Waldorf playgroup Archives ~ Page 5 of 11 ~ Happy Whimsical Hearts

A maypole dance at playgroup

The playgroup children excitedly chose their ribbon around the maypole and waited patiently for the parents to join the fun.

And as the sun shone down, we sang:

Now we go round the maypole high
maypole high, maypole high
Now we go round the maypole high
Let coloured ribbons fly

See lasses and lads go tripping by
tripping by, tripping by
See lasses and lads go tripping by
Let coloured ribbons fly

In rainbow hues make garlands gay
Garland gay, garlands gay
In rainbow hues make garland gay
Let coloured ribbons fly
Let coloured ribbons fly

(sang to the tune of ‘here we go round the mulberry bush’)

First we all went in one direction, wrapping the ribbon, before turning around to unwind. We walked, we skipped, we danced.

And we kept it simple! The children who dance the maypole for Waldorf school fetes have practiced and practiced. Our playgroup children came to it new and fresh this very day.

They looked so joyful as they went round wearing their beautiful flower crowns and with ribbons in their hands. Such a wonderful way to celebrate Spring!

You can read how to make this simple maypole stand here.

Happy Spring everyone, Kelly

October 5, 2015 by Kelly

Waldorf storytelling

There is so much to love about our parent-led Waldorf playgroup, but I think the most magical part is when the story is told.

The children know it is time to make their way inside, after playing boisterously in the fresh air, when they hear us sing

puppet show is in the town, everybody gather round

They choose their seat, from toadstool cushions or little chairs. Then wait eagerly to see the puppet show revealed from beneath a playsilk. And our wonderful storyteller entrances them by singing

Mother of the fairy tale, take me by your silver hand. Sail me on your silver boat, sail me silently afloat. Mother of the fairy tale, take me to your shining land

The same story is told for at least three weeks. The children love the repetition and tell us if anything is different *grin*

And this week something was different!

The children had heard the lovely Australian adaption of A Winter Tale twice before and already knew it well ~ I think the Australian sprigs of leaves spoke to them. And the lovely kangaroo, wombat and kookaburra felt familiar.

And this week they were asked to help tell the story.

My daughter looked after the kangaroo, another little girl flew the kookaburra and their little friend helped the wombat find his way. And the bigger boys helped lead King Winter to the cave, where one of them had the very exciting task of bringing the fireflies to life {magical fairy lights beneath a playsilk cave ~ so magical!}