Rhythm
Everything in and around us has a rhythm – our heartbeat, the moon, the life cycles of a plant, the tides, a day in the life of a bumble bee. Rhythm in early childhood plays an essential role in the emerging development of the child by supporting a child's natural rhythms and promoting their overall well-being. It provides predictability and security which wraps a child in a sense of trust in their place, space, time and the community that encompasses them. This trust allows a child to feel relaxed and confident, allowing a child to do what a child is developmentally destined to do: play and grow. A child's free play is the optional environment for growth and learning on all levels: physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. When that play happens in nature, well ... that just makes everything more rich and nourishing!
At Sweetgrass Preschool, rhythm is the breathing in and breathing out of our day - taking in activity and letting out in rest. Looking inwards, looking outwards: finding understanding in ourselves and finding understanding in others. Nourishing our inner life and nourishing our outer life: being nourished by the seasonal rituals that guide our days, months and year; finding connection by taking part in community work and celebrations.
Children understand and gain trust in their day at Sweetgrass by the rhythm we hold each day, which is never changing and ever constant. Here's a peak!
Monday
Purposeful Work: Flour Milling Day
Nourishment: Apple Muffin (Autumn & late Spring) or Porridge (Winter & early Spring)
Activity: Nature Walk with Circle Time in the woods
Tuesday
Purposeful Work: Chip-Chopping fruit or veggies; Baking Day
Nourishment: Buns with Fruit Salad (Autumn & late Spring) or Soup (Winter & early Spring).
Activity: Story Day
Children bring a favorite piece of fruit or vegetable to share at our communal mealtime.
The flour the children and teachers mill on Monday's is used for Tuesday's baking day when the "Bake Shop" opens and the children enjoy the satisfying tactile task of rolling buns which are baked that day to accompany our lunch.
Wednesday
Purposeful Work: Woodworking Day
Nourishment: Rice Day
Activity: Nature Walk with Circle Time in the woods
Children take part in making our beloved toys: such as blocks, hobby horses, or stilts.
Thursday
Purposeful Work: Tidying Day
Nourishment: Egg Muffin Cups
Activity: Drawing and Music Day
