My new YouTube videos
I made a YouTube Tutorial today for modeling beeswax. I’ve made several YouTube videos this week.(I still have a couple more to post, but so far–Spring is Coming and My Lady Spring. They’re both Waldorf EC songs that I used to sing in my circles)
The reason I’ve been making these videos is partly that I’ve been thinking of all those parents home with their young children and wanting to offer them resources. It’s also because this week is spring break and I finished a big indexing project last week and finally have some days off from both school and indexing. I’ve been working 7 days a week for over a month! But also, I’ve been home all week, and I think I just wanted to talk to someone. Sure, I’ve been talking to my family and friends on the phone, but mostly it’s pretty quiet around here.
Modeling beeswax–a great activity for almost all ages
In Waldorf schools, we use beeswax in Early Childhood classes and in the early grades. The little ones use one color of beeswax and make whatever they want with it. The older kids use more colors and may make something to use in the class.
To model with beeswax, you first have to warm it in your hands. It’s hard at first and as it warms it gets soft and pliable–and smells like honey.
Once I gave a talk to a group of early childhood teachers who weren’t Waldorf teachers. Before I began, I gave each of them a piece of modeling beeswax (not the same as pure beeswax–they add some other wax or something else to it to make it pliable)and kept a piece for myself. I noticed that as the beeswax and my hand got warm, I didn’t feel as nervous as I usually do when I speak in public.
The poem
In Waldorf-world, we tend to have a verse for everything. It helps create rhythm and ritual for the young child. But I didn’t have a verse for beeswax. I looked and didn’t find one that I liked (doesn’t mean there wasn’t one–I just didn’t come across it). And then I dreamed this one! I even remembered it long enough to write it in my journal!!
When golden summer sun shines bright,
The stripey honeybee takes flight
Through field and forest, flower to home,
Gathering nectar for honeycomb.
As in our hands the wax we warm,
We give thanks to the honeybee swarm,
To the warm summer sun, to flower and grove,
As we shape this wax with strength and love.
The video: Ta-da
Be well!
Thank you so much for stopping by. I really appreciate it.
If you want to see what other poets are up to, visit Michelle Kogan’s blog. She’s hosting Poetry Friday this week–and she shares a lovely bouquet of spring poems.
Until next time–xoxo
Thank you for sharing your gifts so generously! I am in awe of how many people have come together to support one another throughout this time. Your beeswax/honeybee poem is so peaceful and soothing. It reminds me of swaying in a hammock on a lazy summer afternoon.
Thanks, Kay! I have been really moved by how many people are sharing their gifts to support each other, too.
Hi Susan! I like making things but I have never thought about modeling bees wax and I can see how kids might like making things with it. Your poem is lovely, full on gratitude for the bees that helps so much: As in our hands the wax we warm/We give thanks to the honeybee swarm.
Thanks, Janice. I never heard of modeling beeswax until I got to the Waldorf school (but that was over 20 years ago now!). The kids tend to like it a lot once they figure out how to get it soft.
I’ve never used beeswax to model. Mostly my granddaughters & I make play dough, but I will see if I can get some beeswax for them. This is fascinating, Susan. Your video makes it very enticing.
Hi Linda, let me know if you try it and how you like it. Just make sure it’s the modeling beeswax. I know they have it on Amazon, among other places.
How fascinating! I’ve never heard of modelling beeswax. But the smell alone would be reason to do this! Thanks for sharing. (And lovely to see you, busy bee!)
Beeswax is pretty amazing–I really do find it soothing, both the texture and the small.
Nice post Susan, love your ‘ stripey honeybee” poem I can see it as a book… Fun video of the beeswax too! Glad you have some free time. I haven’t had this yet as I’m having to prepare some classes as online classes. Hope you have some open areas to walk around in, be well, xo
Thanks, Michelle. Good luck with your online classes! We’re going to share some online classes with our families–I’m hoping I may be able to use some of what I’ve already done. But ours will be short–circle time, stories, crafts. I have some lovely areas to walk around here. Best wishes!
What a lovely poem and activity. Thanks for sharing, Susan.
Thanks, Kimberly!