Freya 19.10.11

Freya arrived ready to start her day. We started with a visit to the mulberry tree and picked
lots of juicy-sweet mulberries. We also collected extras to bake mulberry
muffins. We then fed the horses and visited the dogs. As it was such a lovely
morning we spent it in the garden, greeting the plants and holding our little
guinea.

After morning tea Freya was happy to play inside. Together Freya and Ahliah looked at books
and then I directed the children to a large cardboard box in the lounge room.

 
Freya was very excited as it makes an excellent cubby house. Soon we took out
the crayons and the house was being decorated from top to bottom. Freya has so
much strength and will – she poured it into her work and soon we had a beautiful
cubby. This became our midday activity. A window was added and the two girls
giggled as they went in and out – opening and closing windows and doors.

After lunch we played outside in the sandpit – Freya built sandcastles over and over again,
squashing them to the ground. Once again showing her strong will and
perseverance. Freya seems to be experiencing herself and the world in a very
outgoing manner.

 
 20.10.11

Freya arrived bearing a flower for Ahliah and mum.

We picked more mulberries and fed the horses just as Jasmine arrived. Before long we found ourselves looking for
seeds and checking our little plants in the back garden. Freya began to dig
with the big garden tools, soon the other children joined her. I directed them
into a corner of the garden where we are planning a new garden. All morning the
children worked digging over the garden. Soon it was time to go inside to bake
sunny buns, we added some mulberries to colour them – they added a good flavour
too.

After morning tea the children played inside. They started in the cardboard cubby house and
coloured the walls – Freya preferred to ride her horse around and soon found
another game with the toy bunnies in the playroom. Just as she began to build
them a little home, Denzil had the idea to build another cubby. I helped and
soon we had a cubby house with blue dolphin printed cloth. Freya and Jasmine
set themselves up inside – it was their 'house in the sea'. Freya read books
and rested, the girls played quietly together. Every now and then Ahliah or
Denzil would visit.

 For our midday activity we painted flower pots. Jasmine carefully coloured each side of
hers, each colour had its own place. Tomorrow we will plant some flower seeds
in them.

 
 Freya was in a very positive space today. She loves to play chasing with the other
children and ran around in the heat until her face was red – even when I
encouraged cooler games, Freya was determined to run and wrestle. I introduced
tug-of-war, but Freya was unclear about which way to pull and preferred to just
run!

21.10.11

Freya arrived with smiles. Jasmine was already here, Ferya quickly chose her favourite seat
at the table and went riding out into the back garden. Freya's favourite game
has been chasing and soon she invited Jasmine to chase her. When Freya plays it
is more about running and laughing together – the older children often add in
extra rules. Today Jasmine wanted to play 'tip', where one person has to tip
another and then that person becomes the chaser, who then tips another. I'm not
sure if Freya understood the game or whether she just wanted to run and laugh –
as she was already having so much fun. The tip game never quite eventuated.

For baking we made mulberry pancakes topped with yoghurt – which everyone thoroughly enjoyed
for afternoon tea – Freya enjoyed hers with yoghurt.

We had a story about how giving Mother Mulberry tree is. She becomes one of the happiest
trees in the garden as she always has happy visitors enjoying her gifts of
sweet mulberries and shade green leaves.

Just before lunch we filled our flower pots and chose three different kinds of flower seeds to plant.

We will keep them here until there are some happy strong plants growing and then we will
send them home. Our morning circle is all about the little seeds sleeping and
waking up to push up shoots and wriggle down little roots. With the help of
Sunny Sun and the Water drops there grows a beautiful garden. This theme has
filled the children as they play and sing in the garden.

 A couple of weeks ago I wrote about Freya learning to say 'No' in a positive way. There are
times when Freya all of a sudden stops playing with the other children and
stops talking to them. I have noticed this is often when Freya no longer wants
to play or something has happened which Freya doesn't like. I have been trying
to help Freya with communicating 'No thank you' to the other children, or
helping freya to find a positive way of solving the problem.

