playgroup Archives ~ Happy Whimsical Hearts

Preparing for playgroup

I always get a little anxious just before our Waldorf inspired playgroup kicks off again.

Getting organised seems to help. Making sure I have all the things I need. Writing lists of anything that needs doing (like changing the angle of the slide! Remembering to give Wookie dog a little morning outing down the side of the house).

Making sure I have the bowls, cups, chopping boards at the ready. Checking I have enough spelt flour, honey, olive oil…

Do I have a good variety of tea for different tastes? {I adore this Chai}

Is the house tidy and ready for visitors? Will people feel comfortable? {I thank my mum for my good dose of house pride, not a bad thing *wink*}

What will we sing? Does our wonderful storyteller need any props for our story? Little animals, trees or the like.

Then I like to ponder about the families that are coming to join us.

Will this be their first experience of a Waldorf inspired playgroup? Or have they been to others? How old are the children and how many will be joining us?

I like to mediate on how I would like the morning to go. How I would like to create a warm and nurturing space. Where mums can connect, while watching and guiding their little ones.

And then the morning happens.

And at the end, as everyone leaves I take a deep breath and think well that was lovely before I tidy away the bowls, the cups, the chopping boards… *smile*

Blessings, Kelly

February 8, 2016 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!}