Waldorf-inspired Kindergarten Nature-Based Circle Story Time (1xWk)

In this once a week Waldorf-inspired circle time the class begins with a short meet-and-greet where the children are welcomed individually. The teacher lights a candle and says a morning verse, followed by a good morning song where the class welcome the new day and each other.

Next it's time to work out what day it is and sing a days-of-the-week action song, followed up with 'Today is....?', 'And yesterday was...?', 'And tomorrow is...?', giving all the children a chance to call out the answers. Then the children can share what they think the current month is and participate in an action poem about the qualities of that month.

Next, we will explore the theme of the story by asking open-ended questions. This is a safe and encouraging space for your child to share their experience and connection with the world around them, if they want to.

Following on from this the children are told a seasonal/nature story that the teacher has memorised. Within the story are action songs and fingerplays. The storytelling and singing includes a lot of expressive movement that children join in with as they become more familiar with it. The story remains the same for one week.

UPCOMING THEMES

Week commencing 25th October: The Little Hobgoblin (Nancy Foster)
Week commencing 1st November: Finley and the Shooting Stars (Christine Natale - adapted)
Week commencing 8th November: The Golden Lantern (Vicki Thomas)
Week commencing 15th November: The Big Red Apple (Kate Whiting Patch)

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

This circle time is low-technology, meaning we use Zoom only as a way for learners to interact with a teacher through technology. We do not use screen share to show presentations or videos and we do not use anything pre-recorded, such as songs. Through human voice, instead of mechanical ones that we often find in modern kindergarten songs, children can experience living language. 

The way class is formatted it does not build on each other and no prior knowledge from previous weeks are required. Students may join at any time. 

*this is a once a week ongoing class and the classes do not build upon each other. You can sign up for one or more days (this class replaces the five day a week class so it is more flexible for everyone's schedules. True to Waldorf storytelling the same story is told each day for a week)

INCLUSIVITY

This is an inclusive class, meaning students of all abilities are welcome. If a student is unable to communicate verbally they are welcome to use the chat. If your student has any other needs that require accommodations please let me know and we will work together to make sure your student gets the best class experience possible.