Freya 12.10.11

Freya arrived happy and well. We got Ahliah ready and went for our morning walk. We took a
basket and scissors to pick a bunch of spring flowers for our table. Freya
enjoyed finding all the bright flowers in the garden.

We made fruit salad together and Freya did lots of great cutting – sometimes I needed to
adjust her hold on the butter knife.

 Freya and Ahliah have established a wonderful relationship. Some of their day they are
directly interacting, at other times they are following each other or playing
side by side. When I put Ahliah to bed she went to Freya and gave her a kiss
good bye, Freya smiled.

Freya and I decided to wash Roxy and Sammy (our small dogs). We got everything ready and
Freya helped lead the dogs over. She was very calm and speaking to them in a
very friendly manner. Both the dogs seek Freya's attention; Roxy loves to chase
sticks and Sammy sat right beside Freya where ever she stood. Once I had washed
the dogs Freya had fun playing with them till they dried.

 
 We spent the afternoon in the sandpit where Freya cooked lots of yummy muffins and
showed how well she remembers all the ingredients used to make tasty sweets.

13.10.11

Freya, Ahliah and I enjoyed a morning walk and a visit to the horses and the dogs. Freya
loves to run down the hill. Freya is very patient to wait for Ahliah and even
goes back to fetch Ahliah. The morning walk is a great way for everyone to
learn how to walk together.

When Denzil arrived Freya quickly started a fun run-about game in the back yard. She loves
to be running and outgoing with Denzil and will often initiate these kind of
games. Sometimes the older children will play more focussed and quiet games –
which often involves lots of negotiation and communication. Freya often leaves
these games and plays something she is more interested in. It is goos to see
Freya is happy to continue with her own interests, but I have also seen Freya
observe the children at play – as her peer communication skills grow she will
be completely involved in these games.

After morning tea, all of a sudden there were hopping bunnies inside. Freya joined in and the
bunnies hopped about until craft time. Jasmine was the Mother rabbit and took
good care of her babies. I heard Denzil repeating part of a story I have told a
few times in the past about a little Bunny, Cotton tail who learns all the
things bunnies need to know to grow up. It is wonderful to see how stories can
inspire games as well as teach. Freya followed with laughs and giggles and hid
quietly from the fox when ever Denzil pointed it out. It was great to see Freya
so involved.

14.10.11

   This morning Freya arrived with a smile. We greeted the animals and visited the mulberry
tree. Freya got to taste the sweet mulberries – which she enjoyed very much. We
picked some extra ones for the other children to taste too. We all had a hold
of Flicker Guinea pig, he has settled in well. By then it was time to go in for
baking.

Jasmine, Freya and Denzil played really well together. At outside play they raced around
for at least 15 minutes chasing and wrestling each other to the ground, there
was so much laughing. Soon Freya was so exhausted she lay on the grass for a
while to get her breath back.

During inside play the children were eagles soaring and circling. Denzil explained to the
other children how the eggs need to be kept warm and then they can hatch and
when they are four weeks old they can leave the nest. Freya built a very
comfortable nest in between the sofa, she was a very tiniy chick for most of
the game, snuggled in her nest. It is great to see each child bring their
interests and personality to their games.

At morning tea we got to meet our new Silkworms. All week we have had stories about Softy
the Silkworm hatching from her egg and munching on mulberry leaves. Once she is
filled up she begins to spin her cocoon and sleeps. One special morning
Mirrianna discovers there is a silk moth dancing with moon wings, soon they
will lay their eggs and the cycle begins again.

 For our midday activity we felted green mulberry leaves, a small yellow egg and a Softy
Silkworm. At rest time I told a Silkworm story using the felt pieces. At the
end of the day the children excitedly showed their dads our silkworms.

 
Freya 05.10.11

Frey arrived happy and calm. Freya often brings gifts – whether it's an extra packet of
raisin for Ahliah,  a flower or a treasure form the garden – this is a lovely way for Freya to bridge the gap
between home and care. It is also a very generous gesture. Today Freya brought
a specific colour nail polish for each of us to paint our nails with.

