Leaves in the autumn came tumbling down,
Scarlet and yellow, russet and brown,
Leaves in the garden were swept in a heap
To jump up and down in,
with our two tiny feet.
Red leaves and yellow leaves,
Orange leaves and brown.
Leaves are everywhere,
Happily dancing down.
I believe every school classroom all over the northern hemisphere is celebrating the seasonal changes now as we celebrate autumn. Our classroom at the Living Wisdom School of Seattle, is no exception. Our focus this month have been the beauty of trees. I like to build on the spiritual experiences for young children through the study of our earth's natural rhythms.
What do the trees teach us?
Just to name a few qualities that I focus on: inner power, strength, calmness, beauty. and stability. Tree medicine comes through many experiences in the classroom. We can share a powerful story from nature, a song, interwoven bark textures, and though a multitude of visual art creations.
I love the fall and all the many ways it can open the heart in nature.
As we all know the projects are endless.
Our class plays daily in our natural playground filled with Cedar, Douglas Fir, Maple, Alder and Hemlock trees. Is is a joyous sight to behold. The children and I love to bath in this carefree childlike setting, filled with make believe bears, gnomes and fairies. The children are transported to a magical wonderland of their make believe worlds and story telling.
We end each morning with a gathering together at the base of our trees. Here, we do an exercise called: "Reciprocal Breathing". We offer thanks to our trees at the conclusion of our morning in the playground.
It is the highlight for many of us.
May this fall be full of many blessings to your family and loved ones. May we all share in the inner peace the leaves, and trees bring to us in this autumn season.
