February began and we noticed a shift in the air – a shift away from winter and towards spring! Although there is sure to be more cold, rainy days ahead of us, we have noticed that we are warmer, need fewer layers, and haven’t used the hot water hand warmers nearly as much (some days not at all). Early in the month we noticed a few maple sprouts and flower shoots in our Maple classroom. We now avoid it so those fragile beings can grow! Springtime can be a tricky time to dress for – the mornings are still cool, and it can be quite wet, so layers are more important than ever to avoid over-heating when the temperature rises. We also find ourselves getting muddy and damp as we have forded streams, puddles and more, so we need back-up mittens and socks in case we get a soaker.
Imaginative and inclusive playtime has increased in leaps and bounds! The children act out things they’ve learned about like tapping maple trees or a bear’s preparation for hibernation. They’ve also expanded the boundaries of almost every classroom to include more challenging terrain and obstacles. With Spring coming I believe we will never run out of new curiosities to check out, but while winter lingers I wonder if we will punch our limits even further to try and satisfy their curiosity!
Theo is constructing a “metal door” out of our various treasures, or remnants from the village that once presided where we now play.
We’ve been exploring shapes, and here Juniper found that a stick, or a line, can be bent to make a circle! ‘Eye’ see you!
Again the transport theme. Here the kids were going to ‘Nymph Falls” for a “Devil’s Club Tea Party”. Some people used carseats and other times the car needed oil and fuel.
Lining up and jumping down! Here everyone could adapt how they jumped by jumping from higher up, or further down, or partially rolling, so it was the perfect platform for everyone to safely practice, and take a little risk too, to challenge their physical literacy.
Theo and Dawson share a car that is clearly going VERY fast! Going places and modes of transportation are quite popular themes for the children. We see them act everyday transportation situations in very creative ways in the natural environment.
Jared says “There’s a great view from up here!’ when we revisited our maple classroom
We have been working with sticks a lot lately, looking at differences and ways to apply them. Here Kieran is testing how thickness of stick affects it’s bendability
Setting up some cones to help protect the crocuses that are sprouting
James has shown interest in tying and untying rope lately. Here he is helping to tie down the tarp on a particularly rainy day!
Delilah and friends were actively constructing and deconstructing this little rocks by moving rocks around. She used her shovel to move the rocks to her bucket then her bucket to transport her rocks. It was a team project and the group has shown great improvements inter ability to communicate and plan independently of the teachers.
Nolan is reconstructing a fairy house after accidentally stepping on his friends. They showed him how to re-make it and he happily responded positively to make up for his accident, and in doing this he learned how to find the right size sticks and lean them up to create a cute mini-shelter!
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