Bringing seasonal rhythm, song, and reflection into early childhood practice
Introduction
At The Golden Thread, I offer workshops designed for early childhood educators who want to bring music, movement, seasonal awareness, and reflective practice into their classrooms.
These sessions combine practical tools with soulful insight, supporting children’s whole development—physically, emotionally, and imaginatively. By engaging teachers in gestures, songs, poems, and rhythm, we explore ways to nurture each child’s growth in body, mind, and spirit.
Whether you are new to seasonal teaching or looking to deepen your existing practice, these workshops provide ready-to-use songs, gestures, activities, and reflection prompts to enrich your everyday work with children, helping you create joyful, mindful, and developmentally supportive learning environments.
Professional Development Workshops for Educators
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Bring the Seasons Alive in Your Classroom
Join Julie MacLeod for Waldorf-inspired, hands-on workshops designed for early childhood educators.
Explore seasonal songs, poems, gestures, and nature-based activities that support emergent literacy, sensory development, and imaginative play.
Learn how to use songs and poems as a vehicle for seasonal storytelling through gesture, movement, and observation.
Spring Workshop
When: September – mid-November
Theme: Awakening and Growth
Focus:
Experiencing spring’s rhythms and patterns
Gestures, movement, and nature-inspired activities
Integrating songs and poems to bring seasonal stories to life
Supporting sensory, imaginative, and emotional development
Summer Workshop
When: December – February
Theme: Sun, Water, and Outdoor Play
Focus:
Celebrating warmth, light, and abundance
Outdoor movement and rhythm activities
Using song and poetic gestures to convey seasonal stories
Enhancing language, imagination, and emergent literacy
Autumn Workshop
When: March – mid-May
Theme: Leaves, Wind, and Harvest
Focus:
Exploring change and natural cycles
Movement, rhythm, and nature-based gestures
Using songs and poems to convey seasonal stories through imagery and action
Encouraging descriptive language and seasonal awareness
Winter Workshop
When: June – August
Theme: Frost, Snow, Warmth
Focus:
Inviting calm and reflection
Gestures, rhythm, and indoor movement inspired by frost and snow
Integrating poetic storytelling through imagery, song, and gesture
Supporting literacy, expressive language, and observation of seasonal rhythms
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Workshop Fees & Details
Individual teachers: $65 per person
Groups: flat rate available (please contact for details)
Duration: 90 minutes – 2 hours
Format: Experiential, interactive, and reflective
Materials: Seasonal and adaptable; handouts provided
Audience: Early childhood educators seeking practical, seasonal, nature aligned activities
Book Your Workshop
Bring the rhythm of the seasons into your classroom.
Reserve your place today.
Current Workshop:
Awakening to Spring
Step into the mood of Spring through a carefully curated selection of songs, poems, and movement.
Duration: 90 minutes
Early Childhood Educators (individuals or teams)
This workshop guides teachers in:
Learning and practicing spring songs, including The Tulip Song, Pitter Patter Rain Drops, He kai kei taku kete, and I Have Heard a Mother Bird
Exploring gestures, movement, and nature-based activities to enhance engagement and support emergent literacy through rhythm, rhyme, and storytelling
Reflecting on the role of seasonal rhythm in supporting children’s sensory, emotional, imaginative, and language development
Receiving practical resources to bring spring, song, and literacy-rich experiences into your classroom routines
Workshop Content
Learn and practice Spring songs and poems.
A Little Seed for Me to Sow, The Tulip Song, Pitter Patter Rain Drops, He kai kei taku kete, I Have Heard a Mother Bird
Include simple gestures and movement to support children’s engagement and literacy
Explore nature-inspired activities
Movement, rhythm, and sensory play that bring songs to life in the classroom
Reflect on seasonal rhythm and teaching practice
Discuss how songs, poems, and gestures support children’s language, imagination, and emotional regulation
Consider how to integrate these into daily routines
Receive practical resources
Printed song sheets, suggested classroom activities, and reflection prompts for immediate use
Workshop Fee/Investment
Individual registration: $70 per participant
Group bookings: Flat rate available
Included:
Printed song and activity sheets
Suggested classroom gestures and movement ideas
Reflection prompts to support teacher practice
Practical, ready-to-use strategies for bringing the mood of spring into your early childhood setting
“A practical and soulful session that nurtures both teacher and child — bringing seasonal rhythm, song, and observation into everyday practice.”
Workshops can be adapted for your team’s specific context or curriculum needs.