Dear Families in Nursery and Apologies,
With apologies, I find I am overcommitted on Friday, October 14 and cannot attend a potluck at Maxwelton Beach from 5 to 7pm.
My understanding is parent & child families are investigating a gathering during class time (9am). I encourage nursery families to seek gatherings outside of school (though with Michaelmas and the Autumn festival, we have had good opportunity to come together).
Blessings on your week,
William
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Sunday, October 9, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Office Hours Reminder, Woodland Walks, Imagination and Vigor
Office Hours
This is a reminder that I hold office hours every other Wednesday in the Butterfly Classroom. Please sign up for a 2 hour slot in advance. Upcoming dates are October 5 (1:30pm slot has been taken; 2pm is open) and October 19. I will put a list inside my door if you want to sign up in advance.
Woodland Walks
Yesterday, Monday, we took our first walk into the woods. We returned to the bower in which we met Mother Earth during Friday's festival. Although she was not there, children found great satisfaction in climbing, balancing, and pretending (lumber work on the trees). The class has also seemed to bond to me and to each other, so I feel more confident about being the woods and being able to keep track of our children. I intend for us to be able to go to the woods each day and have a healthy bit of time on the playground. Our indoor snacks will take place earlier (the children more rather than less pasta yesterday with snack earlier).
Imagination and Vigor
Indoors and out, all our children show an ability to play imaginatively and socially in a variety of ways. I have never seen some of the simple classroom toys--such as a silk or piece of wood--used in such a variety of ways, in such rapid succession (a piece of wood is a guitar, then bagpipes, then a power tool, then on and on). It is inspiring to see children using their imagination in this way.
More than a couple of our children are quite strong, and strong in a variety of ways. They move big and small pieces of wood about the room. They receive great benefits from this combination of imagination (building a delivery truck, for example) and gross motor physical work (getting the mind and body in sync, as it were). For some children, the ability to discern the safety of the other is not in the front of the mind (it would be too much to expect it to always be there, but we are working toward it). I am trying very hard to be available to keep children safe--AND many of your children are strong and quick, and it a moment a piece of lumber can strike a face or body. I want to stress that this is not an issue with one or two children but a quality living in the class as a whole--nor is it in any way unhealthy (while still being challenging).
The children occasionally become stuck when they all witness an inspiring, imaginative use of something (a small tent, for example), and 3, 4, or 5 children all wish they could be doing exactly the same thing--and some of them wishing they could do it alone. This is not a new dynamic to an early childhood program, but it is an element I am working with pretty directly and consciously in our group.
With Warmth and Light,
William
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
This is a reminder that I hold office hours every other Wednesday in the Butterfly Classroom. Please sign up for a 2 hour slot in advance. Upcoming dates are October 5 (1:30pm slot has been taken; 2pm is open) and October 19. I will put a list inside my door if you want to sign up in advance.
Woodland Walks
Yesterday, Monday, we took our first walk into the woods. We returned to the bower in which we met Mother Earth during Friday's festival. Although she was not there, children found great satisfaction in climbing, balancing, and pretending (lumber work on the trees). The class has also seemed to bond to me and to each other, so I feel more confident about being the woods and being able to keep track of our children. I intend for us to be able to go to the woods each day and have a healthy bit of time on the playground. Our indoor snacks will take place earlier (the children more rather than less pasta yesterday with snack earlier).
Imagination and Vigor
Indoors and out, all our children show an ability to play imaginatively and socially in a variety of ways. I have never seen some of the simple classroom toys--such as a silk or piece of wood--used in such a variety of ways, in such rapid succession (a piece of wood is a guitar, then bagpipes, then a power tool, then on and on). It is inspiring to see children using their imagination in this way.
More than a couple of our children are quite strong, and strong in a variety of ways. They move big and small pieces of wood about the room. They receive great benefits from this combination of imagination (building a delivery truck, for example) and gross motor physical work (getting the mind and body in sync, as it were). For some children, the ability to discern the safety of the other is not in the front of the mind (it would be too much to expect it to always be there, but we are working toward it). I am trying very hard to be available to keep children safe--AND many of your children are strong and quick, and it a moment a piece of lumber can strike a face or body. I want to stress that this is not an issue with one or two children but a quality living in the class as a whole--nor is it in any way unhealthy (while still being challenging).
The children occasionally become stuck when they all witness an inspiring, imaginative use of something (a small tent, for example), and 3, 4, or 5 children all wish they could be doing exactly the same thing--and some of them wishing they could do it alone. This is not a new dynamic to an early childhood program, but it is an element I am working with pretty directly and consciously in our group.
With Warmth and Light,
William
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers, Parents, Grandparents, and Friends are invited to our Autumn Festival on Friday, September 30, from 10:30am to 11:30am.
