Sunday, 28 April 2013

Gut feeling

Lately I had a bad relataionship with my gut!

 As a candida sufferer with long term IBS symptoms, I noticed that it got worse recently.

 I had basic tests done and went to my lovely new doctor who is very supportive and helpful. He told me about the low FODMAP diet. When I read the list of not allowed foods, if I wish to eliminate symptoms, it all makes sense.

It is infact quite like the candida diet, but I somehow slipped into eating things every now and then that can aggraveate things down there in the gut area!

This is because if one avoids such foods for a long time, it is possible to slowly re introduce them, or, to occasionally have those things on the plate and enjoy.

 I do love garlic for instance and I cook with onions all the time....how can one avoid onions? It is rather difficult, don't you think? Yes it is easy to stay away from anything processed, anything fried and sugary and fatty...but with organic and healthy high fibre food, macrobiotics, etc...there are recipes with onions!

Ok, that is not too bad, when I discover that chives are allowed and the green part of spring onion! But I love broccoli, and they aggravate things a bit...so, you see, even things I adore and are supposed to be super foods, my gut doesn't quite like!
And beans! I love lentils and beans, chick peas, etc...I am not supposed to have too many either, but being a vegetarian that would be a good source of proteins!

I don't want to have fish or meat because of my IBS, I know it is good for me, but I have many reasons for believing in vegetarianism and would not change again.

I say again as in the past I did slip into eating meat. I was eating poached and grilled salmon, mackerel, etc...all the things that are good for you! But the welfare of the animals is a greater issue for me...





I love rice and steamed vegetables and I would eat them most days, but cooking for children makes me go into the usual patterns of cheese potatoes and pasta with sauce, now my aim is to experiment and see how they would accept and enjoy more simple foods...stay tune!


All the things I know already are on such list of foods to avoid , but it is very hard to be alert all the time, to have the knowledge and the wisdom in the head and live a busy life, like we all do.

Looking after children is hard already, trying to feed them and me with healthy nourishing foods, but often the choice out there is poor. Also the temptation is to be 'normal' and get 'normal' food like a baguette or a croissant! These for me are treats! They are not junk foods as I would get only top quality treats from the French bakery!
Nevertheless, if one slips a bit and doesn't get as organized, prep food at home and getting stuff from health food shop or the gluten free aisles of the supermarket you are left with little choice. And I pay the consequences. It is not often, but often enough. And then one forms a habit, a pattern!
It is easy to say ok for a bit of dark chocolate and a piece of white bread, in view of the dinner of brown rice noodles and steamed pak choi. Surely a bag of cherries or a peach is not harmful, it is fruit! Apples take the doctor away? Not for me, unfortunately they send me to the doctor!

Luckily, I formed 80% good habits...like having rice milk and almond milk , well since probably 1990, and avoid most processed and refine carbs, but I still like pasta ( I am Italian!), Indian food, etc...and that is why it is almost like an informed choice...: I will enjoy these, but pay the consequences!

So while I print out my FODMAP list to stick on the fridge, yes, I can have pasta, gluten free one!!
I will go to Blossoming Together on Saturday 11th to a workshop on fermented foods. It is underestimated how good saurkraut is for us!


Fermenting goes back to ancient culture, and it was sometimes the only cooking and preparation method used.
I can think now of yummy natto or tempeh as some of my favourite fermented foods..
Natto looks beige/brown and stringy soya bean paste or lumpy vomit! But believe me even if it looks like snot and smells of old socks, is quite a delicacy and very addictive, well, for me, as I crave it from time to time!
Tempeh is a traditional soy product originally from Indonesia. It is made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form, similar to a very firm vegetarian burger patty. Tempeh is unique among major traditional soy products.
Yoghurt is made with bacteria fermentation and it is also very beneficial for the gastric juices, balancing our intestinal flora.
Chocolate, dark chocolate, the real stuff, is made from coca beans which have been fermented. Click on this link to know more about proper dark chocolate: https://www.amanochocolate.com/articles/cacaofermentation.html
Pickles and condiments like miso, one of the healthiest things to eat for health and balance, are so important for our gut health: we should all get into the habit of having fermented foods daily.
I certainly eat some daily but should have more...and perhaps there is a certain way to eat such foods to aid digestion. I believe that for my own digestive system which is weak, and it is a common thing in modern days to lack essential enzymes, hence the increase of IBS, celiacs, candida sufferers, I need to have fermented foods before meals or in between meals, even better, first thing in the morning.

So I am going to learn how to ferment foods this afternoon:


Hope to see you there!

