Wednesday, June 9, 2010
A Night Everything But Silent
Under the stars on May 15th, Sanderling came together for its annual Silent Auction. Soft music played background to Emcee, Jon Cofinas, as parents & friends bid on beautiful items from the surrounding community and beyond. Generous monies were raised in support of our growing school. A warm thank you to everyone who donated items, time & effort - every moment shared was for the enrichment of a child's life. How truly precious.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sugar Sweet
Do you remember your first farm visit? The amazing animals who seemed larger than life with mannerisms not too far off from your family pet. The vegetables & fruit growing in abundance around every corner. The sweet smell of hay... and the not so sweet smell of manure.
I remember my first outing, almost like yesterday. The opportunity to interact with creatures I had only seen in picture books was life-altering. I found a new appreciation for my morning milk and a saddened heart for my evening dinner. I understood vegetables were plants growing in dirt, much like my beloved trees and flowers. Most importantly, I realized life is precious and nothing, not even dinner, comes without hard work.
Ms. Maxine's Nursery/Kindergarten class explored Sugar Sweet Farm in Olivenhain this month. Perhaps it was an eye-opening experience...maybe not. Nonetheless, it looked like a wonderful day in the sun.
I remember my first outing, almost like yesterday. The opportunity to interact with creatures I had only seen in picture books was life-altering. I found a new appreciation for my morning milk and a saddened heart for my evening dinner. I understood vegetables were plants growing in dirt, much like my beloved trees and flowers. Most importantly, I realized life is precious and nothing, not even dinner, comes without hard work.
Ms. Maxine's Nursery/Kindergarten class explored Sugar Sweet Farm in Olivenhain this month. Perhaps it was an eye-opening experience...maybe not. Nonetheless, it looked like a wonderful day in the sun.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
In Bloom
Flowers dot the canvas of our lives. We celebrate among them, mourn with them & hopefully, somewhere along the way, run amidst fields of their beauty.
We explore them, count love upon them & scent our world in their fragrance. Each & every bloom embodies innocence.
Nursery/Kindergarden concludes each Wednesday with a nature hike. Coveting our innate connection to nature, this stroll is childhood personified.
We explore them, count love upon them & scent our world in their fragrance. Each & every bloom embodies innocence.
Nursery/Kindergarden concludes each Wednesday with a nature hike. Coveting our innate connection to nature, this stroll is childhood personified.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
On a Fair May Day
May Day's origin dates back to before the birth of Christ. Like many ancient festivals it has a Pagan connection. The may pole, per se, was used in Briton to usher in spring and ensure fecundity in crops and livestock. Villagers would go into the forest, cut down an appropriately sized tree, and decorate it in the town square with ribbons and flowers. The English may have inherited this festival from the Romans, who threw some legendary spring bashes of their own.
Sanderling looked to the Romans for inspiration on May 1st. Ringing in the rite of spring with true European fanfare. Traditional singing & dancing commenced the ceremony with dining and games following. For us veterans, the festival’s energy creates an aura lasting through the end of the school year. While those witnessing it for the first time found themselves lost in the gaiety. All in all, a legendary party in its own rite.
Embry Rucker captured some endearing shots, check out his slideshow.
Sanderling looked to the Romans for inspiration on May 1st. Ringing in the rite of spring with true European fanfare. Traditional singing & dancing commenced the ceremony with dining and games following. For us veterans, the festival’s energy creates an aura lasting through the end of the school year. While those witnessing it for the first time found themselves lost in the gaiety. All in all, a legendary party in its own rite.
Embry Rucker captured some endearing shots, check out his slideshow.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Over the Rainbow Bridge
Last month the Nursery/Kindergarten play-yard received a whimsical makeover. Mom, Amy Hite designed & implemented a beautiful gnome garden for the children to explore. Centered around the existing playhouse, the interactive space now includes a river rock stream, hand-tied log bridge and plenty of drought-tolerant flora. An assembly of teachers, parents and tots turned the idea to reality on Saturday, March 28th - thank you to everyone who lent a helping hand.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Nature
Spring field trips provided outings to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve & the Batiquitos Lagoon.
1st/2nd grade hiked Torrey Pine's Guy Fleming trail and visited the historic Nature Center. Known as an "usual landscape" since the 1500's, Spanish sailors noted the landmark as Punta de los Arboles or Wooded Point.
The following week the children enjoyed 6 miles of trails surrounding the Batiquitos Lagoon. Nestled between Carlsbad and Encinitas, the lagoon is one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the southern California coast. Dotted with mature groves of eucalyptus trees, the young explorers found a rope swing providing a spectacular coastal view and the opportunity to soar.
1st/2nd grade hiked Torrey Pine's Guy Fleming trail and visited the historic Nature Center. Known as an "usual landscape" since the 1500's, Spanish sailors noted the landmark as Punta de los Arboles or Wooded Point.