 It is lovely for Freya to have this quiet Wednesday together. She is able to play so
imaginatively. Today Freya went straight to the play kitchen after morning tea
and announced she would cook something. Soon her baby came out and needed
dressing and then was taken for a morning stroll.

Ahliah has been teething, I used the last of Ahliah's teething relief medicine and gave the bottle and dropper
to the girls to play with.  Freya nursed
her baby back to health with medicine, Cream, porridge and a big sleep. It is
amazing how well Freya knows remedies for good health – she has had great
people to imitate around her.

The game slowly drifted to the wooden animals and then into the dolls house; Freya and
Ahliah play side by side most of the time. They give each other ideas but don't
communicate their ideas to each other. Freya is slowly beginning to communicate
her ideas in games to the other older children and experiencing both leadership
and following role plays.

 For our midday activity we set up our guinea pig enclosure with soft straw, water and
food. A young male guinea pig named Flicker has moved in. He is a little
nervous, but Freya spoke very kindly to him and fed him lots of tasty grass.
Caring for an animal is a great way for children to learn compassion,
responsibility, love and respect for living things.

06.10.11 
 
 Freya arrived happy and well. She found a place for her drink bottle and went out to
play. As the other children arrived we looked around the garden to see what
changes we could find; the apple tree is blossoming, we spotted one tiny shoot
in our vegetable punnets and the corn is slowly getting taller along the fence.
We greeted our new little pet guinea pig Flicker, who is slowly settling into
his new home. The children were all very gentle and picked lots of nice treats
from the garden.

Our midday activity was painting. Today I wanted the children to paint the blue ocean waves
and yellow sunshine. We also painted a red piece of paper to make a boat –
These we will finish next week. Freya painted her whole page in the ocean blue
waves and painted a bright red boat.

 The children played together much more today, we read some stories on the couch, then the
cars came out and it was quickly agreed on how to share them, it's great to see
how the older children are able to incorporate the younger children into their
games and take turns.

Outside it was raining a little and the children ended up in the cubby-house. Five
children in one small cubby would seem like chaos – but they all worked really
well together. Darcy was door man and set up a password for entry, Jasmine went
shopping for ingredients and Freya and Denzil organised a picnic. Ahliah seemed
busy cooking. Cups of tea were shared and the game lasted until Denzil and
Darcy were picked up.

 Freya and Jasmine then built little flower gardens using the soil we dug over for our new
vegetable garden. The flowers were planted in the rich soil and carefully
watered in. We have been planting and caring for our garden so much and it is
wonderful to see the children use and practice this new knowledge in their
games.

07.10.11

We spent the morning befriending our little Flicker guinea pig – he is still a little shy –
Freya loves to hold him and picks lots of sweet grass.

   Our baking story included a walk in the garden – misty mist had left tiny due drops
hanging form every shoot, leaf and petal, as Sunny Sun shone his light down to mother
earth the garden was transformed into a rainbow jewel garden. Freya and Jasmine
were on the edge of their seats as the listened. Alas Mirrianna (Our main
character) had to come inside for baking....

 Later at playtime I found Freya and Jasmine in the playroom with the coloured clothes.
They were building rainbow gardens, Freya built a little fairy out of feathers.

 
I introduced some other small simple knot dolls, who were quickly transformed
into fairies. The girls played side by side but were mainly engaged in their
own parts of the play garden. Freya sang as she played and flew her small
fairies in her beautiful rainbow garden.

We felted some crowns – this was lots of work. First we carefully laid the coloured wool,
then added warm soapy water and gently pressed the wool. Gradually we began to
rub the wool and soon we had to use all our strength to rub the wool and make
it into strong felt. Freya was very determined and worked diligently alongside
Jasmine. Freya seemed pleased with her crown and wore it for the rest of the
day.

