A Nice Feeling
One of the comments most frequently shared about the Beautiful Beginnings play group describes the atmosphere. Many people say the group has a lovely feel to it. This always brings a huge smile to our faces and our hearts! We strive to create a group which feels warm and welcoming, where parents and children feel valued, accepted and comfortable to be themselves. We like to imagine a loving energy surrounding the group, inspiring each parent to feel calm and peaceful, connected to themselves and their children. We are new at running a play group and know we won’t always get it right, but we are both learning immensely and like to share the process through our blog and website. We also welcome your feedback, comments and ideas!
Steiner / Waldorf Approaches
Hatti and I spent months researching Steiner ideas for the structure and rhythm of a parent and child group; we learnt that the ‘feeling’ and ‘atmosphere’ was as, if not more, important than the activities themselves. A consistent rhythm to the group, and gentle transitions, marked by simple songs help the children and parents to understand what is happening, and what to expect next.
This is the rhythm of the session, and the songs we use:
- Arriving, shoes off, settling in, free play, art and craft activities
- Tidy up time
“This is how we tidy up, tidy up, tidy up, this is how we tidy up, toys back in their boxes”
- Family Yoga session & circle sharing time, various yoga songs and nursery rhymes
- Snack time, a sharing of fruit, rice cakes and water
“Thank you Earth, Thank you Sun, Love and Thanks to Everyone”
- Outside free play & exploration
“Let’s go outside and have some fun, shoes on, coats on everyone!”
- Song time – seasonal and favourite songs and rhymes
- Home time
“Good bye Lucy, Good bye Lucy, Good bye Lucy, we’re glad you came to play”
At first the songs seemed a little awkward, especially as we are not confident singers! But it didn’t take long for us to hear the children joining in, they seemed to enjoy the simple, familiar rhythms and are now comfortable and confident with they pattern of the group. They know what is happening and each seems to have their own favourite part of the session!
