To Scare a Crow

The oldest surviving book in Japan, the Kojiki (compiled in the year 712), depicts a scarecrow, known as Kuebiko, appearing as a deity who cannot walk, yet knows everything about the world.

Miss Maxine’s Rose Nursery/Kindergarten class recently constructed our own all- knowing divine beings with the help of moms Mary Ann Sims and Maureen Feeney. The children stuffed clothing, tied corn husks and created facial features on pumpkin heads - alas, welcome Sanderling Scarecrows!!

Please feel free to ask our autumn visitors a thought-provoking question or two. We have yet to determine if they, like Kuebiko, know everything, or anything, about the world.

Food for Thought

There is something beautiful & sweet about packing your child’s lunch for the day. Almost serving as a bridge between home and school, food from mom (and/or dad) creates a sensory reminder for our little ones of where they are from and where they will return to.

Our nursery/kindergarten classes enjoy a snack prepared at home and brought in a basket. Lunch is a meal prepared together and shared together - usually in the form of an organic soup, homemade bread or grain. The grades children savor both a mid-morning snack and lunch from home. A communal table is shared by all children in our school as they converse and relish tasty, wholesome treats. Growing brains need nourishment – organic fruits, vegetables & grains are favorites.

In an attempt to reduce waste, children are encouraged to use canteens, cloth napkins and snack bags, recycled glass jars and stainless steel containers. Some favorite products include: semilla snack bags, klean kanteen and sigg .

Apple of my Eye

Fall evokes something deep within the soul - golden sun rays, dappled shadows, dark evenings, and cool, crisp mornings. For some of us, the time induces memories of trees changing color, harvests, and the sweet, smell of autumn. Whatever sensory perception you have of the season, it is sure to include apples.

The word apple comes from the Old English aeppel. It's been around since the Iron Age and was cultivated in Egypt. First brought to the United States by the Pilgrims in 1620's, apple trees can live hundreds of years - they are true kindred spirits of the season.

In tribute, Miss Melanie's 1st/2nd grade class embarked on a field trip to Julian to hand select some tasty specimens. The children enjoyed picking at RavenHill orchard, pressing fresh cider, and picnicking under a canopy of trees on Miss Melanie’s organic farm. Although temperatures were in the 90's and the Santa Ana's were blowing - it was a perfect autumn day - you could almost smell the fresh baked apple pie.

Strength of Spirit

"Through celebrations in their seasons are the deeper powers of human nature realized." -Rudolf Steiner

In my mind, the settling into the school year is marked by the celebration of Michaelmas.
Deemed the festival of strength, bravery and courage, the grades children partake in a short play depicting St. George's slaying of the venomous beast. After “taming” the dragon with hand crafted wooden swords, the children share bread baked in form of the beast himself - traditional dragon bread. Feats calling for the said characteristics are also played including a competitive game of tug of war. In summation, Michaelmas beckons us to find the spirit to come alive through the dying year.

However, if you wish to dig a little deeper and find the parallel between "Michaelmas" and "St. George slaying a dragon" please check out the following link from A Journey Through Waldorf Homeschooling.