I visited a Waldorf-inspired preschool last week. I was amazed at all the little songs they sing to them to do "transitions" between activities. And they say in a sing-song way, "Ka-tie," rather than calling their name.

I've read You Are Your Child's First Teacher, Seven Times the Sun (which does have a few songs in it), and a few other Waldorf-y books but I don't remember seeing specifics on this in there.

Anyone know where I can find a resource that has specific suggestions or song lyrics & music for Waldorf teachers? It really fascinated me and I would like to incorporate these kinds of transitions and this "indirect" method of influencing behavior into our days at home.

Thanks in advance!

I don't know-but I am very interested, too. Linda

I've found lots of sources (lots of verse/song books and websites) but A) I can't read music and B) I can't memorize all the words! I'd have to carry crib notes all the time in my pocket, lol! I guess that's what I'll have to do. I have a great waldorf homeschoolers site in mind, but can't remember the addy right off hand. She has lots of verses, rhymes and songs on her site. I'll edit this post with the addy. www.waldorfhomeschoolers.com

Bethany

Thanks, Bethany, that site is fantastic! I had been to it several years ago when it was a small collection of articles and called W.I.S.H. I'm happy to see that Kytka's work has grown into such a beautiful place!

There are lots of verses...I don't see music. I'm going to try to find some.

Katie's favorite wake-up verse is from a book of poems by Jack Prelutsky called Read-Aloud Rhymes For The Very Young. It goes:

I wake in the morning, early
and always the very first thing
I poke out my head
and I sit up in bed
and I sing and I sing and I sing!

Besides Seven times the Sun, we also have the Wee Sing books, lots of songs in those. Also how about the Mary Thienes-Schunemann books and cds from the Naturally you can Sing collection? Kytka recommends a waldorf homeschooling book that is out of print, but perhaps you can find it at amazon. Can't remember the title of that either. LOL, how will I ever memorize the songs and verses? Anyway, that book is on a list at her site, and also on her list at amazon.com under waldorf recommendations.

A Child's Seasonal Treasury by Betty Jones is one of my favorites for verses, songs, fingerplays, and circle time activities. I use it daily.

It has things for each season, some holidays, birthdays... and for daily things like morning time, clean up, meals, handwork, cooking and baking, hello and goodbye verses, and bedtime. There are a few crafts and recipes thrown in as well.

It is definitely a "must have" imo! :)