They spent time playing in the different mediums and seeing the difference in weights.

   Next, I told a story about the ancient people and how they used their hands
and feet as measurement. This caused big problems as we discovered the huge
differences in body parts size!

I found a nice book from the library that I used called “Millions to Measure” by
David Schwartz/Steven Kellogg. And “How Tall How Short How Faraway” by David Adler.

We measured and cut out our “spans”  “digits”    and “palms”  and cut them out. Then the girls
used them to measure themselves, their dolls and a lot of things around the house!

  My favorite part was when they made their own “scales” from looking
at a picture in one of the books.  This was the best learning ever! They spent
about 2 hours constructing this and then weighing everything.

I was thrilled to hear them say “My cat weighs 5 walnuts and 3 acorns.”
The scales work and they wanted to keep them and are using them most
everyday.

Onto yards and meters next!

In this fast-paced culture where more and more opportunities
are becoming available to us (and our children)  brings
more decisions that we must make.

Unconsciously, you are doing this.

Think about it. Paper or plastic?
Organic or conventional? Local or
grass-fed? Soccer or baseball?
Regular or decaf?

The list is endless..
While having choices may seem a nice
option, not so much for our young children.

It is overwhelming for them to have to make
so many decisions and to pick from so many
options.

If you said to your 5 year son, “What would you like for
breakfast? We have waffles, cereal, toast, oatmeal,
fruit & yogurt, or pancakes?”

Huh?

Even my eyes started to glaze over as the list went on…

With the amount of decisions also comes the necessary evil
of having to say NO! many more times.

As moms we don’t want to say no. We want to see our child’s
face light up when they get our positive answer with a smile.

So, what can we do?

Jessica Henry recently did a workshop for me that
gave some remedies to the too this no/decision syndrome.

1) Ramp up your Rhythm

With a solid rhythm in place, the opportunities
for many decisions are decreased. The meals may be
planned out for the week. So, each Monday is waffles.
Tuesday is oatmeal.

When rhythm and routines are a part of the day, they become
just “what we do” rather than having to re-invent the wheel.

Example- Lunch is followed by playtime. Then an afternoon story and bathtime.
That’s it. Your child will soon learn the routine and stop asking for
other options. And you won’t have to offer any!

2) Offer “yes” options

When there is an opportunity for a decision
for your child, try to narrow it to 2 acceptable
choices. So, either way you get to say “Yes”.

“Would you like waffles with strawberries or blueberries?”

“The pink hat or the blue hat with the stiripes”

(Not, “Do you want to wear your hat?)

3) Practice “positive” speak

Try to phrase your answers in a positive way, even
if deflecting the actual answer. This will give you many more
opportunities to say Yes! To your child and for them to feel
ggod about your answers.

Example: “Mommy can I have some ice cream?”

“Yes. You may have ice cream after dinner.”

(Not, “No, you know you can’t have sweets before dinner.”)

It may not seem natural at first but with a little practice, it
will seep into your everyday rhythm.

*To hear Jessica’s audio workshop in it entirety,
you can instant access here: http://thewaldorfconnection.com/discipline/

1) The cost of the organic bread was way more than what we could make at home.

2) I wanted to bring more bread baking  to our weekly rhythm.

I found a lovely bread tutorial (see this post for details) that has now
become the tried and true bread we eat. I have even perfected a high loaf
so that I may slice thinly and it voila! Looks even better than the bakery.

As a treat, we made homemade cinnamon raisin loaf today. In the past,
all my breads would be flat or undercooked or just not turn out.

But since mastering the basic loaf, I can adjust and add things to my liking.

This is a good lesson that applys to many things in life including Daily & Weekly
Rhythm.

This time of year we tend to want to wipe away old habits and things that aren’t
they way we want them to be.  But to try to do it all at once can really cause
frustration and overwhelm!

Have you ever started cleaning out a messy closet or garage and halfway through
you realized this was way more than you bargained for?  Sometimes, a small
project leads to a much bigger one we didn’t plan.

