This Waldorf Inspired story time is designed to celebrate and learn about the season of Winter while learning Sign Language, building pre-literacy, and writing skills. Though storytelling, songs and poems, comprehension activities, and simple illustrations children will learn ASL signs as they learn about the science of the seasons and Winter weather.

Storytelling is the social and cultural activity of sharing stories, sometimes with improvisation, theatrics or embellishment. 

Class Rhythm:

Waldorf Welcoming Poem and Positive Affirmation 

Introduction to new ASL Signs

Story/Puppet Show

Comprehension and Retelling 

Guided Drawing

Mindful Breath and Goodbye Song

In this class children will be introduced to American Sign Language through Winter inspired stories and themes! Story time will begin with the same introductory signed poem each week..."Its story-time, so gather 'round and come see this magical book that I just found...." Then I will tell the children a new story or perform a puppet show. 

Within the stories I will weave in ASL, short songs and finger-plays, encouraging students participation and interaction. Each week I will have the students participate in the story in different ways that will help reinforce the ASL signs they are learning. 

After the story I will guide a short discussion and play a game to check for comprehension and give students an opportunity to retell the story in their own words and again practice sign language. Additionally, students will begin to learn the elements of a story as they hear vocabulary words such as "character, setting, plot, problem, solution, sequence, author, illustrator etc."

Finally, we will create our own illustration of the story. Using a second camera, I will guide the students through a simple drawing. As I draw I will dictate the instructions, paying special attention to the vocabulary words for each type of line as it is used. For example, "I am going to start at the top and draw a tall vertical line." Children are encouraged to add their own details and artistic expression! 

Students will be given the opportunity to share their illustration, giving them an additional opportunity to discuss the story and practice sign language! Children will be encouraged to ask questions, comment, and compliment their friends art work. 

Each class period will end with a short poem, deep centering breath, gratitude and a goodbye song! 

I am looking forward to creating a rich and rewarding story time as we celebrate new beginnings and the season of Winter.

Themes include-

Nature and Weather:
* Snow and snowflakes
* Ice and frost
* Winter animals (e.g., polar bears, penguins, owls)
* Winter trees and evergreens
* Winter sky: clouds, stars, and moon

Winter Activities: 
* Building a snowman
* Ice skating and sledding
* Drinking hot chocolate
* Making snow angels
* Wrapping up in warm clothes (e.g., mittens, scarves, boots)

Holidays and Celebrations: 
* Winter holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Valentines Day 
* Winter traditions: lighting candles, decorating, gift-giving
* Singing holiday songs in sign language
* Seasonal Foods
* Hot drinks: cocoa, cider

Winter treats: 
* cookies, gingerbread, candy canes
* Fruits like cranberries and citrus
* Cozy Indoors
* Sitting by the fireplace
* Reading winter-themed books
* Watching snow from a window

Winter Symbols
* Snowflakes, snowmen, icicles
* Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias
* Stars, bells, and candles
* Seasonal Feelings and Expressions
* Cold, warm, cozy
* Happiness, excitement, and wonder
* Expressing wishes for the new year