Browsing Category

Waldorf inspirations

Waldorf alphabet frieze ~ giveaway!

 I love things of beauty…
and happily I have a wonderful thing of beauty to share *smile*

A giveaway from Old Freedom Train

About Old Freedom Train……… 
When Shayne Jackman went searching for a Waldorf alphabet frieze for her children’s playroom and couldn’t find one…she decided to make one herself
 …and luckily for us Old Freedom Train was born
Shayne uses softly coloured pencils to draw sweet Waldorf style…
…alphabet pictures that bring letters to life *smile*
These gorgeous whimsical alphabets are available as a book or frieze
 {I couldn’t resist the frieze when I discovered them almost a year ago!}
The giveaway….

And the winner is What Darlin’? how said ~

My favorite thing about Waldorf… the idea that there is a right time for all things and that the “right thing” can become the “wrong thing” if it’s given at the wrong time. that childhood is honored — not hurried. That childhood is valued — not something to be rush through to get onto the important living. Well, I guess I’ll stop now (; –Mama youknowwhatmama at gmail dot com 
 For your chance to win a gorgeous Old Freedom Train frieze
 ~ leave a comment telling us what you love about Waldorf
~ For another entry, share this giveaway on Facebook and come back to tell us
 
 {comments close at 10 pm AEST on 7 November 2012
and a winner will be announced on 8 November}
Good luck, 
Kelly
October 31, 2012 by

Redirecting the energy {parenting reflections}

We love going to our Waldorf Playgroup. 
We have a great Playgroup leader who nicely sets the tone for the group. 
The setting is beautiful with many lovely opened ended natural toys, gentle light and seasonal touches. 

    

A rhythm takes us through the morning… 
With moments of breathing in together ~ such as morning tea and songs… 
And breathing out ~ like outside play.

Like for all groups, families leave and families join. 
And I’ve noticed that with each new family, especially those with energetic boys…
…Dino Boy needs to test the boundaries and find his place again
{amidst great excitement}

This can create challenging moments where little bodies and minds are not easily redirected… 

And little boys seem to feed off each others energy ~ steadily mounting!
During these times of change I always find myself reflecting on my parenting style…
I’ve come to realise that I have much less of a ‘traditional parenting style’ then some…
…but not as far along the {so called} ‘positive parenting approach’ as others.

Sometimes I wish I could just restrain the behaviours I dislike by holding on and cuddling… 

but this is because of my needs… not my little ones. 
So I try to redirect and suggest different engaging play… 
where a broom was looking like a weapon I suggest we sweep the dust in the corner…

Our Playgroup Leader also helps direct the energies…
…suggesting that the imaginary gun {oh how I dislike gun play} needs cleaning… 
Passing over a piece of fabric so that the task can be undertaken as a serious endeavour.

And when the energy levels rise too rapidly taking a moment outside to sit and reset. 
Letting the fresh air flow around us… steadying ourselves.
Outside play is always a great release… 
Little legs and arms busily working on digging holes, running and jumping. 

So perhaps next week I will aim to rise earlier to enjoy breakfast outside followed by some outside play before joining the group….

How do you redirect or manage the energy of little ones?

Warmly,
Kelly

October 24, 2012 by