As summer changes to fall, days shorten, and the frost and cold of winter approaches, we as humans need strength and courage to help us stand upright through the darkness of winter. Different cultures have received inspiration from the meteor showers (heavenly iron, shooting stars) they observed around late September; the iron from the stars of heaven gave people strength. In various cultures and religions, this comes forth as a tale of a hero--a knight like St. George or Archangel Michael conquering or taming a dragon. For Rudolf Steiner, this battle between a knight and a dragon goes on inside each one of us--the dragon is not some Other out there to be excluded, but, rather, that part of ourselves that we need to confront, acknowledge, and tame so we are ready to be free individuals capable of serving humanity and the world.
Explanations of a psychic battle inside each of us or battles with dragons can be too much for children birth to 4, who, rather, find seasonal inspiration as days shorten and nights lengthen by looking in wonderment toward the stars. An early childhood teacher could simplify the celebration of Michaelmas toward an examination of stars--singing "Twinkle Twinkle" and cutting open an apple to reveal the star come to earth on the inside.
On Friday the 30th parents and children will gather outside to play and share a snack. We will also have a harvest dance to tune of the fiddle. Then we'll go inside for a puppet show. After that, we will walk to the woods to meet (as a surprise for the children) a knight from the stars and Mother Earth--they will both present us with gifts. After the walk, children and parents will depart with their gifts.
Again, this festival is open to current nursery and parent & child children and to all families in our community with young children. Please contact us at 341-5686 or enrollment@whidbey.com with any questions.
Sent from my iPad
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
As summer changes to fall, days shorten, and the frost and cold of winter approaches, we as humans need strength and courage to help us stand upright through the darkness of winter. Different cultures have received inspiration from the meteor showers (heavenly iron, shooting stars) they observed around late September; the iron from the stars of heaven gave people strength. In various cultures and religions, this comes forth as a tale of a hero--a knight like St. George or Archangel Michael conquering or taming a dragon. For Rudolf Steiner, this battle between a knight and a dragon goes on inside each one of us--the dragon is not some Other out there to be excluded, but, rather, that part of ourselves that we need to confront, acknowledge, and tame so we are ready to be free individuals capable of serving humanity and the world.
Explanations of a psychic battle inside each of us or battles with dragons can be too much for children birth to 4, who, rather, find seasonal inspiration as days shorten and nights lengthen by looking in wonderment toward the stars. An early childhood teacher could simplify the celebration of Michaelmas toward an examination of stars--singing "Twinkle Twinkle" and cutting open an apple to reveal the star come to earth on the inside.
On Friday the 30th parents and children will gather outside to play and share a snack. We will also have a harvest dance to tune of the fiddle. Then we'll go inside for a puppet show. After that, we will walk to the woods to meet (as a surprise for the children) a knight from the stars and Mother Earth--they will both present us with gifts. After the walk, children and parents will depart with their gifts.
Again, this festival is open to current nursery and parent & child children and to all families in our community with young children. Please contact us at 341-5686 or enrollment@whidbey.com with any questions.
Sent from my iPad
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Young Child Autumn Festival
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Monday Conflict talk, Wednesday Office Hours, Thursday Discussion
Dear Nursery and Parent & Child Families (and friends),
Here are 3 events to keep in mind this week:
1) Monday, September 19, Vanessa Kohlhaas will speak about conflict resolution with young children in the Butterfly Room, 7 to 8:30pm. Visit wiws.org for more information.
2) Beginning Wednesday, September 21, and repeating every other week (October 5 and October 19), I will hold office hours in my nursery for parents who prefer an in person conversation (children allowed if that makes it possible for you to attend). Each time there will be a 1:30pm and 2pm slot. Email wdolde@gmail.com, and I will reserve a spot for you.
3) On Thursday, September 22, I am holding a joint class meeting for nursery and parent & child families in the Butterfly Classroom from 6 to 7pm. All adults welcome. Please be aware, however, that this will be a discussion, not a lecture (as in past years). While I will follow the lead of the group, I will be prepared for the following:
A) To lead us in exercises and games to give a feeling for Waldorf early childhood education.
B) To preview books in the Kathrine Dickerson Memorial Library.
C) To follow up upon and discuss Vanessa's lecture on conflict amongst young children.
D) To suggest how I have adapted Kim Payne's social inclusion work into my early childhood teaching.
E) To talk about the all school Michaelmas celebration on Thursday, September 29, and the young child celebration at 10:30am on Friday, September 30.
At about 6:50pm, provided there is interest, I will then speak about specifics of this year's nursery class, what we are doing now, and where we are going (I will also provide this information in writing if members of our class cannot attend). If there is robust interest, I am glad to stay past 7pm to continue this conversation.
The frequency of adult evening events will not be so great in coming weeks.
