Perchance to Dream: Some Thoughts About Sleep From Parent-Child Teacher, Audrey McGlashan
The other day in Parent-Child class some wonderful conversations were taking place around the table.
I was particularly aware of a conversation about sleep. With the recent time
change and the various effects of our daily lives-- especially if there
are children in the house-- this was very pertinent. It seemed to me the parents around that table
were giving each other very good advice and helpful tips.
I, too, have been thinking about sleep, and the parents' conversation reminded
of an article I saw not too long ago about the cultural history of sleep in which I read about "
first" and "second" sleep. First sleep, it seems, was a very deep sleep.
After a few hours of first sleep everyone would get up and potter around doing
various tasks by candle- or moonlight and then go back to bed. Apparently,
this practice died out during the late 17th century, starting with the upper
classes and filtering down, over the next 200 years to the rest of us. Charles
Dickens mentions first sleep in some of his writings, for example.
So, it is only these days that we are so concerned that we are not having
continuous sleep every night.
There is also the value of naps to consider. Some cultures, even today, build them
into their daily rhythms--siestas, for example. Some businesses in this
country are also allowing time for "power naps" as a way to keep their work
force more productive.
For children, sleep is especially important, as they are building their bodies
and brains through sleep for their future life. You, as parents, are probably
feeling sleep-deprived sometimes if not always. And, there seems to be a lot to worry
about being awake in the night.
I have heard it said that we shouldn't worry if we can't get to sleep, rather we should consider
what's good about the moment, e.g., you are lying down and warm in bed. We might count our blessings
rather than let worry creep in. This is, of course, easier said than done! But,
eat a banana or drink warm herb tea with honey and remember your
ancestors who may have been chopping wood or visiting their neighbors for
a chat in the middle of the night.
For further reading, here is an article by a Anthroposophical doctor about
sleep as a healer. And,
here is a link to Helle Heckman speaking about sleep. Heckman is a Waldorf early childhood master teacher.
-- Audrey McGlashan, Parent-Child Teacher
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Parent-Child Class: New 6-Week Session Begins Dec. 3
If you would like to sign up for the next 6-week session of Parent-Child classes, now is the time! Classes will begin
on Tuesday, December 4. There will be sessions on December 11 and 18 after which we'll take a break for the holidays and follow on with three
more sessions. During the sessions, parents will do some wet and dry felting and make
some angels for home and school.
Our Parent-Child classes are a gentle and nurturing program for children 18 months to three years old with an accompanying caregiver, led by experienced Waldorf educator, Audrey McGlashan. During the morning, children engage in creative play with simple, natural toys that stimulate their imagination, while parents may work on a craft project provided by the teacher, help with snack preparation, or discuss aspects of parenting or child development.
The flow of activities each week is the same, so that even the youngest children observe the weekly rhythms and begin to participate as part of the larger group.
The Parent-Child program is a wonderful social opportunity that nurtures the whole family and provides a bridge from home to school. When ready (at age three), young children may transition to the mixed-age
Early Childhood
classroom.
-- Jody Spanglet, School Director
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Ashwood Continues to Enroll New Students
Please join me in warmly welcoming three new students to the grade school who enrolled after the first day of school in September: Kai Young in the fifth grade, Frances Beynart in second grade, and Rosalie Murphy in the fourth grade. We are so happy that each of these students and families are now part of the Ashwood community. If you would like a sticker with contact information for each of these families to add to your directory, please stop by the school office.
-- Jody Spanglet, School Director
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Immunization Policy
Waldorf Schools around the world have focused on educating the whole child for nearly 100 years. With over 1,000 schools across 93 countries, we have a unique and broad view of childhood development and education. Across our 146 schools in the United States, we see a broad range of successful, healthy, well-adjusted students graduate and become productive members of society, their community, and their families. This is the Waldorf legacy.
Part of that legacy has to do with a strong partnership with parents--one that encourages them to be well informed and to make thoughtful decisions about their children's education and school environment. As part of that, we encourage parents to consult their physicians to determine the best course of action relative to immunizations. We respect parents' decisions regarding immunization and health. While we follow the Maine Statute on immunizations to the letter, we do leave the ultimate decision about immunizations to the parents. We do strictly enforce a stay-at-home policy for children who are sick.
--from The Parent Handbook
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Correction
When listing the Ashwood alumni participating in the recent production of
Anything Goes at CHRHS, we neglected to mention a very important person! We are proud to add that Jasper Berryman Moore '17 was the Head Carpenter for the production. In addition, he appeared on stage in a cameo role as a swabby. Yay, Jasper! Yay, all of the Ashwood alumni who made the production such a fabulous experience for the audience. We can't wait until next year.
--Laura Purdom, Director of Marketing & Outeach
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Children's Winter Spiral of Light
On Wednesday, December 5, during the school day,
children in the grade school
will walk the
Winter Spiral of Light,
continuing a longtime tradition in Waldorf schools around the world.
