The Nature and Wonder Table
This is the Nature and Wonder Table, proudly housed in a very special kindergarten classroom at Greens Farms Academy. This table, inspired by Waldorf tradition, allows students to interact with models of the magical outdoor world (gnomes included). Below are the three gnomes I made--using felt, puffy paint, paper, pom poms, thread, a needle, gorilla glue, and model magic. These gnomes, models for the whimsical outdoor beings themselves, end up in curious locations on the Nature Table throughout the day. This small tray (and commonplace wonderland) allows for casual interactions throughout the day, a constant source of curiosity and nature-derived entertainment.
Students are encouraged to collect pieces of nature during recess; small pinecones are a fan favorite, as are pine needles as they fall and darken close to wintertime. Physically, this experience is situated indoors; yet, it mimics an outdoor environment. The small scale of the Nature and Wonder Table, paired with its fanciful companions, make is accessible for the kindergarteners. It's broad-reaching implications of mystery and wonder in the natural world are expansive, and can be pondered whenever one glances the tray's way.
Historically (as aforementioned), the Nature Table is derived from Waldorf education. Here is an example of a nature table at a school in San Fernando Valley. Our nature table harkens to the Waldorf ways not only with the table itself, but its roots being in story-telling and make believe (see: "Bringing the Outside In"). The gnomes I have created take lead roles in many puppet shows; you'll see that one of the gnomes grew a beard shortly after its origination (the beard was for a role in the puppet show, and we decided to stick with the effect thereafter).
Including a Nature Table in the classroom is a wonderful model. It inspires children to interact with whimsy and nature in a way they may not otherwise do. Especially at the school at which this is located--children scoot off from school to private tutoring, to squash practice, then carve out time to eat dinner and squeeze in a book before bed. I believe Nature Tables are suitable for any and all classroom settings in early childhood education, but especially in ones where the student body could benefit from being reunited with Mother Nature in an organic and interactive way.
Students are encouraged to collect pieces of nature during recess; small pinecones are a fan favorite, as are pine needles as they fall and darken close to wintertime. Physically, this experience is situated indoors; yet, it mimics an outdoor environment. The small scale of the Nature and Wonder Table, paired with its fanciful companions, make is accessible for the kindergarteners. It's broad-reaching implications of mystery and wonder in the natural world are expansive, and can be pondered whenever one glances the tray's way.
Historically (as aforementioned), the Nature Table is derived from Waldorf education. Here is an example of a nature table at a school in San Fernando Valley. Our nature table harkens to the Waldorf ways not only with the table itself, but its roots being in story-telling and make believe (see: "Bringing the Outside In"). The gnomes I have created take lead roles in many puppet shows; you'll see that one of the gnomes grew a beard shortly after its origination (the beard was for a role in the puppet show, and we decided to stick with the effect thereafter).
Including a Nature Table in the classroom is a wonderful model. It inspires children to interact with whimsy and nature in a way they may not otherwise do. Especially at the school at which this is located--children scoot off from school to private tutoring, to squash practice, then carve out time to eat dinner and squeeze in a book before bed. I believe Nature Tables are suitable for any and all classroom settings in early childhood education, but especially in ones where the student body could benefit from being reunited with Mother Nature in an organic and interactive way.
- Modeling is the creation of a form that embodies an idea or concept in a way that it is physically articulated and accessible.
- As shown above (and below), I chose to model a Nature and Wonder Table, complete with my DIY interactive gnomes (and a diminutive creature created from a miniature pinecone).
- Why? Children need a creative space to explore their surroundings. When cooped up and over-scheduled, that sort of free play and organic exploration that is so key to a flourishing childhood (and love of education) is paramount. By creating three gnomes and a small pinecone friend, I hope to have facilitated myriad organic interactions that spark joy and wonder about these children's natural surroundings and the mysteries that lie within.