3.22.2013

Our Puppet Show & Storytelling Discussion with Patricia Rubano




We were very fortunate to have Patricia Rubano visit Sandy Hill to preform a puppet show and lead a discussion for parents. Using simple felted creatures as characters and silk scarves to set the scene she demonstrated we all have a host of characters at our fingertips. Little buzzing bees hung from a twig & danced over the blue silk rivers. Felt flower children woke up & put on their petal hats for the evocation of spring! The earth mother, made from a little fabric, felt and an old sweater shrink to fit, orchestrated the performance. So very sweet and very simple.

After the show we discussed Storytelling and its role in our lives and how we tell stories to our children.
We discussed how the stories we tell are integral to the mind's growth and have the power to heal, teach and make sense of the world for the thinking and feeling child.

Please enjoy the supplemental readings & links provided by Patricia:

1. The genius of a Natural Childhood by Sally Goddard Blythe
2. How to create stories for children who are having fears and nightmares by Nancy Mellon
3. From a lecture by Joseph Chilton Pearce summarized by Carol-Jean Swanson

4. "Storytelling conveys language and story plot structure, which enhances reading comprehension. "Poor readers of every age have difficulty connecting between what they read and what they already know. Telling a story provides a road map of information, ideas and characters to the listener and when coupled with a discussion of the story, the student learns that the purpose of reading is to acquire information and insight." The oral story holds the attention of the listener and this process of focusing a group's attention spills over into other educational activities enhancing social skills and confidence. (US Dept Education, 1988;ERIC, 1988; NCTE, 2008) pg. 32 of Aric Sigman's Practically minded

5. 5. The Poetry and Meaning of Fairy Tales by Rudolf Steiner


6. From Childhood and the growing Soul by Caroline von Hydebrand:



The Health Giving Effect of True Imagination
Ursula Grahl (Shared with us by Connie Manson)

Abstract thoughts by themselves have no strength, but every abstract concept can be turned into a picture. When we behold a picture, our feeling too is engaged—and if the picture is a true one, it has a harmonizing influence on the body—it makes us well. When we merely turn our gaze inward and ponder over our troubles and difficulties, these tend to grow insurmountable, and we become more and more entangled in them. But when we behold them reflected in outward pictures and can look at them objectively, then we can inwardly free ourselves from them and find strength to overcome them. Indeed, there are few difficulties with which man is faced, but there are fairy stories which offer a
healing remedy.
Fairy tales bestow upon us another precious gift—and that is the unshakable faith in the power of metamorphosis. Nothing is so hopelessly bewitched, wither in fairy tale or in human life, but that somewhere there is a healing magic that can release it.

5.15.2012

Recipe for a happy childhood with Annabeth Hinderling


If you have met Annabeth Hinderling you know she oozes love & plays it on the piano.
She is our wonderful music & movement teacher. With yoga, dance, funky instruments and sometimes dirt, she gently urges our children to explore with their bodies and voices. I feel so fortunate my children know her. I am always so happy to volunteer on days she is teaching. I asked her for her recipe for a happy childhood. Here is her response:

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY CHILDHOOD:
Ingredients
books  
  *alot of them
  *have them in every room in baskets, even in the bathroom
  *take many moments through out the day to stop let your child sit on your lap  and read a book together.
  * talk about what you see in the book... colors... what does it remind you of... 
  *engage in conversation
  *sing the story... watch for the rhythms in the story..
  *Look for stories with meaning and those that are age appropriate.  Enjoy the content and the wonders  of children's stories along with your child.
* Find books that have humor ..laugh and giggle alot together.
It is bonding!
* There are classics like Eric Carle....Richard Scarry..Good Night Moon and  an endless amount more. Magazines with pictures are also delightful.
* Visit the   library   often  and  browse through book stores. Exchange books with other family. 
And remember.. You cannot open a book without learning something.
music
* All  genres from classical to jazz,  rock and roll and of course children's songs.
*Sing with your children...Sing  songs you sang as a child....It is always clear when a song is fun. When a melody stays with us it is a fun tune. 
*Create sounds and rhythms together. STOP and listen to the sounds in nature that is such pure music.
*Along with all the music, dance a lot with your children. 
and remember: Singing and Dancing are the ancient expression of JOY 
toys
* wooden blocks, magnets, scarf, dress up clothes, water, dirt, recycle material, paint, clay, home made play dough, paper, space, nature,leaves, sticks, stones, shells,  the park , the beach,FRIENDS,FAMILY  and a safe calm joyful surrounding. 
remember: A toy does not have to be found only in a toy store.
misc.equipment
Slides, swings, bikes, parks, space, hiding spots are all wonderful.  But most important is that a child is surrounded by love and joy and feels safe. And remember: There is no equipment that can replace inner safety, trust or peace.
Special Instructions:
As a parent take good care of your self. Rest enough so you can enjoy your child. Play, Sing, Dance and giggle a lot. Children grow so fast and then the time you shared together will be a memories. CREATE MEMORIES...Golden ones
And remember: We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. Native American Wisdom  
side note from Annabeth...
I just recently came to the conclusion that the wrinkles on my faces have all been  created by  all the smiles children  have shared with me. That  must be why they are called "Story Lines." Welcome them.
Try to be on the same page as parents. Discuss differences together and not in front of the children unless it has to do with team work or decision making including the children.Lastly stop and listen to your children. Don't rush through the day.  Learn from the crow in the  picture (below) and for this do not obey the sign.:) 

Reflect at the end of your day and make sure you did everything on your part to make it a special one not only for your child but also for YOU!

Thank you Annabeth for what you do and who you are! You are so generous!

3.30.2012

9.20.2011

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