"Nature Tables" for Boys

A nature or natural display table can be used for many things, and creating a scene, somewhat like a diorama, is one useful way to inspire play and create a visual picture for children who can then use this as fodder for their play. 

Othertimes, nature tables are places for children to bring their vision of what is happening in their own world- a place for their treasures to sit and be admired (and sometimes played with, depending on the situation and adult/child goals)

At almost two years old, Ned is not quite ready to be bringing treasures to the table, and many of my Moondew friends are small too, so I take the Nature table into my own hands. 

This is somewhat fun (oh, to make something out of my own creativity for the children) and somewhat challenging (but, what about the children's ideas?? ). 

One thing it does give me is the ability to bring something a little different than what I have traditionally displayed and shared on the table.

This week is a Truck theme.  I know boys like trucks. In fact, that is about the only thing Ned is truly fascinated with.  "BIG truck" is the first thing he says upon waking, and he carries his favourite truck book everywhere!  So, trucks it is.  I am also sharing a truck story circle with Moondew friends this fortnight, so this is perfect for them all.

Many times, one hears that Waldorf/Steiner early childhood education suits girls but parents are not sure if it is right for the boys.  Where is the sport? Where is the rough and tumble play? It is too pretty for boys.

  Which is probably something to do with the overabundance of pretty pinks in the space, and the lack of 'boy' toys in some settings.  I can see how the misinterpretation can occur.

I think it is important to bring a balance. 

The majority of Waldorf early childhood teachers are female, (there is always one or two odd fellows at conferences of 200 women.  Brave men, those ones!) and they do a wonderful job providing boys (and girls) with real life work like hammering, sawing, sanding, building, making tool boxes and more.  They plan for real life activity- like stomping, tumbling, running, climbing trees, races, big muscle work of carrying huge logs and providing equipment so they can build houses, bridges and forts.

  Many teachers, including myself!, rely upon their own husbands and fathers, dads of the children, and friends of Kindergarten to bring in that all important 'male' role model and this works well too.

But, I have NEVER seen a nature table or toy presentation that was truly 'boy' in its nature. 

(and honestly, looking back, I never truly made one myself either)

I like to think that there are archetypes that boys aspire to- the warrior energy, the courage of a knight, the heart of a king, the speed of a tiger, the fearlessness of a man in battle, the power of working and being in control of a machine.  Of course, girls also aspire to these characteristics, just as boys care for the baby dolls and like to cook in home corner, but there is a passion and a desire in boys to truly act on these impulses and character traits.  

It is something I'd like to explore further.