For establishing a consistent daily/weekly rhythm choose one main area that is
the most troubling. (Bedtime? Dinner prep? Getting out the door in the morning?)
Focus on ways to improve that one thing.  Then tweak if necessary. Take a week, maybe
two to see if it is working or if it can be improved even more.

Only when you have that area the way you like, then move to something else.

You may be inspired by “fixing” something easy, such as getting up early in the
morning before your children, or creating a quiet time in the afternoons.

Sometimes one success will lead you to
look around and do more!

The point is, take it slow to make it last.  If not, you may end up
overwhelmed and want to ditch the whole plan.

Here is that yummy cinnamon raisin bread recipe and my girls
making it.

Using the Jakob Streit resource about the Old Testament has been the
best investment I made for a 3rd grade resource! The amount of stories
and depth for each key figure is enormous and you can share as much
as you need or move along.

The stories lead up to the events and give a background to the people
in a way that children can understand.

After we went through the story of the City of Thousand Idols and
how mankind was going the way of sin, we discussed the building of
the Ark and all about the animals and getting the aboard. (my girls
favorite part!)

On suggestion from Melisa at A Little Garden Flower’s curriculum, we decided to
go out to the beach and “measure out” the size of the Ark. Luckily it was a warm day!

Here my hubby talks about measurement and what a “cubit” is and how that compare
to a yard. A cubit is 18″ in case you are wondering. The Ark was 300 x 50 x 30 cubits.
So we figured all the conversions over to something we can actually
use to measure.Down at the beach with out stakes and flags (leaving that to my husband he chose newspaper to be
the flag..mmm really?)

There they go walking out the length.It was quite amazing to see the actual size! Below is the
width.

Then I asked them to take what they knew about the ark: what is was made of, the levels for the animals and size and do a drawing in their Main Lesson books.  We had not seen many pictures of the Ark, so I was pretty sure they were using their imiginations and not previous ideas. Here is what they drew.  It was a very living experience and I know they will remember it!

We spent a wonderful New Years Day constructing this!

While Daddy and the girls hammered and measured, I was weeding all the
the little unwanteds out of the garden beds.

Here is the finished product!  Looks great and very easy.
We will roll the plastic back during warm sunny days (which are
frequent here!)

It was a wonderful project considering we are in 3rd grade and
Farming/Gardening is part of our Main Lesson blocks.

We are always gardening here, but this combines a bit of Housebuilding
and Gardening into one useful fun idea.

I will let you know how we fair during our cold nights. 

I am excited as this will open up a lot more seeding this winter and getting a jump start on
spring plants.

We did our Winter Solstice Spiral Festival with a small group of
families last night.  I really love this night!

To me it is so magical and such a time of reflection and anticipation
of what is to come and the possibilities.

We sat by the fire, had some music, walked the spiral and then
had hot tea and snacks.

When we returned home, my hubby had dinner ready and
we light many. many candles all through the house.

All the lights are turned off (except the Christmas tree)
and we eat by candlelight.  We get ready for bed and read
a winter solstice story and snuggle up all by candle light.

The girls love it! After, my hubby and I sat by the tree and
relaxed with some tea and cookies.

It is one night where the
silence and reverence is not disturbed by lights, tv or
any modern electronics.

As we plunge into the holiday season I am
suddenly caught up and swept into the
“feeling” I have been seeking.

You know where you walk around smiling
for no reason and can’t wait to surprise that
special someone with your thoughtful gift.

The last few years I have found myself less
and less attracted to the glittery tinsel facade
that is so prevalent in pop-culture. I was
even tempted to do all real candles on our
fresh cut tree. (though hubby looked at me odd)

I look at some evergreen boughs tied up with a
red ribbon hanging on my door and feel a
deep satisfaction of nature and love in a
simple form.

I want to spread this feeling by touching
others lives.

