A little at a time...

We are starting to incorporate a few rituals at a time around here.  Most of them revolve around mealtime. 

I realized that often times, in fact most of the time, because Andy and I lead full, busy lives, we rushed through meal time.  Sometimes, I didn't even sit down while eating because I was too busy getting things for the kids, cleaning dishes before dinner was even served, thinking ahead to what needed to be done next, and so on.  Dinner ended up being this rushed, unsatisfying, often stressful occasion that ended up being more centered around what one of the kids was or was not eating.  Doesn't that sound lame?  I thought so too. 

So, we made some changes.  Now, we all set the table, we light a candle, we all sit down together, we say our Thankfuls (more on this later), and we eat.  Slowly.  We talk.  I stay at the table until everyone is done, and I encourage the kids to as well.  And, when we are finished, we blow out the candle, we all clear the table and do the dishes together. 

This requires me to shift my mind out of hurry, get the dishes done as soon as possible, find something for the kids to do while I do this.  Why do I have to do this?  Why can't I be playing with my kids?  I'm so pissed that it all falls on me.  I need some help around here.  Because when I am in that mind set, the rest of the evening has a hurried, stressed out vibe to it, which actually does not bode well for bedtime mood, as you can imagine.  So instead.  I start clearing the dishes and ask the kids to do the same.  They choose which job they want, wash, rinse or dry.  We made up a little song that we sing Clean, Clean, Clean, Clean.  Clean up all the dishes.  Make them sparkle, make them shine, clean them all the time.  Not terribly exciting I know, but we made it up, and the kids like it.  And, yes, dinner and clean up takes up a big portion of our evening, way more than it did before.  But, we play while doing the dishes, the boys play in the soapy water (which has the side benefit of thoroughly washing their hands), we tell jokes, we connect.  I am not resentful that I am doing everything.  We are doing it together.  And, they feel like they are important, helpful people in our household.  It is a meaningful experience.

And, the kids are learning how to run a household.  They are learning valuable skills.  Little by little our society is getting more convenience driven, so that kids are not learning skills like; cooking, mending, fixing, folding, polishing, etc.  All of these soulful tasks that require a person to use their hands, and to slow down a little, to care for something.  These skills and tasks are important to development, I would argue even more so then any organized enrichment activity that parents pay an arm and a leg for.  Family and human connection happen when we work together to keep the household running smoothly, and even the smallest of the smalls can participate. 

Have a lovely Wednesday.  More updates about the opening of Seedlings to come!

Thoughts...

Hello Again.  Just wanted to update you on my progress, thoughts, goals, etc.  As I start to imagine this further and work out details in my mind, I'm getting really excited to put these thoughts into action.  I am currently watching a few kids (2) at home, a couple of times a week.  It has been really great.  We have found a good rhythm, and things have gone along very peacefully.  We will have another friend joining us in January as well, and I would like to extend the invitation to anyone else who may need care for their child before May.  Because our little homestead is small, and does not have the modern amenities of most homes these days, I want to keep this group small, like four, max.  However, because the kids I have now are not everyday, I have room in my schedule to add more.  Let me know if you are interested.

On another note, I ran across this site as I was browsing around some different Waldorf sites, and it really struck a chord with me.  I ordered the book, Home Away from Home, and have been reading it a little at a time for the past few days.  I am envisioning Seedlings as being a mixed aged group; with infants, toddlers and a few preschoolers.  And, as I think about how this all is going to flow, I am realizing that setting it up as a preschool is not really the answer.  Keeping the space as much like a home as possible is the most nurturing way of providing care for this type of setting.  I love how this book refers to household duties as the domestic arts, and how it really emphasizes relationship based childcare.

Kids learn and thrive through imitation.  As they watch the adult do dishes, fold laundry, cook, care for an infant; they internalize it, incorporate it into their play, imitate, and eventually do the tasks themselves.  Of course this requires patience and a willingness on the adults part to create the kind of space where children can help with tasks.  Performing the tasks with meaning, reverence, care and sense of calmness; humming a tune while folding laundry for example, actually draws a child into your space.  I know because I have been doing this with the kids I have been caring for.  As soon as the energy shifts, usually because they need to contract a little (focus on an activity, rather then simply exploring), I invite them to do a task with me.  Here is the trick though, I don't ask with words directly.  I make up a song about the task I am doing and sing it next to them, really deliberately putting things away slowly and steadily, and guess what?  At least one of the kids, usually the one who is feeling direction-less, jumps in and does the task with me.  This is all done with joy, warmth, and love.  They totally pick up on it.  It is pretty awesome. 

