Zittle's Farm Pumkin Patch Field Trip...

Just wanted to drop a note to let you know that this Wednesday October 13th is our annual pumpkin patch field trip!  Our groups tour starts at 9:30 sharp.  You can meet us there...or walk with us at 9am from our home.  The children will visit farm animals...take a hay ride...walk through corn stalks...and get a pumpkin!

Parents and siblings are welcome to come.

The cost is $6.00 cash per child (parents may also have to pay admission depending on number of parents present).

See you then!

New Preschool Year!!

We are so excited!  This year will be magical!

Here are a few things we're especially excited about...

Today the children and I started working on our new and improved "Nature Hut".  This one is taller and has more room to roam than it's predecessor.  Come the cold and rainy season it will be a wonderful place to huddle and get warm together...and even get out of the rain.  One of the children today suggested that we should drink hot chocolate with marshmallows in the hut!  Yum!  Well...maybe for a REALLY special occasion...but more likely we'll just have some herbal tea!

We have some baby chicks on their way from Murray McMurray hatchery!!  (As seen above in all their cute glory!)  The children love to watch them grow...and of course name them.  And collecting their white...brown...and even greenish blue eggs never get's old!

We also have plans for some special new things to do throughout the year.  Special outings...new activities...some more fun seasonal baked goods...and just more imaginative fun!

Of course the year will be filled as always with all kinds of songs and rhymes...games...puppet plays...and fairy enchantment!  We can't wait!

Girls Entering Puberty Younger and Younger...

Recently I have seen a few articles that speak of how girls as young as 7 years old are entering puberty.  I'm sure that all conscientious parents would want to delay their child's entering puberty as long as possible so as to avoid their child having to deal with the emotional and physical challenges that accompany it.  But not only that...early puberty is being linked to increased chances of breast cancer.

I bring this to your attention...so you can keep your eyes out for those things that are speculated to trigger the early development...and to keep your child away from them!

So what is causing this?  Most of the articles have "experts" saying something similar to the following...

"He speculates that its primary driver may be overweight and obesity, because estrogen is sequestered in fat tissue.  But environmental exposures to chemicals - including pesticides and endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A, commonly found in plastics, and phthalates, which are contained in many personal-care products - could also play a role."

Many in the Waldorf community already believe that those things are poor for your health...and have adjusted their lifestyles.  Using metals and glasses instead of plastics.  Avoiding growth hormones in foods and other pesticides and herbicides by eating organic.  Watching the things that come into our bodies by eating and even what we absorb through our skin.

Here is some good advice...

"Until we know what the cause is, the best way to slow puberty may be to “start living green,” says Biro. “It may help for families eat together and to consume well-balanced diets. Regular physical activity may help, too.”

Floating Swimsuits...

It's summertime again...and time for swimming!

Just wanted to give you a recommendation if you are need of finding a way for your non-swimming child to stay buoyant this season. We are big fans of the "floating body suits". Here is why we like them...

1. They offer decent sun protection.
2. The floats are on the chest...not the arms...which allows the child full range of motion with their arms. It seems this helps them to learn to swim on their own faster.
3. If the child still feels they need more to keep them up...they can still fit a floating ring around their bellies.
4. They are comfortable for the child.
5. They look cool!

They make them for boys and girls...and are available most everywhere swimsuits are sold.

Imperfect Landscaping Good for Kids!...

Ahhh....the smell of cut grass is in the air! For many of us...that means at least a portion of our weekend plans are going to be out in the yard...tending. Now...in my pre-organic days...I used to purchase all of the potions that were designed to kill everything but the grass...but now...my perspective has changed. Now because I have youth playing in the yard...I don't care to have those sprays on the lawn for fear of poisoning them...but in addition to that...I like having the variety of "weeds" that grow in the lawn to be a part of their outdoors experience.

This of course defies the culturally ingrained belief that only a mono-cultured grass can be a thing of beauty! And...I don't deny that it is a beautiful thing. I just feel that there is also beauty and value to be found with some dandelions poking up here and there ready to be blowing into the wind or some white clover flowers begging to become ingredients in their "soup" that the children make daily. To me...it is one step closer to getting the children a to a true "nature" experience. Less altered by man's hand to become perhaps too unnatural.

I also like for the children to see how the native plants develop and flower. Many of them are more beautiful in my eyes that the plants I'd have to pay for and nurture to keep alive!

Now...I know about social pressures. I know about the struggle to keep good home values by keeping homes looking nice. Lawns can be a sore spot for neighbors who don't like seeing weeds. Perhaps what most people could stand to do as a compromise is to strive to keep their front lawn manicured and green...but the backyard a little unkempt for the children to play.