We have found a way to donate at least
one toy each year to a worthy cause.
You see these everywhere, toys for tots,
or just some change in the salvation army
bucket. Now my girls are asking me for
change to drop in!

I always have them pick out the toy and
place it in the bin to foster the feelings of
giving inside them which naturally occur.

There are important little ways that you can
“give” to others without spending a dime.

*A Smile- a tender word or just a smile of
understanding can be exactly what someone
needs to lift them up.

*A Hand- offer to babysit for a single mom,
run errands for an elderly person, rake leaves
or shovel snow as an act of kindness.

*A Model- I know this is an overused phrase, but
“Be the change you want to see” fits so nicely here.
A glimmer of hope and love and all that is good is
always needed in this world.

*A Friend- Being there for those you love and even
not so close acquaintances is a cherished trait and brings
community together. It is nice to have like-minded mamas
to talk and share with!

I want to take take this opportunity to thank all of you

wonderful families around the world who make

The Waldorf Connection possible.

I am giving back to you with a Giveaway!

Enter a comment below on 1 way you
hope to “give” this Holiday Season and
you will be entered to win
Reg Down’s (author of Tiptoes Lightly)
Christmas Book
“The Cricket and The Shepherd Boy”
A Lovely Christmas Tale with amazing
illustrations!

Drawing will be Dec. 19 morning and I
will ship the book that day.

All My Love & Gratitude!

Donna

OK.. So we were cleaning out the freezer and found
this bag of what looked like cookie dough (or mashed potatoes!)
We couldn’t tell what it was, but I knew it had been in there awhile.

I thawed it decided to bake it. I tasted a bit and it seemed like cookies, but not much
flavor. I broke into cookie-sized bites and baked.

10 minutes later and all cooked, we stared at the baking sheet to see who
would get to try them first. We all took one and began to nibble.

They tasted like weird corn cookies to me. It was silent as everyone was chewing
and contemplating the odd flavor and texture.

Then my hubby said, “Are these the homemade dog biscuits you froze for Ally?!”

Yikes! We laughed and then bagged them up for our pooch!

Some days just turn out that way sometimes. Especially around the
holidays when you are so busy and there are more things being
added to your plate.

If you are like me, you want to do all the fun stuff like bake, create homemade
gifts and decorate the house. But, the everyday stuff is still there and can
take away your energy.

Here are a few tips and my favorite resources to help you
simplify your holidays and make sure you have fun.

1) Don’t try to do it all.
I used to do this and it really was hard. BK (before kids) I would
decorate the house with hand braided greenery and bake treats for
everyone I knew, plus sew gifts and host several parties. Now, I enlist
the kids help for decorating, and spend 1 day baking. We do sew a few
handmade gifts, but we do 1 theme (like all aprons or tote bags). Your
creative soul will be nurtured but not exhausted if you plan to do less.

2)Plan a night for yourself. Give yourself the gift of doing nothing but reading
a good book with hot cocoa and a snuggie. Enough said.

3)Enjoy the Season. I find so many time we are rushing to “get through” the
holidays or it all builds up for one day and can be disappointing. We chose to spread
out our celebrating over the whole season. Starting with Advent, St. Nicholas Day,
Winter Solstice, Christmas and Three Kings Day. I try to be present and hold the magic
of this time of year for myself and family.

The following are a few of my favorite resources for this time of year.

Festivals, Family and Food -the bible of festivals and holidays.. Really used this book over the years!

St. Nicholas Stories by Christine Natale

Sew, Mama, Sew Handmade Holidays- I always get my ideas from this 30 day spectacular

Inner Christmas website- Lynn Jericho

Festival of the Stones book by Reg Down

Winter Festivals audio/workbook by Anne Cleveland

I would love to hear your favorite books, websites or resources! Reply below…

It’s Winter Festival time!

At least it is right around the corner. Though life seems

to speed up this time of year, it also transitions into
a magical phase of gathering and giving.

