According to Steiner, the physical focus is the child’s ‘mineral’ development of their limbs and movement, and the ‘etheric’ aspects or formative ‘plant’ life-force are about their inner growth. Fundamental to the growth and development of the young child (aged 3-7 years), are the senses of life, balance, touch, and movement.

As we build layers of the fine, soft merino fleece, the children engage their sense of life; feeling the life story of the wool and building a relationship to it. The sense of movement is engaged through the movement of the fleece when dry and the movement of the hands as they build a soft, cushion cloud ball, and roll it into a tight felt ball. The sense of touch is engaged through the dry fleece, warm soapy wet fleece, and the rolling effect of creating a felt sphere. Balance must be engaged to achieve a round ball shape – this is the most technical aspect. The child must have a sense of spatial awareness and balance to achieve a round sphere shape, achieved with the experienced hands and guidance of an adult.

The fun part is taking home your very own felt ball to play with! Created of our own ‘magic’ hands, held in the loving sphere of our playgroup community and imbued with the movement of life.

Kiara Ferguson Playgroup Coordinator

Kiara has worked in the Steiner early childhood sector for 15 years in Sydney, as an assistant, a teacher and playgroup facilitator. Holds a Bachelor of education (primary) Notre Dame, a diploma in early childhood, and is currently studying art therapy. Kiara joined Kindlehill at the beginning of 2021 as playgroup facilitator.

“To meet young families, nurture friendships and build a learning, singing, playing community which extends from the home realm is such an honour”.