 
At times Freya's communication is great with me and the friends around her. Other
times she seems to close up. Jasmine was repetitively inviting Freya to play
and offering her special toys, but Freya kept running away or turning her back
to Jasmine. I gently explained that Freya could say 'No thank you.' and Jasmine
could play her own game until Freya wanted to play with her again.

 Freya is a great leader and has lots of wonderful ideas. I feel when she 'closes up' it is
because there is something she doesn't like or doesn't want to do – Freya is
learning how to communicate 'No' in a positive way.

 
 
  
  
Freya 28.09.11

On our morning walk we filled our basket with sweet oranges to juice. Freya and Ahliah
had lots of fun under the orange tree – in their Orange Tree House. We
eventually found our way into the back yard where the girls continued their
game of 'house'.

Freya went for a walk around out little garden and found there is a Sunflower taller than
her! She was very excited and tried to reach to the tippy-top. Freya also
discovered the corn seeds have sprouted and noticed the strawberry flowers and
even baby green strawberries. Seeing Freya so excited in the world around her
is lovely. Freya seems to feel a connection with the garden as she has helped
plant seeds and water and care for the plants.

Our midday activity was drawing – this is always a free activity, where the children can
draw what they like. I also sit down to do my own drawing as an example. Freya
has of her own accord started drawing lots of rainbows. Rudolf Steiner saw the
rainbow arch as a bridge leading from heaven to earth, symbolising the child's
decent from heaven to earth – the rainbow has many significant meanings in many
cultures.

          Freya at times through the day needed some of her own space, but with only a little
help, was able to work something out with Ahliah each time.

This is a huge progression – Freya stays calm and is able to communicate what she needs and
wants and comes to a fair conclusion for everyone.

29.09.11

        Freya arrived with smiles this morning and in an outfit she had chosen out herself.
Freya happily joined in the exploration of the garden with Denzil and Darcy
before going off the play in the cubby house. Soon Freya was playing a game of
feeding her horses with all kinds of treat from around the garden.

 Sometimes Ahliah would carry the food off and Freya would explain very simply that this
was for the horse and bring it back, saying 'Don't be shy, eat your food' to
the horse. When Jasmine arrived the two older girls quickly fell into a game
together and spent most the day together.

We made fresh egg pasta for our baking lesson – we measured out the flour and each person got
a turn to sift the flour into the bowl. Once the dough was a workable
consistency, all the children got a portion to knead and role through the pasta
machine. Freya needed some encouragement to use her muscles and knead the dough
– it was quite firm. Freya had two capable boys to help her wind her dough
through the first part of the pasta machine – she had a turn to wind the dough
through the cutter to make the fettuccine pasta.

 At Morning tea play, we started digging over the new garden. At lunchtime play we planted
lots of vegetable seeds into punnet's for our new garden. Freya planted the red
capcicum seeds and carefully watered them in. We have seen our corn seeds
shoot. It will be lovely to see our garden grow around us and share in the
harvest. Freya has been finding lots of seeds from the trees and in the grass.
Sometimes she will plant them, other times they are tucked safely into her
pocket.

At the end of the day we got to eat our yummy fresh pasta. Freya enjoyed hers with pasta
sauce and cheese very much and went for seconds.

30.09.11

We had a very harmonious day with Jasmine, Freya and Ahliah. The girls were back to their
open relaxed selves.

For our baking we made honey and raisin scones. Freya helped carry some of the
ingredients to the table, we followed a recipe and measured out each
ingredient. Jasmine was very involved  - cooking is such a great way to learn counting, quantities, volumes, mass in a
practical and engaging process. Jasmine was asking all day when we could taste
our baking.

Jasmine and Freya played beautifully at morning tea play – they built cosy beds in the
lounge – Jasmine was the daughter and Freya the Mother. They rested, then rode
together and played with lots of toys in the playroom including the xylophone –
Freya sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star as she played (the one song I know how
to play on the xylophone). The Jasmine made up songs of her own.

