Michaelmas in the Waldorf Kindergarten
This is what Asher’s Waldorf Kindergarten has been working on for the last couple of weeks to celebrate Michaelmas: a cape of light dyed with marigolds (and a little dye to boost the color), a finger-knitted belt he made, and his sword.
He sanded the wood carefully three times, each time making it as smooth as he could. Then he stained the pieces a golden yellow. Then he assembled it, placing two little bits of silver paint (iron) into the blade where it meets the hilt. Older children in the (mixed-age, two-year) Kindergarten get to make their swords. The younger children have to wait until next year.
Making a sword at school is a big deal and a big responsibility. This is his first sword and he made it himself.
All the while, the children were learning Michaelmas songs and were told the story of the humble boy, George, who, with Archangel Michael’s help and a sword forged from iron from the stars, defeats a dragon and saves the all the people of the land.
And this is what he was told when he was given his finished sword to take home:
“Listen, Asher, to the words I say.
Your sword you may take home today.
We know your heart is brave and true.
Courageous, strong in all you do,
Michael will always be with you.
Now you are a knight of Michael.”
I am a knight, kind and good,
Helping others as I should.
I am a knight, gentle and true,
Bringing love to all I do.
I’ll use this sword for the right,
Not for some silly quarrel or fight.
But to drive away evil, I will try,
And protect those who are weaker than I.
(I had to give Asher a small piece of chocolate to get these photos. It was worth it.)
October 12, 2012 at 7:50 pm
🙂 he did such a great job.