In Waldorf, physical and imaginative play is a important part of being a young child. Academics, mental work, is discouraged, until the child is developmentally ready, around age 7. There is plenty of physical play here, but for Lela, imaginative play is really just starting to blossom. Laurel and Liv are following and learning as well, and benefit from having a big sister.
Our recent faery garden is a great example of their imaginative play - acorn caps become bowls, a shell is a lake, and tiny bits of mulch outline a path to the dance area. Sunday afternoon, after our yet-to-be-blogged-about adventures to Latta Nature Preserve, the girls rearranged and redecorated their faery garden. Offerings of three blueberries, a baby corn and a tiny tomato from our garden were left in a Pop bowl for the faeries.
In gratitude, Mike and I once more slipped on our faery wings to create gifts of appreciation. Over our faery nectar, we created each girl a watercolor picture with their name. Mike hung them out in the garden on Monday morning.
Happily he got to see the girls find them before leaving for work. The pictures are now hanging in their play room. We had fun creating them and engaging our creative, imaginative aspects as well.
One of my favorite parts of the faery play is that a new family tradition seems to be starting. Family traditions are something we've been talking about and seeking to create. I also love how faeries have danced their way into our everyday lives - a piece of trash is picked up, a flower touched kindly - because they are alive and well in our minds and spirits.
They have given a special gift to the girls - for the first time since we have lived here, tiny toads are to be found. Thank you Faeries!