Fermenting Workshop
Learn how to ferment vegetables, fruits and grains
Take home some jars of ferments and wait for them to mature before enjoying their rich taste and health benefits
Saturday,11th May 2pm–4pm
£ 14.00 Refreshments included

with Julie Ogonya
Ingredients and most equipment will be provided, but clients/attendees will need to bring a paring knife and a large kitchen knife, can they please bring these wrapped for safety!
If you need more information about what to bring the quickest way is to call or text
Julie - 07943 442 470 or 020 8320 2279

Natural fermentation precedes human history. Since ancient times, however, humans have been controlling the fermentation process. The earliest evidence of winemaking dates from eight thousand years ago.....


Food fermentation has been said to serve five main purposes:
Enrichment of the diet through development of a diversity of flavors, aromas, and textures in food substrates.....

A decrease in cooking time and fuel requirement....

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Monday, 22 April 2013

Hilly Fields

Outdoor Parent and Child Group

Have you ever walked into the woods or a park and felt at home?
The Outdoor session has been very popular with the Acorns families for a few
years already;
it is structured similar to the regular Indoor Parent & Child session with a flowing
 and repeating rhythm that the little ones can get used to and rely on.

Acorns Outdoor Parent & Child Group,
 are held as usual for the last 3 to 4 years at Oxleas Woods ,
 here we have found and adopted a little corner of the woods,
 our 'home' for two hours every Friday 10am-12noon, and it truly feels that way!
We have set the place for picnic, built our own den and have a favourite place for the ring time…

Once the children become familiar with the setting,
 they are happy to wonder around and play together,
 leaving a happy mum, dad (or nanny!) to relax with a cup of tea and a chat, or an activity.

We have only just added an exciting new outdoor venue:

Hilly Fields -

A brand new session now offered each Tuesday morning, 10am-12noon.

I am so happy to have chosen this particular green space; it has a magical quality, a lovely energy.

It comes with a 'Stone Circle', and amazing view of London from the top of the hill, a beautiful playground which, of course most parents take their children too either before or after our sessions, a really lovely café, which, again, we all go to for drinks and food either before and/or after the session for lunch and when warm, an organic ice cream!

The light and the space is unique at Hilly fields, I let my photos speak for themselves, then you can go to the official Friends of Hilly Field site for more info...


http://www.hilly.org.uk/




Early morning, as I arrive before the session...



This is our meeting point





This is the Stone circle, our first 'stop' of the nature walk

 
 We started this new sessions just after Easter, and it is already so popular with at least 10 to 12 regular families...
a brand new session now offered each Tuesday morning, 10am-12noon.

The structure of the outdoor sessions is as follows:

Nature walk- 10- 10.30
Snack time-10.30- 11.00
Play time-11.00 - 11.30
Craft (during free play time)
Tidy up
Ring time/Storytelling 11.30- 12.00

We gather at a meeting point at 9.45 for 10.00 start.

What we do:
We begin the sessions with a nature walk;
 here, there is an opportunity to explore the space around us:
 we always go along our usual path that leads us to our gathering area.
We do many things, sing the little songs, hope to find incy wincy spider...
we go at the pace of the children and stop often...

Hear the birds and watch the little wonders of nature.

Experience the outdoors in its simplicity
. We don't ask questions, like, how many ladybirds can you spot, or,
 do you know the name of this tree...
the children are still far too young for intellectualizing.
 We like to believe that we let Mother Nature sing her songs to us and
 we just open our senses and listen...

We see what can be found that we may use to either build dens for the children
or houses for the fairies...We meet crocodiles, cheeky goblins, toads, and bears,
 even the Gruffalo..
. and whatever the imagination of the children allow!

We gather objects for a possible nature craft, whatever Mother nature got in store for us,
 literally everything is interesting: dry leaves, pine cones, acorns, conkers;
this is our common activity, like gathering twigs for crafts,
 or other interesting objects for the treasure collection,
making necklaces from the red berries and strings or sitting quietly listening
 to the Nature noises can also take place for the first 30-40 mins.

We bring food for a shared picnic prepared in advance and
 brought along with the hot thermos
of herbal tea, chamomile and honey, lavender,
 eldeflower for summer or for the winter, soup,
 and, on special occasions, rice milk hot chocolate drink!

We say good morning to the birds, stones, flowers and trees and go on a
 'singing journey' riding ponies; this is our Ring Time/Story Time,
 when we get everyone together and conclude the session.

