This is an invitation to slow down and be with your children and be out in nature.
What else can be more important today?
お外遊びプレイグループ「マザーグース」
自然の中で英語の歌やゲームを楽しみながら、ゆったりとした時間を過ごしましょう。
Fall Session 2023
Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:30 am
October 5, 12, 19, 26
November 2, 9, 16, 30
December 7, 14, 21
First class is free! You can start any day while space permits.
Where
Purchase Friends Meetinghouse
4455 Purchase St, Purchase, NY 10577
(Corner of Purchase and Lake Streets. This address may show up in your GPS to be in West Harrison, NY 10604
Directions: https://purchasemeeting.org/directions/
Registration
Register here and get your first class free! Thereafter, tuition is $30 per class per family with up to 2 children. Cash, check, Venmo accepted.
Rhythm of the morning
10:00 Gather for free play
10:30 Circle time
10:45 Nature exploration
11:00 Snack
11:20 Puppet play & goodbye song
What to bring
A change of clothes—A complete set including socks, diapers or underwear.
Rain gear—Please see below, "Dressing for outside play"
What to leave behind
Mobile phones and devices— Please keep your devices out of sight during the class. It is our time together and we will be unplugged for a purpose! We will set a time for pictures occasionally for your cameras and cell phones to come out to capture good moments.
Toys, food and drinks from home—It is difficult for children to share at this age, especially something from your home. Please save their toys and snacks from home for before and after the class. It is best that they stay in your car, if not home, rather than being carried in your pocket or bag. You can say something like "It is time to go to the class and your doll will be waiting right here until we come back."
Dressing for outside play
Outside play is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn and grow, all through the seasons. With proper clothing, there is no bad weather! Free from distractions of getting dirty, cold or wet, children can fully engage in play and experience the elements of nature. Please dress your child warm and in layers, so that we can adjust according to the condition of the day. I recommend rain pants even on sunny days, since the children like to sit on the ground, which is often moist from morning dew. If it rains, they’ll be ready to go right into the puddles.
This is the kind of rain pants that I highly recommend, which can be worn almost all year around. They are adjustable and durable to last a while, then to be handed down to multiple children. (Be aware, this brand runs large.) Rain boots or other waterproof footwear are also very important.
Please dress yourself warm too. Many parents forget about themselves! It won't help the children to have fun, when the adults are feeling cold and miserable...
Rhythm and repetition
Rhythm is the best friend in parenting. When children are held by a strong rhythm, they feel safe and confident to be active participants, rather than passive recipients of our care. Every week, we repeat the same routine, accompanied by the same songs in a set order. Soon the children will learn the songs and start to anticipate what's happening next. This is deeply satisfying to young children. They will be willing to do the same at home. Please take advantage! Many parents have reported that their tidying up or dressing time at home got easier by incorporating the flow of our class.
Communications
Please contact me with any questions. The best way to reach me is via email, lightwithin@icloud.com. You know your child best, and I always appreciate hearing from you and getting to know your child better.
Hiromi Niwa
Birth to Three Specialist, Waldorf Certified Early Childhood Teacher