Last year, Waldorf teacher Anne Cleveland recorded an

excellent workshop called “Winter Festivals”.

“Winter Festivals” includes a 65 minute audio and
guidebook filled with crafts, songs & ideas.
http://thewaldorfconnection.com/purchase/packages/

The First Festival is Advent which starts Nov. 27 this year (2011)
In Western Christianity, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day, or
the Sunday which falls closest to November 30, and lasts through Christmas Eve, or December 24.
When Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, it is the last, or fourth Sunday of Advent.

We make our Advent Wreath fresh each year out of evergreen boughs, rosemary and an
assortment of other berries, leaves and herbs found throughout our yard. We add the recommended
items each Sunday as we light a new candle. I like to read from Reg Down’s book “Festivals of the Stones”.
There is a story that goes along with each week and the the simple, sweet characters are favorites in my house.


The first light of Advent is the light of stones

The light that shines in crystals in seashells and in bones

The second light of Advent is the light of plants

Green plants that reach up to the light and in the breezes dance

The third light of Advent is the light of beasts

That shines in all creatures in greatest and in least

The fourth light of Advent is the human light

The light of hope and of thought, to know and do what’s right

One of my favorite festivals of the year is Winter Solstice. In years past we made our
Winter Spiral out of extra Christmas tree branches and evergreen bush limbs in our yard.

This is itself is such a mindful experience as we think about the previous year and where
we will be next year. My girls love to do this! We use a large tree stump and place a
candle on it in the center. Everyone gets an apple with a candle in it to light off the center candle.

The spiral of evergreens is a reminder of the earth’s life, prevalent even in the cold of winter.
We spiral inward, seeking the birth of light in the surrounding darkness, and we spiral outward,
carrying our light into the world.

We end our festivities with a dinner by candlelight and no lights can be turned on until
the littles are in bed. (Their favorite part!)

After, I sit enjoying the candles in a meditative way. It is truly reverent.

The guidebook has a step-by-step tutorial with picture on how to make these
sweet fleece angels.

To read last year’s post and get an Audio Snippet of Anne’e
talk on Winter Festivals, click here:
http://thewaldorfconnection.com/waldorf-homeschooling-2/free-snippet-of-winter-festivals/

As I write this article I am in the midst of our homeschool co-op.
It is raining so ALL the kids are in this big common area and
the noise level is beyond imagining.

I have my earbuds in trying to listen to soothing music on Pandora,
but it is a futile attempt!

So, the subject of simplifying your environment is especially timely
today!

Take a virtual look around your house and see what areas need some attention.
I find myself anxious and scattered when things are messy and piled up.

A clutter-free fresh room makes me feel calm and creative.
Set a timer for 15 minutes or 1 hour and focus on the removal of everything
you don’t use or love. Be ruthless and you won’t regret it! Clear the energy
and you will feel peaceful and lighter.

This also pertains to your child. More “stuff” piled up everywhere causes
a child to flit from toy to toy, always looking for something new to entertain.
Less toys, books, and “stuff” allows her to move deeply into creative play with
that toy in a way that can be unknown in a cluttered world. Those 2 or 3 well
loved open-ended toys will become the backbone of their play world.

A silk, some wooden animals and acorns can be all that is needed for hours
of stories and fairytale creations.

Broken, loud or accosting toys can be tucked away or removed as a trial
period to see how much they are actually missed.

Most times children love to have a room that is set-up with just a few favorites
in a “scene”; 3 to 4 beloved books on the shelf, and the same number of outfits
hanging in the closet. No more is needed.

We wear and use our favorites right?

Check the level of sensory overload that could be going on in your home. Bright
lights, loud music, tv, games, and strong smells (candles, detergents or air fresheners)
can be overstimulating your children. If the playing or talking noise is continuously
crazy, invoke “quiet time” or put on soft soothing music alongside blocks or
creative toys.

TIP: Keep this rule for toys/clothes and you will never have a pile up. If 1 comes in, 1 goes out.