After wool pictures and lunch we went out to play – Jasmine was keen to uncover the
sandpit. It was all soaked from the rain and great for building all kinds of
things. After some time of playing -

Freya said: 'I'm making a birthday cake for you, Jasmine'.

Jasmine: 'Really?'

Freya: 'Yep'.

Jasmine: 'Is it because your my bestess friend?'

Freya: 'Yes'.

Jasmine: 'Is it because you love me?'

Freya: 'Yes'.

Jasmine: 'wow! I'll make something for you too!'

The girls went for a sail in the boat – Freya collected lots of supplies and they were
off. Freya sailing and Jasmine baking.

They had a lot of fun. I have been telling a boat story and I could hear Freya speaking about elements of the
story and incorporating them into the game. This shows how well she is learning
and adapting that knowledge into her life.

 
 When Jasmine went home Freya and I fed the chickens and wondered into the back
paddock where there is a great fallen tree – Freya had some much fun climbing
all over it and showed a great sense of balance and focus. She was very proud
of herself.

Freya 21.09.11

We had a lovely spring walk in the garden. Freya was asking what all the different
flowers are called. We picked a bunch for our lunch table and then spent the
early morning playing in the back yard. We then came in for baking.

I told a cooking story about Rory a young boy who loves to bake. At the end of the day
he is rewarded with a picnic for he had 'Listening ears and Helping hands' –
The story was intended for Freya to trust in herself and have listening ears
and helping hands. I told her we would also like to enjoy an afternoon in the
sunshine.

After morning tea Freya took a while to fall into a game that satisfied her.

Everything had to be kept away from Ahliah – and Ahliah has game of taking things away. So I
helped set up a house for the wooden animals. Soon Freya found her peace and
she played imaginatively. Ahliah busied herself in the play kitchen.

  Just before rest time Freya used the toilet and got her first star on her chart! She was
very happy with herself and even offered to buy some more Stars and chocolates
for Ahliah when she is big. It is wonderful to see Freya recognise her
achievements and then on top of that want to share her happiness with someone
else.

 The rest of the day was very uplifting for Freya, Ahliah and I. Freya shared all her
happiness and encouragement with us. Freya took on a very protective and caring
big sister role with Ahliah, this stemmed from her sense of wellbeing and
responsibility.

22.09.11

Freya started the day with baking. Freya and I had agreed that when she could use the toilet
we would bake a cake – Freya requested a chocolate cake. The chocolate chips
have been sitting in the cupboard for the last two weeks. It just so happens
the day we are baking a cake for freya we are also baking a cake for Jasmine as
it is her birthday. At the end of the day Freya said it was a yummy cake and
was also using the toilet really well.

 
 For our mid day activity we did lots of cutting with scissors.

This is quite a tricky skill to learn – Freya found it difficult at first, getting thumb and
fingers in the correct holes and open and close. But with great perseverance
Freya began to cut. When I saw her struggling I offered my help but Freya
kindly refused and I could see she really wanted to do it on her own – I am
seeing this positive self belief and determination blossoming. Our aim was to
cut out all kinds of Spring shapes to stick on our Spring window picture.  We used paper we painted last week. The children could also do some drawing; Freya added lots more colour to her painting.

 Outside we built a tepee over our spiral garden. Jasmine said what a lovely house it was
and immediately invited everyone in. The children spent the rest of playtime
enjoying their knew house. We also planted some Thyme seeds on the ground –
hopefully we get a lovely carpet of Thyme one day. All the children love to
help with planting and have become very attuned to the garden.

23.09.11

Freya arrived early today so we took the liberty of a long stroll through the garden – we
ended up in the top paddock and Freya was drawn to a large pile of white sand.
'I'm playing on the sand!' She declared with a huge smile, and ran up the
mountain and flicking her toes in the air – the sand went flying. 'It looks
like a mountain – a snowy mountain' I said. 'It is!' agreed Freya. For a while
Freya enjoyed running and jumping form the highest point, when she fell she
would laugh and say 'I went bump like Ahliah do's'. After some time Freya
turned into a possum and snuggled in a grassy patch on top of the mound, then
there were little homes dug into the side of the mound and pathways and roads.