I am not advocating never cutting lawns or letting things get out of control. When the lawn get's too long...it can actually be an impediment to some forms of play as they can't run through it effectively...or kick a ball through it. When I do my lawn duties...I mow everything...but leave some weeds here and there to grow. It still can look pretty sharp...and allow the children a slice of the "wild".

Just some food for thought to make your own homes a bit more Waldorf!

Melty Crayons and Scratch Paper...

On rainy days like today...we often do "melty crayons". Two trays are plugged in...and they get just warm enough to make crayons melt when placed on the tray. It's like painting with crayons! The kids love it and never seem to tire of it. It also serves to warm up rainy day cold hands.

They are often to be found at your local thrift store...as they were really popular a few decades ago. They look like the one in the photo above...only without the soup!

Or...they can be purchased at places like Amazon for like $50 or more! (I say look at a thrift store!)



When the kids really start getting into their art...it doesn't take them long to go through a good amount of paper. Instead of giving them brand new paper for the 5 masterpieces they might do in one sitting...we prefer to give them recycled..."Scratch" paper.

As a request...if you think to...will you please save your paper that could be used as scratch paper? It can be any size...any color...it just needs one blank side. Just make sure that it doesn't have any sensitive information on it!

You may find that your contribution comes back to you like a boomerang...only with priceless art on it...and a meaningful and often lengthy conversation about it's meaning! Wonderful!

The Childcare Industry Struggles...

Here is an article from a recent edition of the Sacramento Bee about the state of the childcare industry in our region. While it is not our intent to close our doors anytime soon...I thought it would be good for you to see how this business (like many other industries) can be a fragile one...and what is taking place in our area. When the parents lose their jobs...move...etc...childcares take a hit in their income as well. If it is substantial enough of a hit...and the childcare is unable to keep up with expenses...they ultimately close down. While we have lost some families to losing employment...under employment...and other reasons...we have continued to increase our enrollment with the word of mouth from happy parents.

We hope that you will continue to spread the good word!...and thank you for doing so in the past.

Snack Time Opening...

Here is a video of our current opening to our snack and lunch...



The words go as follows...

"Fire fairies...little flame so warm and bright...give to us your golden light"
"Hands together...hands apart...hands together we're ready to start"
"We thank the Creator for the harvest of the earth...we thank the earth for it's food...we thank the food for it's gift of life...to the one who prepared it...we give our gratitude".

Tortilla Day!!

If you didn't know already...Thursday is tortilla day!  A day loved by all of the children...and adults!  We are often asked for the recipe and about the process...so here it is!

Ingredients

1.5 cups unbleached flour

1.5 cups wheat flour (I’ve used millet flour and bean flour…be creative!
2 tsp. baking powder (preferably non-aluminum)
1 tsp. salt
4-6 Tbsp butter

1 1/4 cups warm water

I also throw in some flax seed and/or flax oil

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Add butter. I squish it together with my hands.

Next add warm water a little at a time until your dough is soft and not sticky. You do not need very hot water.

Knead the dough for a few minutes.

Now you will pull off pieces of dough to form about 12 small balls. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes, longer if you like.

This is a good time to heat up the cast iron skillet.  You will want to set it at medium to high heat.  The higher it is...the closer you need to stay to make sure they don't burn!

Now you can roll out the dough with your rolling pin. It is a good
idea to dust each ball with a little flour just before you roll them out. Lay the pin in the center of the dough ball and roll up, center and roll down. It is good to lift the dough and turn it. Again, rolling pin in the center and roll. Roll them out thin and roundish.

Lay your tortilla on the hot and dry cast iron skillet. We don't use any oil on the skillet...as we find that it smokes. Flip it after it loses it's "wet" look.  I flip it with my fingers...but you could use a spatula if you are afraid!  When it comes off we put it on a plate...quickly run a stick of butter over it and serve them hot.  We eat often eat them with beans...cheese...rice...and salsa...but they are great just on their own too.  Enjoy!

Seeds of Change...

It's planting time again!  We are very excited about our garden this year.  Each time we learn more about how to make things work better.  We planted some "Dills Atlantic Giant Pumpkins" that should produce some mammoth sized pumpkins.  We have also planted some flats of tomatoes (that you are welcome to take home once they are transplanted by the children and I)...flowers...and plenty of other plant treats!

If you are looking to purchase seed for gardening...I wanted to let you know about "Seeds of Change".  That is where most of our seed comes from.  They have a donation program each year that we participate in where we can purchase a small box of last years seed for a minimal shipping fee...because we have a school.  They have really helped us out to be able to plant more than we would without their generosity.

They offer organic...open-pollenated seed at great prices.  I love to just sit and drool over all of the wonderful plants they offer in their seed catalog!  They offer friendly support...and will answer any questions you have.  A great place to purchase your seed.

Better Sun Hats...

