Dear Families,
Our first day "on our own" was a great start on Thursday. Quite a wonderful day.
I need some things for our group's space --- so let's work together to make this happen.
We must create a kitchen space for play. If everyone can search their own kitchens (yes, even your own real kitchen) for unbreakable small plates, small bowls, cups, safe kitchen tools and implements -- and each bring a few items, this can begin to build our play kitchen.
Also a "library" of durable and lovely books. Let's stay with "natural" themes for this, instead of commercial themes, no matter how beloved. If each family could bring one durable book they love but are not attached to, that would help.
If you are crafty and would like to contribute crafty items, like homemade dolls or animals, welcome.
We need a GROUNDED bowl for washing our hands at the table. An umbreakable mixing bowl with a heavy bottom would work. A lid for it might also be helpful.
Finally, do any of you have a laminating machine?
Thanks.
Examining our TERMS
"SHARING"
Let's examine the notion of sharing.
I invite you to explore this with me. Children are often asked to PERFORM polite sharing practices. We adults teach this through offering "how to's" and there is plenty of playground performance pressure at work to compel this, I'm certain.
Taking an object away from a child before the child is ready to release it is a little bit like pulling unripe fruit off a vine -- there is resistance, and a live-wire of wanting is left unsoothed. My foray into Steiner's vision of early childhood suggests that an object held is, albeit temporarily, a part of the child's body. Prematurely giving objects up to perform sharing can inadvertently work against our most hopeful intentions and cultivate a scarcity-driven and covetous anxiety in our children, I'm afraid.
Instead, I propose we consider new approaches, in these high tension moments of early childhood. Ideas? How can we cultivate a deep strong sense of security within? Can we reassure the young children that play among us that they will be given the space and time of play "to ripen that fruit/object and release it naturally? Can we allow children at this age to complete their relationship with an object before they are asked to release it for others? Perhaps actions and impulses of sharing then can grow from authentic roots: inner courage, a flexibility of mind and the caring desire to connect with others.
Facilitating this "completion with objects" takes courageous restraint from adults as well, and a new kind of narration of the moment at hand. A few deep breaths to repattern our "polite" impulses is probably crucial. "Taking turns" may be a reassuring set of words to use to guide sharing, since it is practical and not abstract. I am guided by the voice of a mentor in my head -- and offer it (paraphrased) to you as a tool. I can hear Suchi Swift (who preceded me in leading this group) in her songlike voice narrating, "James is holding the cup. When he is finished, he may put it down for another friend to hold. Jill, you are interested in that cup too. You may hold this cup instead for now." Her words did not feed the fire between the children, but cooled it kindly, showing options while facilitating wholeness for both children.
Let's examine the notion of sharing.
I invite you to explore this with me. Children are often asked to PERFORM polite sharing practices. We adults teach this through offering "how to's" and there is plenty of playground performance pressure at work to compel this, I'm certain.
Taking an object away from a child before the child is ready to release it is a little bit like pulling unripe fruit off a vine -- there is resistance, and a live-wire of wanting is left unsoothed. My foray into Steiner's vision of early childhood suggests that an object held is, albeit temporarily, a part of the child's body. Prematurely giving objects up to perform sharing can inadvertently work against our most hopeful intentions and cultivate a scarcity-driven and covetous anxiety in our children, I'm afraid.
Instead, I propose we consider new approaches, in these high tension moments of early childhood. Ideas? How can we cultivate a deep strong sense of security within? Can we reassure the young children that play among us that they will be given the space and time of play "to ripen that fruit/object and release it naturally? Can we allow children at this age to complete their relationship with an object before they are asked to release it for others? Perhaps actions and impulses of sharing then can grow from authentic roots: inner courage, a flexibility of mind and the caring desire to connect with others.
Facilitating this "completion with objects" takes courageous restraint from adults as well, and a new kind of narration of the moment at hand. A few deep breaths to repattern our "polite" impulses is probably crucial. "Taking turns" may be a reassuring set of words to use to guide sharing, since it is practical and not abstract. I am guided by the voice of a mentor in my head -- and offer it (paraphrased) to you as a tool. I can hear Suchi Swift (who preceded me in leading this group) in her songlike voice narrating, "James is holding the cup. When he is finished, he may put it down for another friend to hold. Jill, you are interested in that cup too. You may hold this cup instead for now." Her words did not feed the fire between the children, but cooled it kindly, showing options while facilitating wholeness for both children.
Our First Gathering: 9/6/11
Our first gathering happened on a very rainy day.