What to wear and what to bring:
Please bring along: Containers, tissues, plates/cups for picnic time,
plus a blanket/picnic mat to sit on.
Please wear lots of layers, thermal vests and long johns,
woolen vests under garments,
wool sweaters and padded waterproofs,
like all in one or separate top and bottom thick trousers,
possibly like ski- wear in winter and hats that stay on the children's heads.
The parents and the children who look more relaxed and play happily are the warm ones!

Travel and Parking:
Both Oxleas Woods and Hilly Fields have free parking.
Both sites are easy to get to by bus.
 For map and travel info go to the relevant links.

Who can come:Although we are part of Acorns parent and child group,
 we have a variety of ages in the park and the woods, as we welcome toddlers,
siblings, babies in slings, older children, daddies and mummies and child carers
, families with toddlers, young children and older children too, home educators,
grandmas and grandads too, in fact, everyone is welcome, all ages!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Images from my very first session at Hilly Fields

We had a lovely time and when we finished we went to the cafe and two more families we met there are so keen they want to join us next time!

The structure of the outdoor sessions is as follows:

Nature walk- 10- 10.30
Snack time-10.30- 11.00
Play time-11.00 - 11.30
Craft (during free play time)
Tidy up
Ring time/Storytelling 11.45-12.00


We gather at a meeting point at 9.45 for 10.00 start.
It is easy to meet by the cafe Pistachio in the Park which is at the top of the hill right in the middle of Hilly Fields. It is a lovely cafe and very children friendly!

What we do:
We begin the sessions with a
nature walk
from the cafe towards the stone circle here, we stop to play, then we carry on down to the left, following a circle around the perimeter of the park anti clockwise; there is an opportunity to explore the space around us: we always go along our usual path that leads us to our gathering area, which is the fenced area near the bowling, where logs and benches await us, amongst flowers and bushes, perfect for the little ones to feel that they can explore,play 'house' or hide and seek, with the adults knowing the gate is closed!
We do many things, sing the little songs, look at little creatures, hear the birds and watch the little wonders of nature.

Experience the outdoors in its simplicity.
We like to believe that we let Mother Nature sing her songs to us and we just open
our senses and listen...

We see what can be found that we may use to either build dens for the children or houses for the fairies...We meet crocodiles, cheeky goblins, toads, and bears, even the
Gruffalo... and whatever the imagination of the children
allow!

Craft
We gather objects for a possible nature craft, whatever Mother nature got in store for us,
literally everything is interesting: dry leaves, pine cones, acorns, conkers;
this is our common activity, like gathering twigs for crafts, or other interesting objects for the treasure collection, making necklaces from the red berries and strings or sitting quietly listening to the Nature noises...

Snack time
We bring food for a shared picnic prepared in advance and brought along with the hot thermos of herbal tea, chamomile and honey, lavender, eldeflower for summer or for the winter, soup,
and, on special occasions, rice milk hot chocolate drink!

Ring Time
We say good morning to the birds, stones, flowers and trees and
go on a 'singing journey' riding ponies, or being hopping bunnies; this is our Ring Time/Story
Time, when we get everyone together and conclude the session.

What to wear and what to bring:
Please bring along: Containers, tissues, plates/cups for picnic time, plus a blanket/picnic mat to sit on.
Please wear lots of layers, thermal vests and long johns, woolen vests under garments,
wool sweaters and padded waterproofs, like all in one or separate top and bottom thick trousers, possibly like ski- wear in winter and hats that stay on the children's heads.
The parents and the children who look more relaxed and play happily are the warm ones!

Travel and
Parking:

I believe that Hilly Fields have free parking around it. Hilly Fields is very easy to get to by bus. For map and travel info go to the relevant links.

Who can come:Although we are part of Acorns parent and child group, we have
a variety of ages in the park, as we welcome toddlers, siblings,
babies in slings, older children, daddies and mummies and child carers, families
with toddlers, young children and older children too, home educators, grandmas
and grandads too, in fact, everyone is welcome, all ages!
To book for these sessions click on bookings and choose the Tuesday morning outdoor session and pay on line as usual. It's easy. May I remind you that even with outdoor groups we ask people to commit for the term in advance. It is still the leader's precious time and energy to prepare for the session each week. However we invite people to drop in as guests, which more often results in a new Acorns member of the group!

This is an image of Hilly Fields very special stone ring!

 
 And these are the images from our second session, on a lovely warm sunny day!




 

Wednesday, 17 April 2013

Oh well! What can I say? I mustn't complain! This is my chosen home, with wind, clouds and drizzle and all...with a spring that feels more like winter and a summer that lasts three days, which feels more like spring! But the difference is much more noticeable after 5 days in Rome!

