Nature Table

A wonderful addition to any classroom is having a nature table.  A nature table is a nice way to create a space that can remind us of our connection to the natural world outside. 

The display can be as simple as a vase of seasonal flowers and a few pebbles and sticks gathered from outdoors, or it can be a more elaborate display that you add to as the season progresses.  

A child is invited to touch, explore, and experience.

This was our first table expressing the winter season here at Big White.

Nature Table

I changed up the nature table today.  You might say, "Nothing changed!" and I would say "you're right!" haha.  There isn't much changing here at Big White.  Spring is approaching but it is still snowing here!  I decreased the amount of snow on the table and completely eliminated the pine branches (pine needles were everywhere and quite deadly).  I did however add more moss, rocks, logs, and den-like features for the kids to play with or observe.  I was amazed at how the kids love to stare at the table and maybe move one animal to a new location.  They enjoy observing the table and the small movements rather than completely turning it upside down.

Nature Table

What is a nature table?

The important aspect is that the child is able to connect with the objects and the scene depicted on the table.  Generally, the scene will be related to the current season or holiday.  The nature table is often the focal point of a Waldorf classroom.  The table is meant to be played with.

I have always wanted to make a nature table for the kids to play with.  We live in a pretty amazing environment and the kids absolutely love where they live.  They are constantly making dens in the woods and pretending to be wolves.  I was surprised how many animals native to Big White I actually have.  I unfortunately don't have any wolves but we do have white-tail deer, bobcats, a brown bear, moose, and more.  I expect the kids to bring more things from outside to fill our nature table.  I know they will want to make a mini den for this table out of bark.  

I think to start felting!!!

Wax + Novel

I learned this amazing tool teaching at a Waldorf School.  The kids are given a little container of coloured wax.  They play with it quietly and listen to me reading a novel (currently it is Pippi Longstocking).  The kids love this time to play and create but listen way more intently to the novel as well.  

These creations were done in 15 minutes today.  This is the beeswax that I buy from the Waldorf site.  It is pricey but totally worth it!

PS: Pippi Longstocking is absolutely adorable.  The kids were telling me today that they tried to sleep like Pippi (she sleeps with her feet on the pillow and her head at the end of the bed).