes.
Big Yard Playground
We love building with these awesome hardwood construction blocks!
Schoolyard Playground
These little fairies LOVED playing in the rain!
Guided Activity
After free play we have some kind of guided activity of gardening, literacy, math, cooking, sensory exploration, science investigation, or a special project.
Gardening
We planted broccoli, carrot seeds, and lots of herbs!
Literacy
Sensory Exploration
To learn more about sensory play, check out our previous blog - Learning With Our Senses.
Science Investigations!
Math
Exploring addition, subtraction and number sense with the Rekenrek.
Learning math with our bodies!
Simon Says: "Obtuse Angle!"
Simon Says: "Obtuse Angle!"
Cooking - Making Lunch or Snack Together
To learn more about the many benefits of cooking with kids read our previous blog.
To make this nutritious banana bread mix together the following ingredients and bake at 325 degrees for 45 min to 1 hr:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 very ripe bananas
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
Yummy Lunches
Our lunches use a lot of the vegetables and fruits we grow in our garden as well as other local produce which helps us to stay in balance with the rhythm of the seasons.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Maple Sweet Potatoes, Dinosaur Kale, Apples, and Tangerines.
Mac n Cheese with Navy Bean and Garden Herb Soup, Kid-Sliced Strawberries, Apples, and Carrots
Ask the kids to sing you our song before we snack or lunch together - "Give thanks to the mother earth..."
Cleaning up together!
Special Classes
After lunch (morning program) or big snack (afternoon program) we alternate special classes - on Monday and Tuesday we play Cooperative Games and on Wednesday/Thursday/Friday we alternate Hola Yoga, Music Class, and Conscious Discipline/Mindfulness Activities.
Hola Yoga
"Hola Cielo"
"Hello Sky"
"Hello Sky"
"Hola Tierra"
"Hello Earth"
"Hello Earth"
"Reir como una mariposa"
"Laugh like a butterfly"
"Laugh like a butterfly"
"Crecer fuerte como un árbol"
"Grow strong like a tree"
"Grow strong like a tree"
"Brilla como una estrella"
"Shine like a star"
"Shine like a star"
Music Class
We love singing, rhyming, and playing instruments together while learning about steady beat, rhythm, melody, and song-writing.
Conscious Discipline & Mindfulness
We show these breaths a lot and that's because we practice them a lot! By practicing the steps of the safe place and the feeling buddies at regular times we have the tools for self regulation when we really need them.
Wishing Well Breath
Balloon Breath
Drain Breath
Pretzel Breath
Story Time
After Special Classes we enjoy enjoy a closing circle with books and 100% fruit juice popsicles to finish our day!
Seasonal Rhythm with Themes
Every 4 to 6 weeks we have a theme that we focus on in our project time. Some of the themes follow the rhythms of the seasons, some emerge from the children's interests, and some from the teacher's passion.
Kindness and Cooperation
This month, in addition to learning about the environment and the rhythm of the day, our theme is focused on kindness, cooperation, and creating our school rules.
We love these books to inspire some great conversations on different ways we can be kind.
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Name Game
The kids love playing this game where they roll the ball to a friend and say the friend's name. Once we have the names down we say something we like about the person we are rolling the ball to.
Community Agreements
Our school 'rules' are agreements we make so that we can learn and play safely together.
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Kindness Cookies
We loved making these sweet Kindness Cookies together and then passing a cookie to one of our friends instead of gobbling one up.. everyone still got a cookie when we shared!
To make these simple coconut cookies mix together the following ingredients and bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes:
- 3/4 cup coconut flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Kindness Jar
The Kindness Jar is a practice that helps us to spread kindness in our community. Any time we see someone else doing something kind or helpful we put a pompom in the jar. Once the jar is filled we will have a fun celebration!
The Kindness Pledge
In honor of the International Day of Peace on Sept 21st we learned about the Appeal of the Nobel Laureates where Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, and other Nobel Prize Winners created the Better World Pledge.
As we listened to the story we created pictures of acts of kindness and talked about a kid-friendly version of the pledge:
1. Be Kind - I pledge to respect people that are different, and treat people and animals with kindness and fairness.
2. Be Peaceful - I pledge to find peaceful ways to work out my problems.
3. Share with others - I pledge to share my time to help out in my community to make life better for others.
4. Listen to understand. I pledge to allow others to express their point of view; to find win-win solutions to problems so that both sides can win; and 'agree to disagree' if we can't come to an agreement.
5. Preserve the planet - I pledge to practice good environmental habits like recycling and helping to protect the earth and its habitats.
2. Be Peaceful - I pledge to find peaceful ways to work out my problems.
3. Share with others - I pledge to share my time to help out in my community to make life better for others.
4. Listen to understand. I pledge to allow others to express their point of view; to find win-win solutions to problems so that both sides can win; and 'agree to disagree' if we can't come to an agreement.
5. Preserve the planet - I pledge to practice good environmental habits like recycling and helping to protect the earth and its habitats.
Miracle of the Moringa Tree
We read about the incredible Moringa Tree and how it offers superfood nutrition and yet grows in dry harsh climates. It is used extensively by the Peace Corp to help combat nutrition in impoverished countries. We planted several in our garden together!
