Download the article: Eurythmy for the Young Child
Reviewed by Susan O'Reilly
Published by WECAN, 2005.
This wonderful book is a veritable treasure chest! It contains gems for the reader, from the parent who asks the question "Why does my child do eurythmy?" to the kindergarten teacher looking for ideas and guidance at ring time, and also for the eurythmist planning and reflecting upon the lessons with the young child.
As a guide or reference book, it works very well, clearly laid out and therefore practical and accessible. As a source of inspiration, it is packed full of original, imaginative rhymes and stories with movement indications for teachers as well as vowels and consonants for the eurythmists. These are preceded by an introduction for both kindergarten and eurythmy teachers on such subjects as child development, clothing, beginning and ending the lesson/ringtime, how to deal with disturbances, structure, music, the role of the kindergarten teacher in the eurythmy lesson and, most important, gesture and movement. The lessons are suitable for three- to eight-year-olds, and are presented according to the seasons and festivals, including beginning and ending verses, working with contraction and expansion and veils. There are many stories which are complete in themselves, such as "The Turnip" or "The Golden Goose," and include rhymes and songs. There are also verses for many occasions, from dwarfs to dragons!
The tone is that of a warm and friendly voice, and we are fortunate indeed that Estelle Bryer has decided to share these gifts, permeated with her years of experience from working with young children.
As a kindergarten teacher and eurythmist, I have used many of her suggestions and was rewarded by happy, smiling faces and a ring-time full of joy. Eurythmy for young children has a great advocate in Estelle Bryer. Thank you for giving us this wonderful book.
Susan O'Reilly is a kindergarten teacher and kindergarten eurythmist in Cambridge, England.