With warmth and light,
William Geoffrey Dolde
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Here are 3 events to keep in mind this week:
1) Monday, September 19, Vanessa Kohlhaas will speak about conflict resolution with young children in the Butterfly Room, 7 to 8:30pm. Visit wiws.org for more information.
2) Beginning Wednesday, September 21, and repeating every other week (October 5 and October 19), I will hold office hours in my nursery for parents who prefer an in person conversation (children allowed if that makes it possible for you to attend). Each time there will be a 1:30pm and 2pm slot. Email wdolde@gmail.com, and I will reserve a spot for you.
3) On Thursday, September 22, I am holding a joint class meeting for nursery and parent & child families in the Butterfly Classroom from 6 to 7pm. All adults welcome. Please be aware, however, that this will be a discussion, not a lecture (as in past years). While I will follow the lead of the group, I will be prepared for the following:
A) To lead us in exercises and games to give a feeling for Waldorf early childhood education.
B) To preview books in the Kathrine Dickerson Memorial Library.
C) To follow up upon and discuss Vanessa's lecture on conflict amongst young children.
D) To suggest how I have adapted Kim Payne's social inclusion work into my early childhood teaching.
E) To talk about the all school Michaelmas celebration on Thursday, September 29, and the young child celebration at 10:30am on Friday, September 30.
At about 6:50pm, provided there is interest, I will then speak about specifics of this year's nursery class, what we are doing now, and where we are going (I will also provide this information in writing if members of our class cannot attend). If there is robust interest, I am glad to stay past 7pm to continue this conversation.
The frequency of adult evening events will not be so great in coming weeks.
With warmth and light,
William Geoffrey Dolde
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Below is a wonderful course for parents offered by my friend and colleague, Susanna Reynolds....highly recommended(!)
Dyanne (kindergarten teacher at the Whidbey Island Waldorf School)
Family Foundations:
A Course to Nurture Parents of Young Children
When parents consciously work on their own development and self-discovery, the lives of their children are affected in a positive way. This course draws upon a spiritual approach to parenting children from birth to seven to inspire balance, self-discovery, joy, hope, health and most of all: trust in oneself as a parent.
Monthly Saturdays, 9am-2pm, consist of the following classes:
Welcoming Warmth ~ From hand-play games to festival -- a variety of ways to play, move, sing and craft for, and with, children.
Developmental Dynamics with Susanna Reynolds
This course will be a supportive conversation and experiential workshop to develop skills and understanding in parents of the lively dynamics of the first seven years in a parent and child's life together. Subtle and practical resources will be given for parenting relating to both parents' and children's developmental needs.
Painting/Arts with Flora McEachern
Content in the Developmental Dynamics class will be experienced through the fluidity of color to strengthen the life forces through experiencing warmth, equilibrium, and deeper rhythmic breathing. From individual colors to dynamic composition, parents will have the opportunity to artistically explore painting in a healing environment.
Child Development/Life with Susanna Reynolds and guests including Holly Koteen, Johanna Steegmans, Mary Oak and Flora McEachern During this time we will explore the physiology of childhood in the first years of life, observed and described in many ways. We will be working from the basis of anthroposophy and the principles of Waldorf education. This time together also includes the opportunity for parents to share and ask their questions.
Orientation Session: Tuesday, October 11th, 6:30pm-8:30pm
8 Saturdays: Oct. 15 , Nov. 12, Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 10, April 21 and May 12.
Presented by Sound Circle Center. Held at Seattle Waldorf School, 2728 NE 100th St, Seattle
Course Fee: $620; $930 for couples
Register here
Faculty bios available here
For more information, contact Flora McEachern: floramceachern@gmail.com or 206-501-6266
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Sound Circle Center | PO Box 15279 | Seattle | WA | 98115
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Friday, August 5, 2011
Pictures by Sunday please
Dear Families,
Enough have sent along pictures, and we are close enough to the gesture of a new school year with new classes for the children, that I think the time is ripe for me to make collages of last year's nursery class.
My goal is to send the pictures I have on Sunday night/Monday morning and pick them up on Tuesday. I'll work out getting them to you in an efficient way (thought probably not mailing except for those who have moved away).
If we get any more pictures after Tuesday, I can always reprint a 2nd set of collages with additional pictures, so let us not make this into a Dickensian tragedy but keep it at the Dickensian comedy level.
Thanks,
William
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Birthday Song Recording Complete
Dear Nursery Families and Friends and Anyone Else Interested,
I have finished recording birthday songs for students in the Butterfly Nursery for the 2010-2011 school year. Visit
http://williamdolde.com/fr_birthdaysongs.cfm
to hear or download individual songs. You should also be able to download every song at once.
Thank you to the first father who sent a picture for the collage. It would be great if as many of last year's nursery families as possible could email me photos in the near future.
Cheers,
William
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Location:Maxwelton Rd,Clinton,United States
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