Kindness Inspirations
Here are 52 Acts of Kindness for Families with Young Children from the blog Moments a Day. What lights you up to practice more kindness with your children?
1. Bring some fresh baked cookies to a neighbor
2. Give away old toys to younger children
3. Leave a treat for the mail carrier in your mailbox
4. Give some flowers to someone feeling unwell
5. Make happy notes on the sidewalk with chalk
6. Take paints and paper to share at the local playground
7. Feed some birds or ducks – or animals at your local zoo
8. Organize an afternoon of games for your neighborhood
9. Give popsicles to outdoor workers (those in construction or gardening, perhaps)
10. Take icewater and cups to the playground to share with others
11. Hold a Lemonade Stand to donate to a cause you support
12. Hold a “dog wash” to raise money for an animal shelter or zoo
13. Wash cars to raise money for a cause you support
14. Rake leaves (or do gardening) for a neighbor
15. Take baked goods to a teacher
16. Take snacks to staff at the local Hospital
17. Babysit so that a couple can have a date
18. Donate DVDs to the local Hospital
19. Donate toys to the fire brigade for children in emergencies
20. Have a family round of shoulder massages
21. Pass out stickers to children waiting at the doctor’s office
22. Read inspiring stories to a group of children
23. Donate books to a doctor’s or dentist’s office
24. Meet someone new at the shops or in a park
25. Take a treat to a bus driver
26. Educate yourself and your neighbors about recycling
27. Invite another family over for dinner
28. Cut coupons and put them in a neighbor’s mailbox
29. Take a Thank You card to the local librarians
30. Drop off “good morning” notes for early risers in a hotel
31. Draw a picture of your community for the Police Station
32. Open the door for people entering a shop or restaurant
33. Bring a meal to a family in need (recent birth, sickness, or loss)
34. Write a poem for someone you love
35. Make “Be Happy” notes and put them in mailboxes
36. Vacuum the house of a family who just had a baby
37. Learn a joke to tell to a check-out person
38. Tape change to a parking meter or vending machine
39. Make a list of things you love about someone and send it to them
40. Leave a happy note in a library book
41. Create a movie theater afternoon for your neighborhood
42. Send a postcard to a distant cousin or friend who moved away
43. Pick up trash around the neighborhood or at a park
44. Sing for the elderly
45. Make a phone call to a friend or family member far away
46. Go on an errand and smile at everyone you see
47. Blow bubbles (and take extra) to the playground
48. Volunteer in a local animal shelter
49. Take cans of food to the local Food Bank
50. Donate old clothes a local organization
51. Introduce someone who just moved to your town to new friends
52. Let someone go ahead of you in line at the shops
2. Give away old toys to younger children
3. Leave a treat for the mail carrier in your mailbox
4. Give some flowers to someone feeling unwell
5. Make happy notes on the sidewalk with chalk
6. Take paints and paper to share at the local playground
7. Feed some birds or ducks – or animals at your local zoo
8. Organize an afternoon of games for your neighborhood
9. Give popsicles to outdoor workers (those in construction or gardening, perhaps)
10. Take icewater and cups to the playground to share with others
11. Hold a Lemonade Stand to donate to a cause you support
12. Hold a “dog wash” to raise money for an animal shelter or zoo
13. Wash cars to raise money for a cause you support
14. Rake leaves (or do gardening) for a neighbor
15. Take baked goods to a teacher
16. Take snacks to staff at the local Hospital
17. Babysit so that a couple can have a date
18. Donate DVDs to the local Hospital
19. Donate toys to the fire brigade for children in emergencies
20. Have a family round of shoulder massages
21. Pass out stickers to children waiting at the doctor’s office
22. Read inspiring stories to a group of children
23. Donate books to a doctor’s or dentist’s office
24. Meet someone new at the shops or in a park
25. Take a treat to a bus driver
26. Educate yourself and your neighbors about recycling
27. Invite another family over for dinner
28. Cut coupons and put them in a neighbor’s mailbox
29. Take a Thank You card to the local librarians
30. Drop off “good morning” notes for early risers in a hotel
31. Draw a picture of your community for the Police Station
32. Open the door for people entering a shop or restaurant
33. Bring a meal to a family in need (recent birth, sickness, or loss)
34. Write a poem for someone you love
35. Make “Be Happy” notes and put them in mailboxes
36. Vacuum the house of a family who just had a baby
37. Learn a joke to tell to a check-out person
38. Tape change to a parking meter or vending machine
39. Make a list of things you love about someone and send it to them
40. Leave a happy note in a library book
41. Create a movie theater afternoon for your neighborhood
42. Send a postcard to a distant cousin or friend who moved away
43. Pick up trash around the neighborhood or at a park
44. Sing for the elderly
45. Make a phone call to a friend or family member far away
46. Go on an errand and smile at everyone you see
47. Blow bubbles (and take extra) to the playground
48. Volunteer in a local animal shelter
49. Take cans of food to the local Food Bank
50. Donate old clothes a local organization
51. Introduce someone who just moved to your town to new friends
52. Let someone go ahead of you in line at the shops
See you next time!
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