Although mid-winter break is still ahead, spring is quietly stirring beneath the surface, waiting for its moment to bloom. We have just passed Imbolc, the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, signaling a gentle shift toward longer days and new beginnings.
This seasonal transition offers a wonderful opportunity to refresh your child’s play space. Consider decluttering toys that are no longer in heavy rotation and allowing winter-themed items to rest, making room for signs of spring. Rotating toys can breathe new life into your child’s play, sparking creativity and renewed engagement.
Seasonal silks in Bright Water’s Salmonberries classroom
Dot Male highlights the importance of natural materials in Waldorf early childhood settings, emphasizing their impact on children's development and connection to the natural world. Wooden and fabric toys, being closer to their natural origins, carry vital life forces that support healthy growth, unlike plastic, which lacks this vitality. Additionally, providing children with natural materials fosters a sense of respect for the Earth, reinforcing the understanding that all resources come from nature. These toys also encourage imaginative play due to their open-ended forms and inherent beauty, nurturing creativity and appreciation for simple, well-crafted objects.
A Thoughtful Approach to Play Spaces:
Organizing by Season: Meagan Rose Wilson provides a helpful guide on organizing books seasonally—this approach works beautifully for toys as well.
The Beauty of Simplicity: Open-ended toys made from natural materials nourish the senses and inspire boundless creativity. Less is more! A well-curated selection encourages deeper play.
Encouraging Autonomy: Displaying toys within easy reach and organizing them thematically helps children take ownership of their space. For example:
House play—a cozy corner with a play kitchen and baby dolls.
Building materials—blocks and boards placed in an open area for free construction.
Dress-up and imaginative play—play silks and costumes hung on hooks for easy access.
Community Care Through Play:
Involving your child in donating gently used toys is a wonderful way to practice generosity and engage in community care. This simple act helps children develop a sense of connection and contribution.
Bringing Seasonal Color Into Play:
If you have a nature table, consider adding light greens and pastels as Mrs. Thaw makes her gentle arrival. I love weaving seasonal colors into both our nature tables and play spaces as a way to mark the rhythm of the year:
Winter – Lavender, blue
Spring – Light green, pink, yellow
Summer – Green, golden yellow
Fall – Orange, red, brown
As the seasons unfold, we experience the full spectrum of the color wheel, a reflection of the natural world’s constant transformation.
May this process of curating a seasonal play space bring joy and inspiration to your home. And if you hear your child say, “I’m bored”, welcome it—boredom is often the gateway to new discoveries and boundless imagination.
“Spring is coming, spring is coming
Birdies build your nests
Weave together, straw and feather
Each one doing their best
”