The weather is getting cooler, and winter is on its way. Last week we started a study of shelters and buildings. We've examined human-built structures in our neighborhood, looked at pictures and books about different houses around the world, and have done some experimenting with building small structures ourselves. Next week we'll start learning about animal shelters and what animals do to survive in winter.
Though we're focusing on a "theme" of shelters, many other things grab the attention of 4 and 5 year olds out in the woods, and we like to spend ample time exploring those interests. This week we've of course had ice! And many ice crystals ("ice diamonds") forming in the soil. Some resident nuthatches have also been very bold and have inspired an interesting bird feeder.
Winter Solstice is in a week and a half. Please MARK YOUR CALENDARS for a school-wide solstice zoom celebration on Monday December 21st at 6:00pm. Next week we'll make lanterns with your children, and we'll make sure you have them to light up remotely for our celebration. More details to come.
Finally, winter is nearly here, so don't forget to layer your child up for school. If you're having a hard time getting them to wear enough just send extra layers (sweaters/fleece/sweatshirts/socks) in their backpack and we can take care of them. And don't forget about warm socks - we've had some cold feet this week! I've been wearing two pairs of wool socks myself these past few days.
Here are some pictures from the last week and a half, though perhaps not in order!
A little collaborative cooking
A favorite play spot
Lining up these sticks in height order was a lot of work!
Creative storage!
We've done most of our eating around the fire this week.
Frozen mud!
"When you step on the ice diamonds you die. But then your friends get more ice diamonds and you come back to life."
Cozy snack
Ice eggs in a nest
Children used all sorts of strategies to get the ice out of the mud kitchen containers. Stomping was quite effective!
Testing a small shelter to see if it's rain proof
An expedition to look for animal shelters
Weather reporting with a team
Ice ornaments make great decorations!
Building our new bird feeder scarecrow
Our new classmate "Birdie" makes us laugh with her silly firewood face. We're hoping the birds get used to eating birdseed off her lap, and maybe someday we'll be able to substitute a pre-k kiddo in her place!
Small group story time
These kiddos have been doing a lot of woodworking and decided that we needed another table. They got right to work nailing some plywood onto some low stumps.
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