Here we go then, a photographic souvenir of our Roman Holidays!


 on the tram


by the forum
Morgana's jump

lungotevere
 
 
by a fountain
 
 
 Gianicolo
 
 
Water!
 
 
Gianicolo, not quite the Botanical Garden, but just outside its fence!
 
 
La fontanella all'angolo
 
 
Il chiostro del Bramante

http://chiostrodelbramante.it/


The seaside at Ostia
Salus cafe



The beach

 
Me and my sister

 
Photo shoot - Laura's balcony
 
 
Gelato time!
 
 
 
 


 
 

Sunday, 7 April 2013

All things wild and beautiful

wild garlic
Photograph: Jill Mead for the Guardian
 
Time for Wild Garlic, one of the many smells and flavours that mark early spring for me, together with asparagus, spring green and shoots, artichokes, nettles, mimosa, wysteria and many more.
Wild garlic is not the usual bulb with cloves, like the garlic we know, but looks more like a spring onion with a white flower on top.The beauty of it is you can eat it, flowers and all!

Why is wild garlic good for me?

Its main properties: antibacterial, antibiotic, antiseptic and just cleansing and supporting the immune system. The main health benefit of garlic is its effectiveness in reducing blood pressure and, hence, heart disease and the risk of stroke. Although all garlic has this property, wild garlic has the greatest effect on lowering blood pressure. Adding wild garlic to our diet at this time of the year helps flushing away those toxins and build up of bad cholesterol we accumulated during winter time.This applies to all the food that is grown wild and local and that is in season. Mother Earth knows what our bodies need at each and every moment!

Where to find wild garlic

Wild garlic grows in early spring in weed-like abundance in woods and even in unpromising-looking urban green spaces, filling the air with its aroma. Its sword-shaped, silky, moist leaves resemble those of Lily of the Valley, so rub a leaf between your fingers to make sure that it releases the characteristic garlicky smell. Foraging for wild garlic adds culinary purpose to a Sunday stroll, but you'll also find it  on farmers' market stalls.


Recipe for a simple potato soup with wild garlic

Potato and bread soup with wild garlic

This is a bit like what I remember my Sicilian grandma used to make, which we called patate spezzatino

Ingredients

6 floury potatoes

1 garlic clove

stock

a bunch of wild garlic

extra virgin cold pressed olive oil

a little chilli flakes- optional

Flakes of sea salt      

 Put the potatoes peeled - washed and cubed in a pot with a garlic clove and add some water/ stock ( I make a stock with onions, celery and carrots, bay leaves and fresh herbs, like parsley. If necessary I add Marigold bouillon at the end)
Boil the potatoes in the stock for a good 15 - 20 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the wild garlic to wilt, or line the soup bowls with the wild garlic and then pour in the soup.
 Put the extra-virgin olive oil and the chilli, if using, on the table for people to help themselves. You could also garnish the soup with a grated, crumbly cheese, such as Parmesan, or Pecorino.

Saturday, 30 March 2013

Spring Gathering!

We at Acorns had an amazing Spring Gathering!

Thank you all for coming! We were many, many, with plenty of food, birthday cakes and the chocolate eggs that the Easter bunnies dropped along our nature trail, thank you bunnies.
Thank you children, thank you for sharing, playing, feeding the crocodiles, chopping wood, making fairy houses, painting, making dens, galloping on ponies, jumping on piles of leaves, running away when the wolf said it was dinner time, climbing trees, hiding behind trees, putting out fires with your (log) fire engines...etc...etc...

It was a challenge to keep so many of us together with the usual session rhythm, so it felt a bit overwhelming, perhaps more like a party!

It was nice to see some children being so at home in our 'corner' of the woods, it was nice to meet new people and see the old familes with older children and new babies.


I hope to see you all again soon, have a Happy - hoppy Easter!

You are invited to come to the next Acorns Easter Holiday drop in sessions.


Greenwich Park on Thursday 4th
from 11.00 to 13.00,


and
Friday 5th in Oxleas Woods from 10.00 to 12.00



Both sessions are drop in, with no limit of
numbers! £4 per child, + £2 for siblings and friends.


Greenwich Park, at the Flower Garden - meet at 10.45 by
the pond/deers.



Painting


Ring time

 
What's the time Mr Wolf?



Alla prossima!
Susannah

Thursday, 28 March 2013

Spring Circle for little children

A collection of verses and songs for ring time



Spring is coming, spring is coming: birdies build your nest!

Weave together straw and feather, doing each your best!