The following week the children enjoyed 6 miles of trails surrounding the Batiquitos Lagoon. Nestled between Carlsbad and Encinitas, the lagoon is one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the southern California coast. Dotted with mature groves of eucalyptus trees, the young explorers found a rope swing providing a spectacular coastal view and the opportunity to soar.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Serious Work of a Child
Creative play is the central activity in the life of a healthy young child. It allows him or her to weave together and digest life experiences and make them their own. A child’s love of learning is intimately linked with a zest for play.
Many school children no longer have the freedom to explore nature. Physical education and recess are often eliminated; informal games are an activity of a by-gone era as children are herded into organized sports.
Sanderling respects, promotes and encourages creative play - it a central component of the curriculum. Additionally, at home play-dates are a cherished after school activity. The children explore, create, interact and learn beyond the walls of the physical school. While we, enjoying their innocence, watch them blossom and flourish.
Many school children no longer have the freedom to explore nature. Physical education and recess are often eliminated; informal games are an activity of a by-gone era as children are herded into organized sports.
Sanderling respects, promotes and encourages creative play - it a central component of the curriculum. Additionally, at home play-dates are a cherished after school activity. The children explore, create, interact and learn beyond the walls of the physical school. While we, enjoying their innocence, watch them blossom and flourish.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
East Meets West
Ms. Maxine's Rose Nursery/Kindergarten class celebrated China's most important traditional holiday, the Chinese New Year, on February 23rd with a joyful school-wide procession. The children donned red clothing to ward off bad fortune, while a fierce dragon danced through the halls evicting evil spirits. Post-fanfare, it was back to class for won ton soup-making.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Dale, dale, dale - No pierdas el tino!
Most associate piñatas as a Latin party activity. However, piñatas actually originated in China. Marco Polo discovered the Chinese fashioning animal figurines & covering them with brightly colored paper. The figures were then clubbed with sticks and seeds spilled forth. The remains were burned & the ashes gathered as a good luck omen for the coming year.
Our grades students learned not only the historical facts of this tradition, but also, the craft itself this past month. Led by their Spanish teacher, Senora Vanessa, the children molded & pasted several piñatas for silent auction at Sanderling's first annual Latin Night. The event raised monies for materials and costumes for the Spanish program.
Our grades students learned not only the historical facts of this tradition, but also, the craft itself this past month. Led by their Spanish teacher, Senora Vanessa, the children molded & pasted several piñatas for silent auction at Sanderling's first annual Latin Night. The event raised monies for materials and costumes for the Spanish program.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Form Drawing
Form drawing, the freehand drawing of geometric shapes, is a subject taught in Waldorf schools. The technique was created by Rudolf Steiner to help develop a young child's handwriting, hand-eye coordination, ability to concentrate and other capacities. Children learn that every shape in the world consists of either straight or curved lines, or some combination of the straight and the curved.
Ms. Melanie's 1st & 2nd grade practice form drawing every Friday afternoon at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. The tide provides a natural canvas for the children to hone their techniques, while the surf & sun foster an environment one could only dream of learning within.
Ms. Melanie's 1st & 2nd grade practice form drawing every Friday afternoon at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. The tide provides a natural canvas for the children to hone their techniques, while the surf & sun foster an environment one could only dream of learning within.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Friday
One of the most endearing aspects of our school is its ease of transition. The slow movement from imaginative play, the soft graduation into the grades, and on a smaller level the sweet ending to each school week.
The grades children bid farewell to their peers each Friday afternoon at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. For Ms. Melanie's 1st/2nd grade class, the last lesson of the week is form drawing followed by free play - parents and friends gather & the afternoon slowly melts away into early evening.
The grades children bid farewell to their peers each Friday afternoon at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. For Ms. Melanie's 1st/2nd grade class, the last lesson of the week is form drawing followed by free play - parents and friends gather & the afternoon slowly melts away into early evening.
Sanderling Waldorf School: Moonlight Beach from Embry Rucker on Vimeo.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
May Light Arise in our Garden
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, we treasure the gifts of light and community. The Winter Spiral Celebration took place on Saturday, December 12th.
Every child enters this beautiful festival with a mood of wonder and quiet anticipation. Walking along the scented evergreen path, all is quiet except for the soft notes of the lyre. Ambient light reflects from the children’s faces as they place their candle along the spiral & return to their seats – the room illuminates brighter and brighter, until the light of the community glows strong.
Every child enters this beautiful festival with a mood of wonder and quiet anticipation. Walking along the scented evergreen path, all is quiet except for the soft notes of the lyre. Ambient light reflects from the children’s faces as they place their candle along the spiral & return to their seats – the room illuminates brighter and brighter, until the light of the community glows strong.