Suddenly...the sun is in the sky.  Time to put away our beanies and pull out our brimmed sun hats!  Over the years that we have done preschool...I have seen lot's of sun hats on children.  

Some hats that are too small and give them headaches or easily fall off.  

I've seen hats that are so big that they constantly impede the child's play by falling in their eyes...or fall off every time they bend over.  

Hats that are so thick that the child pleads with me that they can take it off as sweat streams down their face.  

Hats with tiny brims that don't actually protect them from the sun...or protect just one side like a baseball cap.

And of course good hats too!

Here is what to look for in a hat...

1. A large brim.

2.  Lightweight material.

3.  A good fit.  It's nice to find one that is adjustable to fit properly.

If I were to choose one hat for all of the children to wear...it would be something like this one.  It's mesh sides breathe well...it stays on and even has a strap that can ensure it does...offers great sun protection with it's large brim and flap back...and offers great peripheral vision!  A PERFECT HAT!!  You might consider such a hat for your child this season...:)

5 Little Ducks...

One thing that you will find as you learn childrens songs...is that there are many...many...many different versions!  In the Waldorf world...many of the songs that are sung aren't actually written down...they are just passed down orally from teacher to teacher.  It is interesting to go for training and learn how many ways ONE song is done by different teachers...with different movements...tunes...and words.

Right now as a part of our circle we are doing the children's classic "5 Little Ducks".  

Our lyrics go like this...

"5 little ducks went out one day...over the hills and far away

Mother duck called quack...quack...quack...quack...

and 4 little ducks came running back..."

Then it counts down to zero and we say...

"1 little duck went out one day...over the hills and far away

Mother duck called quack...quack...quack...quack...

and no little ducks came running back..."

"Then the father duck called...

(in a deep voice)

"QUACK QUACK QUACK!!"

(we clap our hands)

"and all 5 ducks came running back.

We do two versions of our movements.  One where we are sitting and doing hand motions...and one where the children run away...and then run back.  They LOVE it!!

Here is a video on youtube that is probably the closest to our version.  Interestingly enough it is the Wiggles!  Very mainstream and not real Waldorf!

Johnny Appleseed...

While the story of the John Chapman has largely been romanticized...I love the idea of a man who traveled...planting food for others to enjoy.  His is a story that speaks to a philanthropy that is not merely giving money...but giving time and effort to seek the good of mankind...even if you may never see the fruits of your labors.

The children quickly identify with this character.  They carefully collect the seeds out of whatever fruit we are eating...and exclaim "I'm going to grow a fruit tree!"  They tuck their seeds in their pockets...and then find the perfect spot to plant them.  (Generally right in a pathway!)

As a part of our circle this month...we are singing the "Johnny Appleseed Song".  It is a traditional song in the US.  It has long been used as a table grace.

These are the lyrics...


Oh, the Lord's been good to me.
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need:
The sun, the rain and the appleseed;
Oh, the Lord's been good to me.


Oh, and every seed I sow
Will grow into a tree.
And someday there'll be apples there
For everyone in the world to share. 

Oh, the Lord is good to me.
Oh, here I am 'neath the blue, blue sky
Doing as I please.
Singing with my feathered friends
Humming with the bees.


I wake up every day,
As happy as can be,
Because I know that with His care
My apple trees, they will still be there.
The Lord's been good to me.

Here is a video with the tune...but with different lyrics.

I have thought of him when I see old apple tree's growing out on untended land...and wonder if he had anything to do with it!  Perhaps your children will too!

Story Time...

During freeplay today a child decided that it was time for "Story Time". With the help of two other girls her landscape was set. The puppeteers announced to the other children that the show was about to start. They quickly stopped what they were doing and sat down quietly to get ready for a story.

She sat down a glockenspiel...perfectly dinged out each note (the same as her teacher)...and then recited the entire opening sequence that her teacher does during storytime (I was too late to record it). Here is the text...

Quiet as a butterflies wings

Quiet as a snowflake falling

Quiet as the light of a butterfly

Quiet as a seed beginning to grow

(Sung) Quiet...quiet...make not any noise.

Listen...listen...to the holy voice.

Wonder is now coming near...as we still ourselves to hear

Quiet...quiet...make not any noise.

She then embarked on a story that went on for some 25 minutes!! The audience...mostly age 3...sat perfectly still and listened until she was done! The story was serious...had adventure...and lots and lots of humor.

I hope that everyone can grasp how remarkable this "Story Time" is that happens on a regular basis at our home. I think it is a blaring example of how Waldorf education excels. This was not instigated by the adults in any way. We did not preach to them about how they should do a puppet play...what the story should be about...or that they should sit still. We simply do our best to repeatedly model good behavior...and they follow because they want to.

They are learning that there is a time to play...a time to work...and a time to be still and concentrate...Wonderful!