Early Childhood News

The preparations for the Lantern Walk begin several weeks prior to the festival. The kindergarten teachers bring a special movement circle to the children that teaches the lantern songs as well as gives the imagination of gnomes taking the living seeds down below to safely sleep until the springtime sun awakens them to grow. The construction of the lanterns is a project that spans many weeks.

We patiently glue a layer of fine crafted paper onto an inflated balloon, and wait for it to dry before adding more layers. The eighth grade comes to help out and their aid is welcomed. It is wonderful to see the oldest and youngest students working together; the eldest gently guiding with the youngest helping with looks of awe. The popping of the balloons after they are dry and the emergence of the completed lantern shells is always eagerly awaited by the children. Then we add a handle and candles and they are done! These lanterns are constructed sturdily enough for the children to use several years. Please take care of your child's lantern so they can use it next year.

Bright crackling bonfires welcomed the parents and children on the evening of the Lantern Walk festival. After some social time and a cup of hot cider it was time to go inside for a puppet play presented by the kindergarten teachers. On the walk the lanterns carried by the children glowed brightly despite the wind and misting rain. As we wound our way around the campus and through the woods we encountered kindred spirits singing away the darkness and cold. These are the hallmarks of our traditional lantern walk. We stride into the night en mass with song and light to signify our intent to maintain our light into the cold and dark of winter, anticipating the returning light that heralds the coming of spring and renewed life.

This year we had an added gift from some Waldorf grade school graduates, who gathered in the woods and sang for us. A special thanks to Anne, Caleah, Jaimiey, Karen, Maria, Rachel and SaraMae for adding to the magic of the evening.