Welcome new baby
Finally we have a beautiful new addition to our playgroup. It was cuddles all round for this sweet little spring blossom, and we look forward to sharing many beautiful moments with her.
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Welcome busy Spring
We have been busy the past few weeks welcoming in the coming spring. Our story has been based on "The Story of the Root Children" by Sibylle von Olfers.
Mother Earth wakens the sleeping root children with her candle - yawn and stretch, yipee - and they set to work sewing some beautiful new clothes for spring.
Mother Earth (myself) also took around a basket of cloth for our own circle of root children to sew some lovely new "clothes" whilst singing some spring songs.
The beetles, and ladybirds and bees also need to be painted and polished for spring.
At last they are ready. Mother Earth unlocks the keys to the ground, and out come the procession of ladybirds and bees and root children with their lovely new flowers, to play in the sunshine all spring and summers long. The children also got to take home a lovely flower each.
Making gumnut crowns and wands for our spring celebration
Crowns
Cut some wire to fit around childrens heads, and twist to form a circlet. Cover the join using florits tape. Add gumnuts using florists tape to hold. (Note this holds better if you stretch it as you bind it around). Add any other extras (paper flowers etc) the same way.
Finish by winding ribbon around the wire, cutting and retying it every so often to create all the flowing bits of ribbon hanging down. Add any extra colours.
Wands
Drill a hole in the end of a stick approx 30 cm and lightly sand. Glue a gumnut (with small stem) in the hole. Add any extras using florists tape. Some very creative mums added tufts of palm bark, sticks etc.
Add ribbon to decorate, creating bows, curly bits etc.
Some beautiful crowns and wands for our spring elves and fairies. Stay tuned for photos from our spring celebration!
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Phil the toyman
Phil the toyman(http://www.enjoymakingwoodentoys.com.au/) came for a visit to show us all of his lovely handmade wooden toys. The toys are fantastic quality, and have lovely soft curves to them. The children had a fantastic time testing them all out. We bought ourselves a lovely new ironing table, and Phil is also going to make us a playstand.
The kitchen set is gorgeous
The cradles were very sweet, and the cars and trucks are made with amazing detail.
This aeroplane rocker which converts to a ride on with wheels was a big hit as children wizzed and twirled around the verandah.
The digger was another big favourite.
Thanks Phil for sharing your lovely creations with us!
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Steiner Early Childhood Workshop and Regional Meeting
And finally, I had the pleasure of attending the above on the weekend. It was a fantastic day, the workshop with Sandra Frain was inspirational, full of stories, songs and biodynamics, and I have come away completely reinspired and revitalised, with so many wonderful ideas for our playgroup. Can't wait for next term!
It was also a great opportunity to meet some lovely people who are so dedicated to Steiner education. In particular it was great to chat to Tanya and Meg from Wonderland and Amber from Moondew (mamamoontime), who are running playgroups such as ours. It has given me a sense of community and support, so thanks to all.
I had the sweetest most creative dreams that night!
