Autumn is Here

 Happy Autumn! This week we had a harvest moon and celebrated the Autumnal Equinox, signs that despite the humid weather autumn is here. The fall is a beautiful time to notice change around us, and this week we've eagerly watched our chrysalises, learned about a monarch's journey to Mexico (ask your child about "I gotta gotta go, gotta go to MEXICO!"), and have become butterflies. We've done some experimenting with color mixing paints and have played with stump geoboards. We've also enjoyed a few different Anansi books during story time. Ask your child about Anansi's antics in The Moss Covered Rock!

Did you know that our school has a Diversity and Equity Committee? We meet monthly with the following goals: 1) Allow staff members to have the time and space for self-reflection and regular discussions around developing social justice awareness in our community. 2) Improve the climate at our school in order for all students to be safe, valued, and appreciated. 3) Promote policies, procedures, and resources at our school which value equity, diversity, and justice in our learning environments. If you're interested in learning more you can check out the Diversity and Equity Committee Website. We're in the process of making some updates from last year, but there are some wonderful resources on the site.

Enjoy some pictures from this beautiful week!

Kristine helps children act out an Anansi tale after story time.

An obstacle course created by the children

This week we've had some inside play time after rest. The class is very excited about the dollhouse, trains, and dramatic play area!

These two are helping to move wood chips from the pile to the base of our climbing stump. 

Loading up the "tractor"

Teamwork!

Exploring some different Anansi stories

This crew is putting together a doctors/vets office.

All tied together!

After reading White Rabbit's Colors Bridget and Kristine help with some color mixing experimentation.

A small group learning how to use our geoboards

There are so many different shapes and designs to can make!

That was not an easy log to move!

Some quiet play at the dollhouse

Some kids stayed dry while helping to make herbed yogurt dip and peanut sauce dip. We dipped fresh carrots into the dip when we were done. Ask your child which one they liked better!

Carefully cutting those small leaves 

These two are building a bridge across a mud puddle. 

During our mindfulness groups today we introduced our Kindness Garden! Earlier in the week children painted these beautiful papers and we've collaged them into a garden. When we see an act of kindness we put a kindness seed onto the garden. Ask your child about it!

So much mud means TONS of fun with the mud kitchen.

Measuring a big stick to make sure it's okay to play with. 

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!