Spring is coming, spring is coming: flowers are coming too,

Pansies lilies, daffodillies,

All are coming through!

Spring is coming, spring is coming,

All around is fair!

Shimmer, quiver on the river

Joy is everywhere!

Wake up, wake up, all you little children,
Sunlight, sky bright,

Spring is coming now

Gusty March winds blowing
Daffodils a blowing,
Birds sing, bells ring,
There’s blossom on the bough.
                        ~~~

Piper, piper , play your happy music!
Singing, singing, we will follow on.
Dancing through the daytime
Lead us to the May time
Ding dong-Spring song, Winter ‘s past and gone!

 


In and out the dusty bluebells,
In and out the dusty bluebells,
Who will be my partner?
Tippy-tappy tippy-tappy
On my shoulder..............
Tippy-tappy tippy-tappy
On my shoulder..............
Tippy-tappy tippy-tappy
On my shoulder..............
You will be my partner.

( Also Pit-a-pat on your shoulder…different version!)

Sleepy Bunnies
See the little bunnies sleeping ‘till is nearly noon…
Shall we wake them with a merry tune?
Oh so sweet- Are they ill? Wake up soon!

Hop
little bunnies hop, hop, hop,

Hop
little bunnies hop, hop, hop

Ten little fairies stand up straight
Ten little fairies make a gate
Ten little fairies bow to the King
Ten little fairies make a ring
Ten little fairies dance and play
Ten little fairies fly away ( hide away)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daffodilly down came to town
With her yellow bonnet and her green gown!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Crocus, crocus , open up - Catch a Sunbeam in your cup!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The silver raindrops patter upon the earth today
Tip tap, their knock is gentle and this is what they say
“Awake now little flowers and open wide your door,
Put on your rainbow dresses as Spring is here once more!


An early Spring puppet play

 

A simple puppet play I do at parent and child sessions

I use simple objects like pine cones for trees and green dark green and light green scarves for grass/earth and blue scarf for sky

some wooden animals; Mother Earth puppet; some root and flower children – felt figures

bits of bark, twigs, pussy willow; some flowers...any nature finding will do!

Silk scarves in white for snow, pink, orange and yellow; little magic wool fairies could be used too.

 

The Story of the Root Children
By Sibylle Von Olfers

Under the ground, deep in the earth among the roots of the trees, the little root-children were fast asleep all winter long. They felt nothing of the biting wind, the cold snow or the stinging hailstorms. They slept peacefully in their warm burrows. They were dreaming of the sunshine in which they had played all through the summer. And what wonderful dreams they were!

When at last winter came to an end and the sun began to melt the snow, Mother Earth came along with her candle to wake them up again.

“Wake up, children,” she called kindly. ”Time to get up now! You’ve slept long enough. Spring is coming and there’s work to be done. I’ve brought you scissors, needles and thread and pieces of cloth so that you can all make new clothes. Wake up! As soon as you’re ready, I’ll unlock and open the doors up to the ground.”

The children yawned and stretched. Then they jumped up merrily. Hurray, spring is coming! Mother Earth had pieces of lovely coloured cloth in her basket. Each of the root-children chose her own colour to make a dress. The Daffodil chose a bright yellow cloth, the wild rose a soft pink, and the poppy a bright orange. Then they sat down in a cosy circle and began to work busily. They cut, they sewed and pressed until everything fitted exactly. And, as they worked, they sang all the spring songs that they knew.

(Sing second verse of “Spring is Coming”): Spring is coming, Spring is coming, flowers are coming too, poppies, roses, daffodillies, all are coming through! All are coming through!

As soon as they as they had finished making their new dresses, they went up to Mother Earth in a long procession. Mother Earth looked over her spectacles in surprise when she saw the root-children coming so soon.

“Well, well, you have been quick,” she exclaimed, ” and how nice it all looks!”

Up above ground, the warm sun was already bringing out the new green leaves on the trees.

At last it was really springtime! Mother Earth opened the door. Then out into the lovely spring sunshine came a procession of root-children with their blades of grass and flowers.

Radiant Sun from his throne in the sky
Looked down on earth where sleeping seeds lie
And thought to himself, "I think it's time
For flower babies to wake up and play."
So with his rays of gold he knocked and knocked
At each and every flower family's door,
"Wake up! Wake up!" he chuckled with glee,
"Time to wake up and colour the earth's floor!"
The snowdrops were first, then crocus and rosies,
Daffodils, violets and all sorts of posies
Yawning and stretching under radiant sun,
Yes, all flowers create springtime fun!

