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“Rhythm of the Day” in a Waldorf Kindergarten

As part of SimpleHomeschool’s ”A Day in the Life” series, I have contributed another guest post which appears today: “A Day in the Life of a Waldorf Kindergarten.”  I describe the “Rhythm of the Day” in a Waldorf kindergarten classroom. Or more specifically, a day in my Waldorf classroom. The picture I give is of a typical “Soup Day,” as the children would fondly refer to Tuesday.

Cooking in a Waldorf Kindergarten

© Sarah Baldwin

Names of the days of the week are a meaningless abstraction for young children, but the children in my class knew that Rice Day was always followed by Soup Day, and then in turn comes Bread Day, Millet Day and Oatmeal Day.

The children also knew that on Rice Day we painted, on Soup Day we chopped vegetables, on Bread Day we kneaded dough, on Millet Day we colored with beeswax crayons, and on Fridays we polished and cleaned our classroom. It was all part of the “Rhythm of the Week.”

Seasonally, the children would experience the “Rhythm of the Year” by preparing for and celebrating the festivals of the year—Michaelmas in September, All Hallow’s Eve, Martinmas, Advent, St. Nicholas Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and May Day. Festivals are a much more meaningful way for a child to mark the passage of a year than dates on a calendar.

Waldorf May Day Festival

© Sarah Baldwin

As human beings, we are creatures of rhythm—from the moment we are born, our hearts beat, our blood pulses, and our lungs beat to a steady rhythm. We give children a gift and nourish their healthy development by being mindful of a young child’s need for rhythm, and offering them consistency, and the comfort of knowing what comes next, as we move through our days, weeks, and years together with them.

How do you find ways to honor the rhythm of the days, weeks and years with your children? Do you find it challenging to be consistent? Please share your suggestions and struggles!

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Natural Toys, Sarah's Silks, Waldorf Toys

Mothering Magazine’s “Best Natural Toys of 2010”

I am delighted that six new items from Bella Luna Toys‘ collection of natural toys were chosen by the editors at Mothering magazine as among the Best Natural Toys of 2010 featured in the new November/December issue!

Which items, you ask? Well, here they are!

Waldorf Birthday Crowns

Waldorf Felt Birthday Crowns

Waldorf Birthday Crowns

These gorgeous Waldorf birthday crowns are handmade in Maine by my friend and former classroom assistant, Jes Anthonis. Jes is a mama and crafter who is starting her own Waldorf childcare program at home. Available in petal pink or green, for ages 1 to 6. Aren’t they sweet?

Fairy Dress from Sarah’s Silks

Fairy DressNew from Sarah’s Silks, a magical Fairy Dress with rainbow wings that attach to the wrists with elastic bands.

Wool Felt Crown Set

Waldorf ToysI adore this cheery, Wool Felt Crown Set set made of thick New Zealand wool with matching cuffs. It’s Fair Trade made in Nepal, and was one of my favorite finds this year!

Fairy Garland Set

Fairy CostumeThis charming Fairy Garland Set features a garland of felted vines that ties around the head, with a 100% silk veil. Can be worn as a headpiece or cape. I just love the little hanging felted bumblebees, don’t you?

Big Drum from Plan Toys

I’ve been wanting to add more kids musical instruments at Bella Luna Toys. Here are the two newest additions, which will help to develop a child’s eye-hand coordination and sense of rhythm.

Plan Toys, Big DrumThe Big Drum is our first addition from Plan Toys, a line of wonderful eco-friendly wooden toys, from which we’ll be adding many more new products in the coming weeks.

Tambourine from Plan Toys

Plan Toys Tambourine, Kids Musical Instruments…and the colorful Tambourine from Plan Toys. (Love the Bella Luna blue with moon and stars!)

Hope you’ll agree with the Mothering editors that these are among the best!

What are your favorite natural toys of 2010? Have you seen any wonderful wooden toys or Waldorf toys that you think should be added to Bella Luna’s collection of natural toys? Share your ideas here and win a $5 gift certificate to Bella Luna Toys if your suggestion is added!

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mermaid costume
Dress Up Play, Sarah's Silks

Save 10% on Halloween Costumes from Sarah’s Silks!

To celebrate, we are offering 10% off all kids costumes from Sarah’s Silks when you become a registered customer on the new site. Make sure you “Register” as a new customer when checking out, and then enter the promotion code “costumes10.”

Dragon Costume from Sarah's Silks

Costumes will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail for our low flat rate shipping rate of only $5.95, so order up until October 27 for delivery in time for Halloween!

Kids costumes from Sarah’s Silks are made from lustrous 100% pure silk, and are designed to nourish the senses and inspire the imagination. Great boys and girls Halloween costumes that are also fun-year round for dress up play!

Girls Halloween Costume

So check out the new site and let me know what you think! And be on the lookout for the many new Waldorf toys and wooden toys that will be added over the coming weeks in time for the holiday season.

Wishing you a Happy Halloween!

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