The Only Way In is Through

 I don't think I've ever seen SO MUCH SNOW on our playground or in Wildwood Forest. We're having a great time outside, and balancing the discomfort that comes with wet hands, feet, and pants, with the fun of climbing, rolling, and sliding. In fact, climbing on snow banks is one of our all time favorite gross-motor activities in pre-k. Kids develop so much strength and balance, and build their proprioception, all while having so much fun!

We spent the week settling back in after the February break, remembering our classroom rules and routines. Next week we'll start thinking and learning more about TREES. 

Note: On Monday I'll send home paperwork from local musician and doctoral student Mike Roberts. As part of his dissertation research Mike is going to observe and participate in a spring "Songwriting" unit that we'll do in pre-k in May. The paperwork coming home grants permission for him to write about what he observes in the classroom. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!

Enjoy some pictures from our fun week in the snow...

What a surprise to head outside on Monday and find that we could reach up and touch the monkey bars!

The snow banks have turned into the best otter and penguin slides. 

Our scarecrow was plowed into a snow bank! Just the head sticking up.😅

The snowbank into Wildwood Forest was so big, we decided the only way in is through. 

Turns out it's a magic tunnel! It turns kids into the animal of their choice...

Our "dramatic play" center has turned into a restaurant. These kids are setting the table.

"What would you like to order?"

February self portraits - drawing on a vertical surface helps to develop shoulder strength, which helps with fine-motor skills. 

Crawling is another great way to develop core and shoulder strength! 

All of these gross-motor (large movement) activities really feed the development of fine-motor skills, which your child will definitely need as they get older and use writing tools more and more. 

We felt particularly tough in the rain on Thursday. What a hardy bunch of kiddos!

Julianne spent some time opening up the woodworking table this week.

Ask your child about the potato olympics! It was such a silly and fun Friday morning celebration. I didn't get too many pictures but will try to find some to send along. 

Have a great long weekend!