The Star: February Issue

Inside this Issue:

• January Song
• Article on Screens
• Visible Mending: A short documentary on the importance of handwork
• New for Spring! Our Craft Circle

Click to read the full issue...

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February Song

Part of the beauty of our Waldorf tradition is singing and moving together with seasonal rhymes and verses. Here is a small verse that can be sung around the house. Perfect for January!

Chickadee Chickadee 
Chickadee, chickadee
Flitting through the holly tree – With your cap and scarf of black, Sweater grey upon your back. You’re warm and happy in the snow And when I hear you call,
I know my friend has come to say
That wintertime's just fine for play.

Article on Screens

It is always interesting to keep informed of recent studies concerning the use of technology in learning, especially for a school, like ours, that doesn't use screens in the classroom.

John R. MacArthur's article, "A groundbreaking study shows kids learn better on paper, not screens. Now what?" published in The Guardian this month, questions the "digital is best" narrative that has driven the increase of screen time for learning in schools.

Visible Mending

A short documentary on the importance of handwork

Handwork, an important element in Waldorf education, is critical to the intellectual, emotional, and volitional development of the child. 

The importance of handwork is highlighted in a 9-minute documentary by Samantha Moore called "Visible Mending." Though told through knit animals, the documentary is made for adults and brings up lots of rich ideas behind the importance of handwork.

One of my favourite parts in the video describes how making things with our hands often reinforces our feelings about others in the spirit of giving. I also love how they touch on the importance of crossing the midline and the positive effects on cross-lateral motion.

Our Spring Craft Circle

April 2, May 7, June 4

Speaking of handwork!

We will be hosting a craft circle that will run the first Tuesday of each month starting on April the 2nd from 1 - 3pm.

Join us with your children for an afternoon of crafting and free play. 

Our first craft circle will be held on April 2nd where we will be making various tissue star designs for our Spring windows. 

There is no fee for the activity and we will have tea and coffee available. 

The craft circle will be held in the Parent/Child room with natural toys and play areas open for toddlers. 

Older children are welcome to play board games or help with the craft. 

Hope to see you there!