Early-childhood students will walk at 3:30 p.m.
in the Buttercup Room. EC parents are invited to attend and are asked to
arrive no later than 3:20.
For your children's safety, it's important that they wear well-fitted shoes, have long hair tied back, and avoid flowing skirts or loose sleeves.
Adult and Alumni Winter Spiral
Adults and alumni
are invited to walk the Winter Spiral on Wednesday, December 5 at
4:30 p.m
. in the early-childhood building. If you are planning to attend, please arrive by 4:20 p.m. It's important to
RSVP so we can make sure to have enough candles for everyone.
The evening walk is only for adults and high-school-aged teens.
-- Laura Purdom, Director of Marketing & Outreach
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Evergreen Boughs Needed
We would appreciate donations of evergreen boughs to form the Winter Spiral.
If each of our students brings a bough, we'll have what we need! Please deliver boughs under the eaves in front of the early-childhood building anytime on Monday, December 3 or on Tuesday, December 4, no later than 3:30 p.m.
Questions?
--Laura Purdom, Director of Marketing & Outreach
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The Shepherds Play
On Wednesday, December 19 at 9:30 a.m., the faculty will present the Oberufer Shepherds Play. The play is a medieval pageant telling the Christmas story and is intended as a gift from the faculty to the children. Parents are warmly invited to attend; however,
seating is quite limited. If you wish to attend, please pick up a ticket (no charge!) in the office.
Questions?
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Winter Revels: Joy!
Wednesday, December 19 at 4:00 p.m.
It's the winter event you've all been waiting for! Ashwood students will romp the stage for a brief and energetic program of hilarious sketches, inspiring poetry, and music and dance from around the world-- plus, a special guest appearance by the Penobscot Bay Ringers handbell choir!
Our theme this year is JOY!, so come revel merrily with us! Featuring: "The Mummers Play", old English sword dancing, Klezmer song and dance, the poetry of Alfred Lord Tennyson, as well as vocal and instrumental music from the Danish String Quartet, the Irish singer-songwriter Enya, and more.
This annual performance is modeled on the traditional, seasonal Revels performances that originated in the Boston area. Family fun for all. Free and open to the public.
It's a great way to celebrate the holidays together and
to say a warm farewell to friends before
before we part for winter break.
Invite your friends!
In marking your calendar, please note that, this year, Winter Revels will be on a
Wednesday
. See you there!
-- Laura Purdom, Director of Marketing & Outreach
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Ashwood Parent Community (APC) News
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APC Winter Warmer Party - Tomorrow!
Join us for a gathering at the home of Jessica and Adam Wheeler, 16 Victoria Road in Camden. All parents, staff, and board are cordially invited to bring an hors d'oeuvre and drink to share, Thursday, November 29, 5-7 p.m. We hope to see you there!
Please note the date change!
--Ashwood Parent Community
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Next Ashwood Parent Community Meeting
The Ashwood Parent Community (APC) will meet Monday, December 3, 8:30-10:00 a.m. in the Buttercup Room of the early-childhood building. Please join us for conversation, event planning, and more!
The Ashwood Parent Community
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APC Minutes
Click
here for the APC November meeting minutes.
Questions?
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Order Your School Photos by Friday, November 30
Doug Mott, school parent and our fabulous school photographer, has posted school photos
online
for you to view.
Deadline for orders is
Friday, November 30
; Doug will deliver prints the week of
December 15.
Please email
Doug Mott if you have any questions.
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The Leaflet Shows Us a Strong and Vibrant School
What a delight to receive
The Leaflet every second week. I am always looking forward to reading it and learning about the latest at Ashwood. It helps me stay connected and journey with the faculty and the children through the seasons. Reading the parents' appreciation and reports and getting glimpses of the children's work, I feel ever so proud and grateful to be part of this community, the school, and Waldorf Education. I have marked my calendar of events I hope to attend in November and December.
Truly,
The Leaflet with the stories, art work, poetry and clever selections of photographs gives testimony of a strong and vibrant school and the rich and diverse curriculum it offers. I appreciate the creative ideas and layout of this newsletter; it is invaluable as a tool for outreach. The idea of The Last Word is priceless, particularly the one with the hedgehog. Hedgehogs are mascots for many people in Germany, so I am partial to this animal.
Thank you for this wonderful gift that brings much joy to me and others!
-- Ursula Leonore, Ashwood faculty alumna
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Extra Magical All Hallows'
I've been meaning to tell you that I thought the walk was extra magical and wonderful this year. I was truly blown away by how well orchestrated it was, the details of each scene including the acting, costumes, etc. It flowed very well, and I was so happy that I went. A big thanks to you and everyone that participated.
-- Keri Kaczor, Ashwood parent
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Do you have a story to tell about Ashwood? A review of a book or an event? A reflection on Waldorf education? Photos you've taken?
A question about The Leaflet? Send us an email! We would love to hear from you. The next Leaflet will be published on Wednesday, December 12. Deadline for submissions is MONDAY, December 10, at 9:00 a.m.