 

Welcome Spring - Circle time Verses For Spring

Where are the froggies when the north winds blow?
We cannot see them in the ice and snow.
Deep, deep down in the mud they lie,
froggies sleeping with tight-closed eyes.
When the warm spring sun comes out,
froggies wake and jump about.
Oh, how happy they will be,
a springtime world they will see.

Where are the turtles when the north winds blow?
We cannot see them in the ice and snow.
Deep, deep down in the mud they lie,
turtles sleeping with tight-closed eyes.
When the warm spring sun comes out,
turtles wake and crawl about.
Oh, how happy they will be,
a springtime world they will see.

Where are the bears when the north winds blow?
We cannot see them in the ice and snow.
Deep, deep down in a cave they lie,
baby bears sleeping with tight-closed eyes.
When the warm spring sun comes out,
bear cubs wake and run about.
Oh, how happy they will be,
a springtime world they will see.


Where are the squirrels when the north winds blow?
We cannot see them in the ice and snow.
Cracking nuts in a hollow tree,
squirrels are cozy as cozy can be.
When the warm spring sun comes out,
squirrels wake and jump about.
Oh, how happy they will be,
a springtime world they will see.

* * * * * * * *

A little seed for me to sow.
A little earth to make it grow.
A little hole, a little pat,
a little wish, and that is that.
A little sun, a little shower,
a little while, and then a flower.


* * * * * * * *

Spring is here, said the bumble bee
How do you know, said the old oak tree
I see yellow daffodils
Dancing with the fairies on the windy hills.


* * * * * * * *

Pitter, patter raindrops,
falling on the treetops,
falling down on garden beds,
wetting all the children¹s heads.
Pitter, patter raindrops,
falling on the treetops.

 

* * * * * * * *

Now the sky has darkened,
and the rain is sprinkling down.
Shall we hide beneath a tree,
or run back home to town?
No! We like the rain!

 

* * * * * * * *

VERSE: WALKING:
Splish, splash, splish, splash
here's how we walk in the rain.
Splish, splash, splish, splash
here¹s how we walk in the rain.
And splash -we run through the puddles.
And splosh - we skip in the rain.
And splish - we turn round the corner
until we come home again!

 

* * * * * * * *

And now the rain is over
the sky is bright and blue,
and yonder in the meadow,
the sheep are happy too.

 

* * * * * * * *

FINGERPLAY:
This is a house for a robin
(make a nest with hands)
This is a hive for a bee
(two fists together to make a hive)
This is a hole for a bunny
(thumbs and pointers on both hands to make hole)
And this is a house for me!
(Arms and hands form roof overhead)

* * * * * * * *
In our Springtime garden, rosy morning glow,
Sunshine falling, calling, falling,
seeds are waking so.


* * * * * * * *
Through the meadow let us walk,
and see what wonders spring has brought.
Skipping, skipping, let us go,
as the breeze blows to and fro.
But watch your step and look where you go!
Here is a creature tiny and slow.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Caterpillar, caterpillar you are such a pretty sight.
Caterpillar, caterpillar green and yellow, black and white.
Take care what you do, robins are a watching you.
Take care what you do, robins are a watching you.
Caterpillar, caterpillar creep away and hide you soon.
Caterpillar, caterpillar spin yourself a warm cocoon.
Dark and silent lie, till you are a butterfly.
Dark and silent lie, till you are a butterfly.

 

* * * * * * * *

Flutter, flutter butterfly
Floating in the springtime sky
Floating by for all to see
Floating by so merrily

Come bright butterfly close to me.
Your beautiful wings I should like to see.
You fly like a bird,
you sip like a bee,
but you're really a flower on the wind set free.

Look high and low and you will see,
the butterfly is not alone in this meadow.

 



Hop, said the grasshopper, ³hop, hop, hop!
The summer is coming and I can¹t stop.
All winter long I lay asleep,
and the winter seemed it would never, never end,
but an April raindrop fell on my nose,
and woke me up from my repose,
and now it's time to have a little peek,
and see if I can find a little friend.
Here comes a honey bee...²

Hum, said the honey bee, ³hum, hum, hum!
Fresh sweet clover field here I come!
All winter long I lay asleep,
and the winter seemed it would never, never end,
but an April raindrop fell on my nose,
and woke me up from my repose,
and now it's time to have a little peek,
and see if I can find a little friend.
Here comes a squirrel now...²

Scurry, said the squirrel and waved her tail
like a little brown ship with a furry furry sail.
All winter long I lay asleep,
and the winter seemed it would never, never end,
but an April raindrop fell on my nose,
and woke me up from my repose,
and now it's time to have a little peek,
and see if I can find a little friend.
Here comes a rabbit now...²

Jump, said the rabbit with a jump, jump, jump,
I must find a fat lettuce to make me plump!
All winter long I lay asleep,
and the winter seemed it would never, never end,
but an April raindrop fell on my nose,
and woke me up from my repose,
and now it's time to have a little peek,
and see if I can find a little friend.
Here comes a grasshopper...

