Description Waldorf Games Handbook for the Early Years is a handy guide to playing games with young children. This classic game book offers a handy resource for parents, teachers, forest school educators, and play leaders. The games are tried and tested and draw on worldwide Steiner and Waldorf-inspired education, in which the “work” of children is their play. Child development is explored and how this is aided by a rich treasury of games—action, finger, circle, clapping, beanbag, chasing, water, tumbling, story, and singing games. Includes both traditional favorites and new games created to engage with challenging behavior. Each game is clearly and simply described, with diagrams and drawings showing how to play. The games weave rhythms, movement, songs, stories, and pictures and invite children into worlds of vibrant wonder. These games help children feel at ease in their bodies, build relationships and enjoy playing. Reminds us of the beauty and power of living song and movement. Nourishes children and adults alike as they share the music together. — Joan Almon, Alliance for Childhood C O N T E N T S Why Singing, Movement, and Play Matter – Sally Goddard Blythe Foreword – Jane Miller Moving from Me to We – Jaimen McMillan Movement and Learning – Valerie Baadh Garrett About Playing these Games – Joan Carr Shimmer Introduction – Kim John Payne Chapter 1: Age 3–6 Finger Games Circle Games Age 4–5 Age 5–6 Chapter 2: Age 6–7 Clapping Games Beanbag Games Chasing Games Counting-Out Rhymes String Games Chapter 3: Water Games, Snow Games and Indoor/Rainy-Day Games Water Games Snow Games Indoor/Rainy-Day Games Chapter 4: Mixed-Age Games Skipping Games Running through the Rope Creating Your Own Rhymes
