Please share your favorite Waldorf-inspired activities for preschoolers

[lizabird]

I am looking for some ideas for Waldorf-inspired things to do with a group of 3-4 yr olds. Anyone have any favorite crafts, stories, songs, fingerplays, etc... that you'd like to share?

Thanks!

[Madame Pomfrey]

If it were me and the parents were with us, I would take everyone outside for a short hike together in a park or forest, then stop in a clearing for a circle game, a snack and magical story with finger puppets. (It's always easier for little ones to sit still for a story if they're eating.) Finish by singing a song, and have some free play both before and after the hike.

Circle game: Mulberry Bush or Ring Around the Rosie

For a first story together, maybe the 3 Bears or the Bremen Town Musicians.
For a song, I would choose a simple round, like "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold."

Maybe add a craft that takes 2 minutes and can be carried in a pocket when through.

Whatever you do, I hope you have a great time!

Lucie

[lizabird]

Thanks, that sounds pretty good.

I think most parents will be there, but we will have very limited outdoor access, unfortunately. I have been trying to come up with some good nature activities for inside (rented space, urban area, preschool co-op program for which I have volunteered to lead some activities.)

I like the idea of Waldorf preschool, I just have almost no personal experience. Hoping for some suggestions for favorites from other families. Thanks!!

[annettemarie]

Nursery rhymes, gentle fairy tales, movement games with song (Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush, etc), walks in all weather, most of all giving them tools to imitate daily life-- a little apron, a little broom, a little basin to wash their cup, etc.