First Full Week

It’s our first full week together, our first week with some full days, and this group is doing so great! Don’t be surprised if your child is tired at the end of the day - they’re working hard and playing hard all day. We’re slowly introducing more materials to our shelves, like tape, scissors and markers, trains, puzzles, magnets, and more. Giving each child a chance to play with these materials, and practice taking them out and putting them away helps them feel comfortable and confident when doing it on their own.

Out in the woods we’ve used shovels and rakes, collected all sorts of natural treasures using our collection baskets, gone on expeditions to the garden, used clipboards and drawing tools, and have spent some time painting on our giant outdoor easels (aka, our open shed doors). We’re building the foundation for increasing amounts of self-directed play, something that is such an important part of early childhood development. Through it all, children are getting to know each other, calling each other by name, and playing with a wide variety of friends. We’ll support this work all the way through the school year.

If you would like us to apply bug spray or sunscreen to your child please make sure to send some in (if you haven’t already). Also, note that our school-wide open house is next Wednesday the 18th at 5:30 pm. Finally, if your child is riding the bus please make sure that we know what their plan is at the end of the day! Getting all these little guys to the right place at dismissal is an important job for us!

Nature Letter! We're always on the lookout...

Our first "expedition" was to the school garden.

"What's taller, the sunflower or me?"

cozy shed with a new friend

This salamander was different colors from the ones we usually find.

Painting with a buddy is a great way to practice collaboration - sharing materials, space, and even ideas takes lots of practice!

Kids love trying to climb up this big branch.

a cozy spot for a fire

We opened our "listening station" this week, and taught kids how to work the cd player and listen to a book with a friend.

On Tuesday we practiced riding the bus around the circle - the class did great following all of the bus rules!

snack time!

a favorite spot

a cozy nest

We've been practicing washing hands outside, and even got to eat a watermelon snack the other day. On Friday we'll take our snack outside for the first time!