So, if you are interested in more of this kind of care, you should check out the site.  I highly recommend the book as well.  

I am looking to start enrolling kids for Seedlings (for May start up) by February.  If you are interested in enrolling, please contact me.  I am working on hours and rates, which will be more flexible then I had originally planned, as I have realized that some folks have work schedule needs that were different then my schedule.  Also, I would love to keep my rates affordable, and will hopefully be able to accept Childcare Resources Best Beginnings scholarships as well.  When I have finished figuring that out, I will post hours and rates.  Please feel free to contact me about any questions.  I am available for meeting as well.

Getting Started...

So, as I sit here totally inspired to get this Waldorf-inspired preschool/daycare off the ground, I face some details to be sure.

I need to figure out some advertising strategies that I can handle.  I am working on a logo, and will be posting fliers, maybe putting an ad in the Independent.  And, for sure asking all of you to spread the word.

I think we may have found the perfect space.  And, if all goes well, would be able to move into it in May.  So, our school would officially start then.  Before then, I will be busy enrolling and meeting parents and kids.  Once I get a good sized group on board, we can have a few meetings, maybe at the public library?  Or somewhere else if possible. 

Also, I will be looking for an assistant to help me out during the day with the kids.  I'll need someone who wants to work 20-30 hours per week at $10 per hour.  If you know of someone, or you yourself might need some work and would like to stay with your child, let me know.

As a sample of what our day might look like, to those of who are wondering what this "Waldorf-inspired" thing is all about.  Here is a sample of what a day might look like at Seedlings.

9:00-9:30- Morning circle that includes a greeting verse like:
Morning has come,
Night is away.
We rise with the sun
To welcome the day.  

Then we will sing a song or two, related to the season, or a finger play related to what we are doing that day.  We will announce any news that the kids need to know, and set the mood for a peaceful, playful, productive day.  And then end with a closing verse, like:

I can be as small as a small, small reed or
I can be tall as a tall, tall tree.


9:30 -10:30 Main Lesson Time

This is going to be different for each age group.  The older kids (five-7) will devote this time to activities involving Language Arts, Social Studies, or Math, while the younger kids will be helping with food preparation for lunch, or doing an art project.  The purpose of this time is to provide an activity that gives the children a time to contract, focus, and work with purpose.  Of course each age group will have different abilities and attention span.  We wouldn't expect a three year old to hold his focus on a project for as long as a 5 year old. 

10:30-11:30 Creative Free Play

This will be a time for expanding.  where kids can explore the outer world and move around in it!  In good weather this time will be spent outside, gardening, playing, running, jumping, etc.  Big body movements help a child in so many ways, not just to strengthen muscles, but to develop coordination, to help the child focus, and fuel the brain.  And, like adults, children are inspired by fresh air and nature!  We will also use this time to go on walks, field trips, etc.

In bad weather we will still try to get outside, but perhaps for only half of that time, in which case we will have dancing, singing, and movement activities inside.

11:30-12:30  Lunch and Clean up

Kids help prepare the food, set the table, and everyone eats together at a big family style table.  We all share what we are thankful for, or tell a story about what we did today.  And, then after slowly and deliberately eating our lunch, we ALL clean up.  Duties will be assigned in advance, and everyone participates in the cleaning up of the entire home before rest time.  Some kids will be doing dishes, some will be sorting silverware, some will be putting blocks away, some will be getting cots and blankets out.  This will be a time for group effort!

12:30- 2:00  Rest

2:00- 2:45  Snack and Creative Free Play

Kids wake up and have a healthy snack, and then can play freely doing whatever they wish; dressing up,  assisting in household tasks if they wish (sorting laundry, sweeping, mopping, dusting), or working with beeswax, felt projects, knitting, etc.  This is free choice time, they can decide what it is they want to do, with direction from adult if needed :)

2:45-3:00  Closing Circle

In the closing circle will will recite a closing verse, sing some songs, reflect on our day, and give a glimpse of what to expect tomorrow.

Of course this all looks very similar to any style of preschool, it isn't cutting edge.  Kids want and need rhythm, that is the key element to our days. The stories we tell, the fairy tales we read, and the work we do will be more distinctly Waldorf.  And, that I will save for a different post!  For now, keep the spreading the word, and please let me know if you have any leads on space!