We arrived and made name tags with animal-rainbow stickers. Audrey and Sarah welcomed families. It was a real gift to begin school as an intergenerational collective. Our dialogue around this process, as it unfolds, is crucial in creating the school you are hoping for.
We created a circle together on the rug, found our HELLO HANDS, to wave, to pat the earth, and the sky, our bodies and our hearts, and to say hello to our families and friends.
We shared songs we each enjoy. Thank you to Sarah King, our group assistant, for starting us off with the ABC's on her ukelele. Inspired by the rain, we sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Rain Rain Go Away, and the It's Raining, It's Pouring. We sang Humpty Dumpty, and learned that the "Ordinary people could put Humpty together again, even though all the kings horses and the kings men could not!" We sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star several times, with star hands and then dancing star bodies. Happy Birthday to Little Baby... What else did we sing!?!?! So many songs!
We worked together to create our RAINBOW WINDOW together, and it will greet us when we come back to our school on Thursday.
We set up an accessible POTTY SPOT which immediately was a hit. Perhaps appropriately, I missed this photo op, but it is worth smiling at the memory of three children in a row enthusiastically sitting on the potties. This is a realm of mastery at this age, and giving children the opportunity for self-initiation seems very important. Children will be able to take independent initiatives to go to the bathroom, and teachers will facilitate the clean up aspect of course. If they wish to use the grown up toilet, that is also ok. They will just have to ask for help, since it is outside of the classroom space.
We reconvened to make body tracings. First we all worked together to trace teacher Sarah, with her head and her hands resting on the big paper. She was so relaxed because every child was so gentle and careful with their crayons as they traced her. Then parents and children traced one another in various ways.
Before a lovely snack, we learned a FOOD SONG together, which we will sing daily and you are welcome to try at home as well. I will post the lyrics.
Finally, we made our "AT SCHOOL" and "AT HOME" books.
One book says: "When I am at HOME, I can tell stories about SCHOOL. I can think of my teachers and FRIENDS. I will see them SOON." This book is meant to be used as A TOOL in your home to help school become a familiar and alive part of your child's inner life, as well as a lively part of their conversations with you. I imagine you may want to hear from your child about their experiences at school, so let this book serve as an instigator. You may wish to read it as a way of offering your children open-ended opportunities to talk with you about school experiences and imaginings. You can help them make new pages in their books, to tell the stories they wish to share -- kind of like a child's version of "journaling" if you know what I mean.
The other book remains at school and says: "When I am at SCHOOL, My FAMILY LOVES ME and thinks of me. I will see them SOON." Children will use these books to sooth themselves when they miss you. We will develop these books over time.
We ended our time together by talking about Thursday when school begins with just children and teachers. Our parents will be doing other things. Our siblings will be off to other schools. We will bake bread together in the morning that we can eat for snack time. We look forward to playing and making art and singing and dancing. We will end our day with a puppet show and goodbyes to teachers and friends. Like today, we can thank the earth and sky, ourselves and each other. We can feel proud as we sing "I did my best today. I did my best today. I feel good about me. I feel good about you."
We are all looking forward to meeting Laila on Thursday, since we did not get to meet her today.
We arrived and made name tags with animal-rainbow stickers. Audrey and Sarah welcomed families. It was a real gift to begin school as an intergenerational collective. Our dialogue around this process, as it unfolds, is crucial in creating the school you are hoping for.
We created a circle together on the rug, found our HELLO HANDS, to wave, to pat the earth, and the sky, our bodies and our hearts, and to say hello to our families and friends.
We shared songs we each enjoy. Thank you to Sarah King, our group assistant, for starting us off with the ABC's on her ukelele. Inspired by the rain, we sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Rain Rain Go Away, and the It's Raining, It's Pouring. We sang Humpty Dumpty, and learned that the "Ordinary people could put Humpty together again, even though all the kings horses and the kings men could not!" We sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star several times, with star hands and then dancing star bodies. Happy Birthday to Little Baby... What else did we sing!?!?! So many songs!
We worked together to create our RAINBOW WINDOW together, and it will greet us when we come back to our school on Thursday.
We set up an accessible POTTY SPOT which immediately was a hit. Perhaps appropriately, I missed this photo op, but it is worth smiling at the memory of three children in a row enthusiastically sitting on the potties. This is a realm of mastery at this age, and giving children the opportunity for self-initiation seems very important. Children will be able to take independent initiatives to go to the bathroom, and teachers will facilitate the clean up aspect of course. If they wish to use the grown up toilet, that is also ok. They will just have to ask for help, since it is outside of the classroom space.
