Ever wondered why a simple bubble bath can turn a tantrum upside down, or a fireside glow can calm even the fussiest of babies? Water, fire, earth, and air – the 4 Waldorf elements of childhood delight and wonder – all contain magical, intriguing properties proven to mesmerize, enchant, and stimulate kids of all ages. Ready to hear why they work (ahem, science!), and how we can use each element to our advantage to better connect and engage our kids? Read on…
WHY THE ELEMENTS MATTER
The four elements of water, fire, earth, and air, were first recognized by the Greeks to be the four “roots” of which the world is composed. (Later, space was added by Aristotle!) These 4 roots, write Franklin Kane and Betty (Kane) Staley in Education as an Art, are the active forces working in the world and in man. “In chemistry, these could be equated to the four states of matter: earth, physical solid substance; water, liquids; air, gases; fire, warmth,” the authors note.
In other words? These 4 elements are the foundation for what we call a sensory experience – a key player in the memory formation, cognition, recollection, and lifelong education for kids. Research shows that sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, which lead to a child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks. Sensory play supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction.
All of that in a single bubble bath? You bet.
HOW TO INCORPORATE EACH
So how to we use each element within our daily rhythms to invoke wonder, curiosity, and connection with our kids? Here’s a list of 5+ favorite ideas for each element — no sensory bin necessary.
WATER
- Wash the windows
- Take a bubble bath
- Float leaf boats in the creek
- Catch raindrops on your tongue
- Run through the sprinkler
- Drink from the garden hose
FIRE
- Light candles at the dining room table
- Make shadow art on the walls
- Host a bonfire in the backyard
- Make (and test!) a sundial
- Build a fort and read by flashlight
EARTH
- Make mudcakes
- Go barefoot!
- Mix dough for modeling clay
- Build a rock sculpture
- Decorate an elf house.
AIR
- Fly a kite
- Blow dandelions
- Host a cloud watch
- Make a dizzy snake (members – get your simple printable in your Progress Report here!)
- Play catch
THE IMPORTANCE OF SENSORY PLAY
So what role do these elements provide in early childhood development? In short: an essential one. Notes Shelagh Pyper for the Alberta Council for Environmental Education in Children, kids learn first with their hands, not their minds. “In order for [our children] to develop a relationship with the natural elements, they need to explore the magic and wonder of these things with all their senses,” Pyper writes. “Then, and only then, can we begin to teach them terminology and help them understand the complex interactions and delicate balance upon which all living things—including humans—depend. When their head begins to understand the interdependence of all life, then we can implore their hearts. And if, as a young person, they formed foundational memories outdoors, with trees and birds and fresh water, then their hearts will respond.”
The good news is this: you don’t have to re-invent the wheel to incorporate sensory-evoking lessons into your homeschool. In fact, we’ve done it for you! If you’re not already a monthly member, join here (3 weeks free!) to get daily sensory-based ideas to delight your littles ages 2-7.
A Bonus Reading List
Ready to spark your own Waldorf delight from the comfort of your couch? Crack open the spine on these tried-and-true sensory-based reads to engage your littles in wonder, brilliance, curiosity, and discovery…
Or, dive deeper with this month’s all-new bonus pack with 5 fresh sensory ideas your kids will LOVE. It’s less than $1 here!