Autumn is approaching

Fall is upon us and Ash class has begun to observe and discuss the changes we will see. We will be doing some inquiry based activities, and learning some songs and rhymes about Fall as we transition into the chillier season. The Autumn harvest is always a fun topic of conversation at this time.

Here a few Autumn songs/rhymes we have started learning or will be learning soon:

Yellow the Bracken
Yellow the Bracken
golden the sheaves
rosy the apples
crimson the leaves
mist on the hillside
clouds grey and white
autumn good morning
summer good night.

Blackberries
I have a basket
I'll tell you why,
I'm picking backberries
To bake in a pie.
I'll mix them with apple
Put pastry on the top.
If my pie is good enough,
Dont buy one from the shop

We are walking
We are walking, we are walking as the leaves they flutter down.
We are walking, we are walking
Catch a leaf of golden brown.

We are skipping, we are skipping as the leaves they flutter down,
We are skipping, we are skipping
Catch a leaf of golden brown.

We are running, we are running
As the leaves they flutter down
we are running, we are running
Catch a leaf of golden brown.

(You can create new verses using any actions)

My friend the Squirrel
My friend the squirrel sits and stares,
Nose up high, sniffing air,
Twitching here, twitching there

My friend the squirrel puffs his cheek
Holds his nut, brown and sleek
Looks for tree-hole, takes a peek.

My friend the squirrel runs up the tree
Jumps a  branch- most nimbly
In his hibernation home to be.

a few songs and rhymes

Here are some songs and rhymes that Ash class has done. Often, these rhymes are done with movements. Ask your children if they can say/sing them to you:

Acka Backa
Acka Backa Soda Cracker
Acka Backa Boo
Acka Backa Soda Cracker
I love you
(The children come up with other lines that rhyme with Boo)

Peas Porridge Hot
Peas Porridge hot
Peas Porridge cold
Peas Porridge in the pot
Nine days old

Some like it hot
Some like it cold
Some like it in the pot
Nine days old

Fishies
1 2 3 4 5
Once I caught a fish alive
6 7 8 9 10
then I let it go again
Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so.
Which little finger did it bite?
This little finger on the right!

The Moon is Round
The moon is round
As round can be
Two eyes
A nose
And a mouth like me

Mousie Brown
Up up the candlestick
Went little mousie Brown
She went to the top
And couldn't get back down.
She called "Grandma, Grandma"
But Grandma was in town.
So she rolled herself up
And rolled back down.

Off to a great start!

Ash class has gotten off to a great start! Although you may still see some tears, be rest assured that this is normal! The children are getting used to their new environment and are making friends. The first month of school is largely about learning routines of the classroom and getting to know everyone. This is precisely what is happening in Ash class! It may take longer for some than others - it is a lot to take in. Soon enough, everyone will feel right at home.

Every morning we begin in our circle, saying our 3 chants:

In this circle here we stand
Quiet mouths, quiet hands
Feet together straight as can be
As we count, 1 2 3.

Below is the Earth
Above is the Sky
Here are my friends
Here am I

I touch the sky
I touch my feet
I clap my hands on every beat
Without a sound
I turn around
And this new day
I happily greet

We will be doing a morning message and the children like to figure out what letters or words are missing.  We do many action songs and rhymes all day long. Try practising crossover actions with your children as you are chanting with them (crossing you arm to your opposite shoulder). This is great "brain gym" and is a fun Waldorf exercise. The children area also practising their counting as we pass a beanbag around the circle.

Welcome to Kindergarten Ash Class!

Welcome back to the Seniors and welcome for the first time to the Juniors! Ms. Spain and I are excited to see everyone again and meet everyone who is new. We are excited for a fun year full of wonderful activities, new friends, and colourful learning!