Explore These Fun Activities

Acorn Hill wishes all of you health, well-being, and peace of mind as we get through COVID-19 together. We hope these fun and engaging ideas make things a little easier for you and your family.


Lantern Walk

Even through difficult times, it is light that brings us hope and peace. The Lantern Walk, celebrated each November, symbolizes the spark of light we each carry within. We celebrate in community to enhance our inner light, which we give in turn as a gift to one another and the world. Lanterns bring much joy to children, especially when they feel the accomplishment of making them. Enjoy learning Acorn Hill’s lantern songs and how to make your very own paper lantern HERE.


Summer Series 2020 Newsletters

Month-long summer newsletters – one each for June, July and August – filled with seasonal songs, finger games, stories, activities and crafts!


Spring Fair 2020 Newsletter

Though we cannot hold an in-person Spring Fair this year, we still wish to carry on the tradition! Our teachers and staff have gathered some of their favorite Spring Fair ideas. From crafts and recipes to projects and flowers, there is something for everyone. We hope this reminds you of our beloved Spring Fair, and how much all of us at Acorn Hill miss seeing you and your children. Enjoy! Spring Fair 2020 Newsletter


Spring is Coming! Spring is Here!

Looking for fun ways to celebrate spring? Click here for some colorful and eye-catching craft ideas.


Waldorf Materials on Amazon.com

Click here for Amazon links of Waldorf materials we use in our Acorn Hill classrooms.


Homemade Play Dough

Making playdough as a family is a great way to connectMAKES 3½ CUPS
20-30 MINUTES PREPARATION AND COOKING TIME

  • 2½ cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 3 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 2½ cups water
  • food coloring

Add all the ingredients except the food coloring to a saucepan and stir to combine. Cook over low heat until the mixture becomes very stiff. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Place on a hard surface and knead until smooth. Separate into smaller batches (one for each color you wish to make) and then work the desired amount of food coloring into the dough until it is completely mixed.

The dough may be stored in a plastic container or airtight bag for several weeks.

Making and playing with this dough is a great rainy day activity. The dough smells and feels wonderful in your hands.

Recipe by Beth G., from Welcome to Our Table Seasonal Recipes from Acorn Hill


Baking with young children is a fun and rewarding activityAcorn Hill Graham Crackers

MAKES 23 DOZEN CRACKERS
20 MINUTES PREPARATION TIME
25 MINUTES BAKING TIME

  • 1½ sticks  cup) butter
  • ½ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3½ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ cup water

Preheat oven to 35.

Beat together the butter, sweetener, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Alternately, add the flour mixture and water to the butter mixture.

Press onto a greased 10-by-15-inch cookie sheet. Score and prick the dough. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until browned. Cut into squares while warm.

Acorn Hill classroom recipe


This guide has many great screen-free activities for you and your child

Guide of Activities and Events for Screen-Free Week 2019

To support families, the DC area Waldorf schools (Washington Waldorf School, Acorn Hill Waldorf Kindergarten and Nursery, and Potomac Crescent Waldorf School) created a free Guide of Activities and Events for Screen-Free Week 2019. We hope that the ideas can be of use over the next few months and for Screen-Free Week 2020.

Enjoy and feel free to share!


Why is it important for young children to play, explore, and discover?

A central aim of Waldorf Education is to stimulate the healthy development of the child’s own imagination.

It is more important for children to have the opportunity to interact with one another and with parents and other special adults in exploring the world of ideas, participating in the creative process, and developing their knowledge, skills, abilities, and inner qualities. For more information visit: https://acornhill.org/programs/the-value-of-play/.


Additional Resources

Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN):
http://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org/family.php

TRUCE (Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children’s Entertainment) Family Play Plans: http://www.truceteachers.org/family-play-plans.html