Preschool Inspired
August is almost here, so this week I have been sorting through our pre-school curriculum after taking a month off of any sort of “structured” rhythm. This is our second year working with a Waldorf Inspired Pre-school curriculum (although it would be more appropriate to call it a rhythm). We use Earthschooling as our foundation & inspiration.
With my oldest turning 4 soon, I wanted to get more into the activities provided in the lessons. Last year is what I would call a learning curve year for me. It can be really overwhelming to sift through the materials for the first time, and grasping the philosophy…particularly when the educational background you are used to is the traditional regurgitation/dictation/memorization. Even though pre-school age is all about songs and stories and handiwork and free play…it is harder than it looks to integrate these activities into day to day life. The whole concept of song & storytelling means getting out of my comfort zone as well. I am not much of a singer & have always relied on books to tell the stories!
Last year we dabbled here and there mostly concentrating on circle time and crafts/baking. I worked from a spiral notebook, and when I went back this year to review my notes it was really hard to follow. I decided I had to get a setup that was easy to follow and inspiring. I also figured it would double as a keepsake for the girls someday.
I have a few of these really nice hard cover writing books mostly given as gifts. They are so pretty and well made that I put them aside & never had the heart to mark in them. Now I finally have a good reason to use them. The main book would be a reference of our verses, songs & nursery rhymes that we sing/recite at circle time. This is done by memory, but I always find it’s good to have a reference. I printed them on some pretty paper & arranged them according to month/season in the book.
I had two hardcover spiral notebooks that worked perfectly for a recipe book and lesson outlines.
So far I am organized up to December. Already I see the material “click” now that I have it laid out in not only an organized, but appealing manner. The books are simply irresistible to touch and I know I’ll enjoy referring to them each day. Now, if I can transform myself into a storyteller I’m in good shape…I’ll even accept my terrible renditions of children’s songs. :)