Season’s Greenings
Sanderling participated in the 2009 Encinitas Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 5th.
In keeping with this year's parade theme, Season's Greenings - Celebrating All Things Environmental, the children created a float entitled A Walk in the Woods.
Twinkle-lit canopies of trees hosted fairies, plants & animals – a magical vision, whether sipping hot cocoa from the sidelines or walking the 101. Thank you to Rose Kindergarten mom, Amy Ruecker, for leading the effort.
In keeping with this year's parade theme, Season's Greenings - Celebrating All Things Environmental, the children created a float entitled A Walk in the Woods.
Twinkle-lit canopies of trees hosted fairies, plants & animals – a magical vision, whether sipping hot cocoa from the sidelines or walking the 101. Thank you to Rose Kindergarten mom, Amy Ruecker, for leading the effort.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Fun in the Autumn Sun
Sanderling hosted it’s first annual Craft Fair on November 14th. With over 20 local artisans, petting zoo, kids craft area, puppet shows, live entertainment & organic food – it was a wonderful time for kids and shoppers alike!
All proceeds went to benefit the school - many kudos to coordinator, Lindsy Richards, & her team of helpers for an amazing job!
All proceeds went to benefit the school - many kudos to coordinator, Lindsy Richards, & her team of helpers for an amazing job!
Monday, November 9, 2009
My Lantern Shining Near & Far
The light from Spirit depths
Strives to ray outwards, sun-imbued;
Transformed to forceful will of life
It shines into the senses' dullness
To bring to birth the powers
Whereby creative forces, soul-impelled,
Shall ripen into human deeds.
-Rudolf Steiner
Our souls embrace the seasons - each shift awakens our senses to the earth’s breath. In autumn, we celebrate Martinmas, our lantern festival. We cherish Father Sun's last autumn rays, which we will carry within to guide & guard us in the cold, winter months ahead.
Our festival's namesake, St. Martin, was known for his generosity and ability to bring warmth and light to those in need. Hence, we celebrate with gifts of food, light and song.
Each class volunteers pots of soup, fresh breads & warm cider to be shared on the beach as the sun descends. When darkness falls, the children illuminate their hand-made lanterns, gathering on the sand as the waves crash in the distance.
Our children's lanterns protect their inner flames, shielding them from the dark winter nights. Let us celebrate the joy of giving and receiving & the beautiful light within each of us.
Strives to ray outwards, sun-imbued;
Transformed to forceful will of life
It shines into the senses' dullness
To bring to birth the powers
Whereby creative forces, soul-impelled,
Shall ripen into human deeds.
-Rudolf Steiner
Our souls embrace the seasons - each shift awakens our senses to the earth’s breath. In autumn, we celebrate Martinmas, our lantern festival. We cherish Father Sun's last autumn rays, which we will carry within to guide & guard us in the cold, winter months ahead.
Our festival's namesake, St. Martin, was known for his generosity and ability to bring warmth and light to those in need. Hence, we celebrate with gifts of food, light and song.
Each class volunteers pots of soup, fresh breads & warm cider to be shared on the beach as the sun descends. When darkness falls, the children illuminate their hand-made lanterns, gathering on the sand as the waves crash in the distance.
Our children's lanterns protect their inner flames, shielding them from the dark winter nights. Let us celebrate the joy of giving and receiving & the beautiful light within each of us.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
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 .
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 .
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, October 5, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Our Little Sunflowers
"There is a garden in every childhood,
an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer,
and the morning more fragrant than ever again." - Elizabeth Lawrence
On the first day of school each year, we hold a Flower Ceremony. As a rite of passage, the whole school joins together in welcoming the 1st graders, as they journey across the Rainbow Bridge to greet their new, 1st Grade teacher with a handshake and receive a flower from a 2nd Grader.
Ms. Melanie welcomed 11 new students this year into her mixed 1st/2nd Grade class. Settled under the shady canopy of a large tree in dappled morning light, the children listened to a fairy tale of strength and courage, concluding their journey with a walk through the “arches of love” into their classroom.
Behold the look of anticipation and excitement in their eyes....
an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer,
and the morning more fragrant than ever again." - Elizabeth Lawrence
On the first day of school each year, we hold a Flower Ceremony. As a rite of passage, the whole school joins together in welcoming the 1st graders, as they journey across the Rainbow Bridge to greet their new, 1st Grade teacher with a handshake and receive a flower from a 2nd Grader.
Ms. Melanie welcomed 11 new students this year into her mixed 1st/2nd Grade class. Settled under the shady canopy of a large tree in dappled morning light, the children listened to a fairy tale of strength and courage, concluding their journey with a walk through the “arches of love” into their classroom.
Behold the look of anticipation and excitement in their eyes....
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