The North Wind Doth Blow

A Waldorf Winter Song with gestures for little ones!

This is a sweet song we did in our Parent-Child Circles this past Winter. It comes from a 15th century english nursey rhyme, and can be endlessly adapted to include the animals and their winter activities of your own region.

For the little ones (0-3) Parents can do the gestures with their child in their lap. I have also done this song with children up to first grade, adding in whole body gestures, and even making up new verses together!

Enjoy!

The north wind doth blow, and we shall have snow,
And what will the robin do then, poor thing?
He’ll sit in the barn, to keep himself warm,
And hide his head under his wing, poor thing.
(Wave arms over head and then put both arms out as you ask the question.

Flutter hands like wings and then tuck them under chin like a sleeping bird.)

The North wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,
And what will the rabbit do then, poor thing?
She’ll hop and she’ll hop and she wont want to stop,
And that’s how she’ll keep herself warm, poor thing.

(hop about and then wrap arms around yourself)

The north wind doth blow, and we shall have snow,
And what will the dormouse do then, poor thing?
She’ll curl in a ball, in her nest snug and small,
And sleep til the warm weather comes, poor thing.
(Curl into a little ball, hugging knees close, then slowly stretch upward like waking up.)

The north wind doth blow, and we shall have snow,
And what will the hedgehog do then, poor thing?
She’ll hide in the leaves, ‘neath roots of the trees,
And sleep until birds start to sing, poor thing.
(Pretend to burrow into leaves, then press hands together like a sleeping hedgehog.)

The north wind doth blow, and we shall have snow,
And what will the children do then, dear me?
They’ll jump and they’ll play, in snowdrifts all day,
And drink warm tea by the roaring fire, you see!
(Pretend to jump in snow, then hold an imaginary cup of warm tea.)

Bringing Warmth and Movement to Winter Days

Singing with gestures like these brings warmth and joy to winter days. It helps children experience the world through their bodies and senses, deepening their connection to the rhythms of nature. As we move alongside the words, we embody the hibernating creatures, the blowing wind, and the playful energy of children in the snow.

This simple song is a reminder that, like the animals, we too can find comfort in the stillness of winter, knowing that spring is just around the corner.

Warmly,
Amelia