 The children spent the morning in the sand pit – Denzil likes to make a game of covering his
feet with sand, I joke that he wont be able to walk as he has no feet! Denzil
has also become a very proficient ice-cream maker.

 Denzil, Freya and Jasmine played very harmoniously today, they have become more and more
cohesive and share their interests and enthusiasm in games. In the sandpit
there was cooking, then castle building, then feet hiding. On the grass there
was ball throwing, possums, horses, people, dragons and fairies. Inside the
children read their favourite stories to each other, were squeaky mice then
roaring tigers under the table, construction workers and race car
operators.....These were the free play activities. The day was so rich for all
involved.

Freya is more and more relaxed about the toilet – when the other children go at routine
times, Freya happily uses the toilet too. However she doesn't have to wee every
time. Today she really wanted to and sat for a long time, waiting. I encouraged
her off – explaining she had done a very good practice and when her wee is
ready to come, she can use the toilet again. I have seen a huge self esteem
boost with this achievement. Freya has been able to participate more fully in
free play with the older children; listening and communicating well and having
a creative input.

Ett stort grattis på födelsedagen Mamma och Farmor Ewa.

Kramar Henric och Freya.

Hipp hipp hurra hurra hurraaaaaaaaa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqmOP7ipf10

Freya Flower Fairy  14.09.11

Freya has had very positive drop off's in the morning, with a beautiful smile.

Today we wondered into the backyard, where Freya found a big piece of Jasmine vine which
she wrapped around her and announced 'I'm a Fairy. I'm a flower fairy'.

 Freya walked very carefully around the garden and then cooked a flower cake to share.

 Freya seems to enjoy the morning circle – she moves her arms and copies all the things I
do. Later in the day when we did wool pictures Freya incorporated a Spring
garden in her picture with wriggling roots and shoots pushing tall – these are
all images used in the morning circle.

 
  With the warm sun, and new Spring growth, the garden has become the favourite place
to be. We saw the bush bees visiting our flowers and even a butterfly! Freya
pointed out the bees are collecting pollen from the flowers. We had spoken
about the bees weeks ago, I was amazed that Freya could remember so much about
them.

15.09.11

          We started our day in the garden. Denzil found a little Dandelion seed and decided to
plant it. This gave Freya an idea, who went seed hunting and found some seeds
from the tree above the play area. Jasmine and Denzil also began collecting
seeds from their pods and soon the children were planting tree seeds across the
yard. They had a process; Denzil would dig some soft soil over and then the
girls would carefully plant a little seed and cover it over.

 It is wonderful to see the children engaging with the world around them and
constructively contributing of their own will. There is a story; Miss
Rumphius who promises her Grandfather to make the world a more beautiful
place and in her old age plants Lupin seeds across her entire village. The
following year Lupins spring up in the dells, along the streets and around
buildings. Jasmine Freya and Denzil reminded me of Miss Rumphius today.

 Last week I had a cardboard tube which resembled a telescope. Jasmine asked what a
telescope was, I tried to explain that one kind of telescope is used on boats.
This week I brought the boat out to play and we talked about some of the things
used on a boat including a telescope, sails and anchor. The children were off
sailing in no time. Denzil at the helm and the girls sharing the telescope and
calling 'Land ahoy!' Soon Denzil dropped the anchor in and they stopped for a
fish and then were off again. The game was great for everyone as it brought new
concepts and ideas to the children, who had fun practising boating and fishing.

 Freya asked to take one of our balls outside which has a long silk tail. Everyone took turns
to throw it. Freya was practising to throw the ball in a big arch, like a
rainbow – sometimes it worked well. We also practised to catching, which is
made easier with the long tail – there is more time to react. Freya was very
happy to catch the ball and played with the older children for a long time.