 

* * * * * * * *

VERSE: WALKING:
I see across the meadow is a farmer working, sturdy and strong,
with his sack of seeds he strides along;
Let's go work with him in the field today.
It's time to sow our seed.

 

* * * * * * * *

SONG: WALKING:
Heigh ho, heigh ho, the farmer doth sow.
Heigh ho, heigh ho, the farmer doth sow.
The birds are a singing,
the little seeds springing,
Heigh ho, heigh ho, the farmer doth sow

Little brown seeds so small and round,
Are sleeping quietly underground.
Down come the raindrops
sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle.
Out comes the rainbow,
twinkle, twinkle, twinkle.
Little brown seeds way down below,
Up through the earth they grow, grow, grow.
Little green leaves come one by one.
They hold up their heads and look at the sun.

 

* * * * * * * *

SONG: WALKING:
Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow,
Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow,
Can you or I or anyone know
How oats, peas, beans, and barley grow?

First the farmer sows his seed,
Stands erect and takes his ease,
He stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his lands.
Chorus:
Next the farmer waters the seed,
Stands erect and takes his ease,
He stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his lands.
Chorus:
Next the farmer hoes the weeds,
Stands erect and takes his ease,
He stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his lands.
Chorus:
Last the farmer harvests his seed,
Stands erect and takes his ease,
He stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his lands.
Chorus:

* * * * * * * *

SONGS FOR MAY FAIRE_ MAY POLE DANCE



SONG: SKIPPING:
Sing a song of May Day,
Hi dee ho dee hay!
Showers of flowers from breezy bowers,
Hi dee ho dee hay!
Dancers and prancers in high grass
Hi dee ho dee hay!
Joyfully skip each lad and lassie,
Hi dee ho dee hay!

SONG: WALKING_ SKIPPING

 

Here we go round the May Pole high,

The May Pole high

The May Pole high

Here we go round the May Pole high,

Let coloured ribbons fly!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We're dancing, we're dancing
around the Maypole high.
In colours of the rainbow
our ribbons do fly.
Dear children take a ribbon please
today May flowers all are we.
Around, around, around, a garland we do weave.

Tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la,
tra la la, tra la la, tra la la la.
Hi diddle de, hi diddle de,
come join me, come join me.
Hi diddle de, hi diddle de,
come join me, come join me please.
Tra la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la,
Tra la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.
Hi diddle de, hi diddle de,
come join me, come join me.
Hi diddle de, hi diddle de,
come join me, come join me please.
Tra la la, tra la la, tra la la, tra la la,
tra la la, tra la la, tra la la la.

We thank you dear Maypole. (bow)
We thank you dear Maypole. (curtsy)

 

* * * * * * * *

 

 

 

 

 



FINGERPLAYS:


Five little peas in a pea pod pressed.
One grew, two grew, and so did all the rest.
They grew and they grew and they did not stop,
until one day, the pod went POP!

 

* * * * * * * *

This is my wee garden plot.
I'll rake it with care and it will grow a lot!
Peas and carrots and salad from seeds.
I'll plant and water and pull out the weeds.
The sun will shine and bathe my garden in light,
all the plants will be happy and taste just right.
Here, try some, have a bite!

 

* * * * * * *

Have you ever seen a rainbow
On a sunny springtime day,
After it's been raining
In the misty month of May?
Out from the clouds it will appear,
And then it's gone away.
Have you ever seen a rainbow
On a sunny springtime day?

* * * * * * * *

Spring is here, said the bumble bee
How do you know, said the old oak tree
I see yellow daffodils
Dancing with the fairies on the windy hills.
Spring is coming spring is coming
flowers are waking too
daisies, lilies, daffodillies
all are breaking through! All are breaking through!

 

* * * * * * * *

Cherry Blossoms
Little cherry blossom buds
Closed up oh, so tight!
See them bursting into bloom,
Colored pink and white.

Along comes the spring breeze,
Blowing all around,
And down fall the petals,
Twirling to the ground.