We reconvened to make body tracings. First we all worked together to trace teacher Sarah, with her head and her hands resting on the big paper. She was so relaxed because every child was so gentle and careful with their crayons as they traced her. Then parents and children traced one another in various ways.
Before a lovely snack, we learned a FOOD SONG together, which we will sing daily and you are welcome to try at home as well. I will post the lyrics.
Finally, we made our "AT SCHOOL" and "AT HOME" books.
One book says: "When I am at HOME, I can tell stories about SCHOOL. I can think of my teachers and FRIENDS. I will see them SOON." This book is meant to be used as A TOOL in your home to help school become a familiar and alive part of your child's inner life, as well as a lively part of their conversations with you. I imagine you may want to hear from your child about their experiences at school, so let this book serve as an instigator. You may wish to read it as a way of offering your children open-ended opportunities to talk with you about school experiences and imaginings. You can help them make new pages in their books, to tell the stories they wish to share -- kind of like a child's version of "journaling" if you know what I mean.
The other book remains at school and says: "When I am at SCHOOL, My FAMILY LOVES ME and thinks of me. I will see them SOON." Children will use these books to sooth themselves when they miss you. We will develop these books over time.
We ended our time together by talking about Thursday when school begins with just children and teachers. Our parents will be doing other things. Our siblings will be off to other schools. We will bake bread together in the morning that we can eat for snack time. We look forward to playing and making art and singing and dancing. We will end our day with a puppet show and goodbyes to teachers and friends. Like today, we can thank the earth and sky, ourselves and each other. We can feel proud as we sing "I did my best today. I did my best today. I feel good about me. I feel good about you."
We are all looking forward to meeting Laila on Thursday, since we did not get to meet her today.
Hello School!
Welcome. To open our year's adventures, we will gather on:
Tuesday, Sept. 6th, 10am-11:30am at 181 Midwood Street.
Thank you to John and Allison, for a beautiful basement and backyard within which to house our gatherings.
On Tuesday, families, you are all welcome to come. We will meet one another, play and mingle and create together. This day will be dedicated to enjoying the space together and energizing it with familial love and warmth. The intention is to help children personalize this new forum as their own. I ask (with a wink) for us all to LITERALLY breathe deeply throughout this first day as we embrace the challenging and mixed feelings that come up (for our children and ourselves) around big transitions such as this.
To facilitate easy connecting for all upon arrival, let's actually (please grin, bear it, and if you are willing) make name tags. We will be making a mural and window decorations as well so that the space takes on a welcoming and unique quality for the children to return to on other days, on their own.
If you can bring a small family photo, that would be wonderful.
If you would be willing to sing a favorite family song or diddy, that will be welcome, in the creating of our shared "culture".
If you would like to bring a suger-free treat to share with the group, that is also welcome.
Please leave personal toys home if possible. We can create a holding-box at the bottom of the stairs, outside our group's space, for personal items that children do bring if that is helpful.
With best wishes,
Audrey
Tuesday, Sept. 6th, 10am-11:30am at 181 Midwood Street.
Thank you to John and Allison, for a beautiful basement and backyard within which to house our gatherings.
On Tuesday, families, you are all welcome to come. We will meet one another, play and mingle and create together. This day will be dedicated to enjoying the space together and energizing it with familial love and warmth. The intention is to help children personalize this new forum as their own. I ask (with a wink) for us all to LITERALLY breathe deeply throughout this first day as we embrace the challenging and mixed feelings that come up (for our children and ourselves) around big transitions such as this.
To facilitate easy connecting for all upon arrival, let's actually (please grin, bear it, and if you are willing) make name tags. We will be making a mural and window decorations as well so that the space takes on a welcoming and unique quality for the children to return to on other days, on their own.
If you can bring a small family photo, that would be wonderful.
If you would be willing to sing a favorite family song or diddy, that will be welcome, in the creating of our shared "culture".
If you would like to bring a suger-free treat to share with the group, that is also welcome.
Please leave personal toys home if possible. We can create a holding-box at the bottom of the stairs, outside our group's space, for personal items that children do bring if that is helpful.
With best wishes,
Audrey
shared or private dialogues welcome, as necessary
Hello families,
I invite you all to use this blog as a space for sharing. If you need private dialogue with me around your children's experiences, you may certainly email me at akindred@gmail.com or call me: 212-920-4483.
Best, Audrey Kindred
I invite you all to use this blog as a space for sharing. If you need private dialogue with me around your children's experiences, you may certainly email me at akindred@gmail.com or call me: 212-920-4483.
Best, Audrey Kindred
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