Seasons come and seasons go, Friends and games and songs I know

The days are lengthening as winter moves into spring. Spring is the season of birth, growth and rejuvenation.  The rhythm of the seasons, of the moon, the tide, our heartbeat, night and day, the rhythms of life are all health giving.  Yet the vast majority of humans have lost connections to natural rhythms.

In Steiner kindergartens much emphasis is placed on the rhythm of the day.

Young children respond well to rhythm and so at kindergarten each day is structured the same way. As the day progresses a kind of breathing takes place. 

For example when the children come in to morning circle or story time an ‘in’ breath takes place. 

When the children move to creative play or into the garden an ‘out’ breath takes place.

The times of the ‘in’ breath are times of quiet attention to what is happening.  Rhythm is health giving for children and helps them to anticipate what happens next.  Therefore they feel safe and secure in their day.  Rhythm also helps to direct and strengthen their will.

When the appropriate song is sung for that time of the day the children will know it is time to wash hands, begin chopping vegetables for the soup, or tidy up the toys.  The teachers set the example for the children. For instance, if it is time to pack away the teachers slowly and carefully pick up the toys and place them in their ‘home’.  Because toys are put in the same place every time the children know where each one belongs and they want to join in too.

Learning through rhythm and imitation is the natural way for young children to learn.

If we can hold back from following the rapid flow society demands, even for children, and take a long slow breath we may be surprised at what we see.  Wishing everyone an enjoyable spring holiday.