 

* * * * * * * *



Here we go, to and fro,
over the rainbow bridge we go.
Treading softly, treading slow,
over the rainbow bridge we go.
Gathering light from sun and star,
gathering light from heaven afar,
Down to earth all things to greet,
sharing the light with all we meet.
Here we go, to and fro,
over the rainbow bridge we go.
Treading softly, treading slow,
over the rainbow bridge we go.

* * * * * * * * * *


Come golden butterfly, close to me,
Your beautiful golden wings, I should like to see.
You fly like a bird, you sip like a bee,
But you're really a flower the wind has set free.

* * * * * * * * * *

Two little clouds one summer's day
Went flying through the sky.
They went so fast they bumped their heads,
And both began to cry.
Old Father Sun looked out and said,
Oh, never mind my dears,
I'll send my little fairy folk
To dry your falling tears.
One fairy came in violet,
And one in indigo,
In blue, green, yellow, orange, red,
They made a pretty row.
They wiped the clouds tears all away,
And then out from the sky,
Upon a line the sunbeams made,
They hung their gowns to dry.

* * * * * * * * * *

Radiant Sun from his throne in the sky
Looked down on earth where sleeping seeds lie
And thought to himself, "I think it's time
For flower babies to wake up and play."
So with his rays of gold he knocked and knocked
At each and every flower family's door,
"Wake up! Wake up!" he chuckled with glee,
"Time to wake up and colour the earth's floor!"
The snowdrops were first, then crocus and rosies,
Daffodils, violets and all sorts of posies
Yawning and stretching under radiant sun,
Yes, all flowers create springtime fun!

 

* * * * * * * *

Late Spring- Summer ring time:

In the summer garden
Where we singing go
Light is glowing, flowing, glowing
White the roses grow.
(1)

"We're busy, busy, busy," said the bees.
"We don't have time for supper or for tea.
It takes us hours and hours,
To visit all these flowers."(2)

There was a little rose in a garden bed
Hey-ho, Let the wind blow
And green was her frock
And her petals were red
Hey-ho, Let the winds blow -o
(3).

Barely bigger than your thumb
See it hover, hear it hum
With beating wings so fast they're blurred
This whirring, whizzing little bird.

Dance and sing the summer bells now ring
There's laughter on the hills
The daisy shows its frills


Dance and sing, be welcome summer king.
Dance and sing the summer bells now ring
The shepherd pipes all day
The lambkin frisks and plays


Dance and sing, be welcome summer king.(4)
Now off to the workshop we must go
Come along children, don't be slow.

Saw, saw, saw away. Saw the boards and saw the timbers.
Saw, saw, saw away. We will build a boat today.
Plane, plane, plane the wood. See the curly shavings fall.
Plane, plane, plane the wood. We will build a boat today.
Hammer, hammer, hammer. Nails will hold the boards together.
Hammer, hammer, hammer. We will build a boat today.Sand, sand, sand the wood. Sand it smooth and sand it good.
Sand, sand, sand the wood. We will build a boat today.
Paint, paint, paint the wood. Paint it blue and paint it gold.

Paint, paint, paint the wood. We will build a boat today.
Now let's pull our boat down to the water.
Heave, ho, heave, ho.

My little ship is sailing, sailing on the sea
I open up my nets and I catch some fish you see.
My little ship is sailing, sailing on the sea
I open up my nets and I set the fishes free.
                                                                                Spread, spread your net
Gently in the sea
Gathering, gathering, gathering, gathering
Fish for you and me.
(5)

This is my boat, my golden boat that sails on the silvery sea.
These are the oars of ivory white, that lift and dip, that lift and dip.
These are the crew, the ten little sailors, that take the oars of ivory white
That lift and dip, that lift and dip
That move the boat, the golden boat, over the silvery sea.

There are big waves and little waves
Green waves and blue.
Waves that rise up like a great water wall
Waves that just swell and don't even fall.
There are waves that splash
And waves that crash.

My little ship is sailing, sailing on the sea
It takes me far away, while the wind it blows so free.
My little ship is sailing, sailing on the sea.
It brings me home again, home again for me.


Zum, zum, zum;
Listen to the bee's song,
Hum, hum, hum.
The big bees zum,
And the little bees hum
Zum, zum, zum, zum, zum
Hum,hum,hum.


"I'm busy, busy, busy," said the bee.
"I won't be home for supper, or for tea.
It takes hours and hours
To visit all the flowers.
I'm busy, busy, busy," said the bee.
Little bees work very hard
Making golden honey
Taking nectar from the flowers,
When the days are sunny.

What do you suppose?
A bee sat on my nose!
Then what do you think?
He gave me a wink
And said "I beg your pardon,
I thought you were the garden!"