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Thursday, November 29
APC Winter Warmer Party
5-7 p.m., see APC News for location
Friday, November 30
Friday Assembly: Class 4-5 Animal Diorama Open House
8:40-9:00 a.m.
, Community Room
Monday, December 3
APC Meeting
8:30-10:00 a.m., Buttercup Room, EC
Wednesday, December 5
Grade School Winter Spiral of Light
In school event
EC Winter Spiral of Light
3:30 p.m.
EC Building
Adult & Alumni Winter Spiral of Light
4:30 p.m.,
EC Building
Friday, December 7
APC Coffee & Tea
8:15-8:40 a.m.
Friday Assembly: 4-5 & 6-7 Choruses
8:40-9:00 p.m.
, Community Room
Friday, December 14
All School Games - no assembly
Wednesday, December 19
Shepherds Play
9:30-10:30 a.m., Community Room
Winter Revels
4:00-5:00 p.m.,
Camden Opera House
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Concert and Winter Celebration
On Saturday, December 8, 4:30 p.m., at the Broad Bay Church in downtown Waldoboro, Ashwood's strings teacher,
Sophie Davis will be participating in a concert and winter celebration to benefit the Waldo Theatre. The concert will feature a musical reading of Margaret Wise Brown's beloved children's book
A Little Fir Tree with projections of Barbara Cooney's award-winning illustrations. Ms. Davis will be performing in a string quartet (two violins, viola, and cello) with several good friends and fellow musicians, while local actress Devin Fletcher narrates the story. The music spans from Dvorak to Argentinian tango to Danish fiddle tunes and holiday music. A reception with hot cocoa and cookies will follow.
Free to children; adult admission by donation.
Questions? Email
Sophie Davis
.
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Studio Apartment for Rent
$600/month includes everything, avail. January 1; year-round rental. wood & tile floors, fast wireless Internet, rural setting, organic garden space, two miles to downtown
Rockland. No dogs, please. We prefer tenants who are committed to "green
living" and
who possess strong
interpersonal skills.
Owners live on-site. No laundry facilities. Perfect for one individual or
a close couple. Call 207-390-0737 or
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Seeking Pet Sitter
Pet sitter needed for the December break. Please contact
Tabatha.
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Community Chanukah Party
Adas Yoshuron Synagogue is hosting a community Chanukah party at the Rockport Opera House, Sunday, December 2, 4-6 p.m. Live Jewish music and Israeli dancing; community menorah lighting, delicious latke bar, Chanukah crafts for children. $10/person (suggested donation), children 12 and under free. FMI:
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Community Singing Vigil
Friday, December 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the United Farmer's Market in Belfast. Join in, listen, rest, sing: The vigil circle holds forth in song without stopping for a full two hours to celebrate the arts. Song leaders include alumna parent, Beverly Scott, and many others. Anyone is welcome to bring a song to share or lead. FMI:
beflastcreativecoalition.org, 207-218-1144.
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Come together in harmony!
Join Meg Chittenden, of the Misty Mountain Singers, to learn and sing beautiful songs in harmony. All songs are taught by ear, and classes begin with vocal exercises to help you access your freest, truest voice. Sliding scale fee of $10-20/class per adult; children are free. Content is geared towards ages 9 and up; all ages are welcome. Tuesdays 4:00 - 5:30 pm; December 11; Kornfield & Burnham family home, 248 Upper Bluff Road, Northport, ME 04849. Optional pot luck. Teenage helper Sadie will join us to quietly play/craft with children under 9 years old. Parents of these ages may offer a few extra dollars for this service if they choose (please bring cash). Please feel free to share this information with others who may be interested! Newcomers extremely welcome!
FMI, and for directions:
301-320-1145
or email Margo.
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Discount on Woolen Products
Keep your children warm and comfortable in organic wool layers!
Danish Woolen Delight offers a generous discount on their wool products to Waldorf families at participating schools. Explore their offerings at
DanishWool.com and email
Hope Jackson for a 35% discount code unique for Ashwood families and employees. When emailing Hope, please include "Ashwood Wool" in subject line.
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House for Sale
199 Heal Road, Lincolnville; $185,000; sweet house on a quiet road
surrounded by woods and gardens. Beautifully renovated second floor
bedrooms, spacious first floor and sunny deck. 3BR, 2BA, plus
office/guest room;
2 minutes to the Lincolnville Center General Store, 12 minutes to
Camden, 15 minutes to Belfast. FMI, contact Becky
Johnson at Camden Coast Real Estate.
- Maho Hisakawa
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Be a Sponsor
Display or text ads appear here, in the right column of the
Leaflet, and link to your website. The cost is $5/edition for a square ad (170 x 170 pixels) and $10/edition for a long ad (170 x 340 pixels). Discounts are available for long-term ads. The
Leaflet appears every other week except in July. For more information, email
Laura Purdom.
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Support Waldorf education in midcoast Maine. Make a tax-deductible donation today by clicking the button below.
Thank you!
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