It was nice to see Freya initiate a game and really persevere with throwing and
catching.

Freya 07.09.11

We have all built a beautiful relationship with Freya over the past seven months. Ahliah is
thrilled to see Freya in the mornings and is practising her name. When Freya
arrived this morning she referred to Ahliah as her friend. It has been
wonderful to take Freya in and watch her grow into herself day by day.

When we came in to play Freya said she was tired and made a very comfy bed on the sofa, she
piled up pillows and blankets and said it was her own big bed and only Pony-Horse
could sleep there. After a good rest Freya was up and about, ready for the day.

 When we went outside to play Freya spent quite a lot of time with our Grandma Hen.

Up until today I haven't seen Freya so close and relaxed with Grandma Hen.
Freya delighted in how soft the feathers are and gave her grains and picked
grass for her. I pointed out that Grandma likes the grass seeds and Freya
carefully picked them for the Hen.

 Later in a game Freya was cooking in the cubby and said 'I go feed the chickens now. I go
feed Grandma Hen.' She took out some 'food' and came back looking very grown up
and pleased with her chore. In the past weeks we have been feeding our chickens
after lunch and collecting the eggs. This has been a wonderful experience for
the children – they especially enjoy using the eggs in our cooking.

Freya and Ahliah had a lovely day together

08.09.11

Freya came in good spirits with a suitcase full of special toys, which she invited to a picnic outside. There was flower cakes to mix and bake and cups of tea to share. The toys all joined in and had their fill. Freya was very excited to see the other children arrive. They are much older than Freya, who watches and learns so much from them. Freya stretches herself and joins in with eagerness.

Freya has a beautiful imagination and has learnt to use many of the things in the
play room very creatively. When she finished playing with the other children
Freya found a quiet place and began building and telling a story. It all
started with a little Bunny I knitted aver the past week; There was some sweet
grass and a garden, the Sun and Moon and soon a little duckling moved in. They
had a home together and all snuggled down for a rest. I often right about
Freya's beautiful imaginative play and marvel at all the attributes which shine
through. Play after all is the child's work.

Last week we saw the wind blowing the leaves down. This week for craft we made some wind
wands to fly around. Everyone had lots of fun experimenting different ways to
move them. Once we were outside the children went running down the hill. Denzil
asked if he could throw his. Soon there were shooting stars flying over the
garden – it is a great way for the children to experience air and movement.
They twirled and flicked and swung and threw the wind wands about. Freya seemed
to enjoy watching and would join in in small bursts.

09.09.11

 Today was the second day running with Freya, Jasmine and Denzil. It was lovely for all the
children to be together again, they started off form where they left off
yesterday with great excitement. Freya does so many of the movements in our
morning circle and remembers quite a lot of it – this is a new Spring circle.

  As it was raining we took out the trains -Freya was excited to play with them and helped
to set everything up. Everyone was very tolerant of each other and played
really well.

After some painting and lunch we went out to play. All the children needed a good run!
Soon a chasing game started and Freya was the runner. She was so excited that
she was playing and came running to me saying 'I'm playing a game! I'm playing
a game!' with a huge smile on her face. The game was so spontaneous, there were
no leaders or rules and everyone was laughing and running.         

Freya often initiates games and leads, sometimes others are not willing to follow. Freya is watching and learning from the older children how quickly games can change and evolve and how to go along
for the ride – which is a lot of fun too!

 There is such a fine line between 'me' and 'we'; between practising ones individualism and
following in a community. The 2 -3 year old is practising to discover and
assert themselves. The 3+ year old is practising to work in a community as an
individual. Play is a very natural way to do this – as there is an element of
leading and listening/following. The adult directed parts of the day allow the
child to follow or imitate and fine tune a sense of belonging and community.

When all the children were run ragged we took out some corn seeds which Freya had brought to
plant. The children were very excited to dig up worms and watch them wiggle
underground. We plan to plant some beans in 3-4 weeks which can grow up the
corn stalks – a traditional Native American farming technique.