First Days
This week was blessed with amazing weather and we got to enjoy it fully.
We began the week working together towards leveling a place for the chicken coop, which largely meant digging a weird old container out of the ground. The children loved moving dirt and feeling helpful. This group is so keen on helping with projects!
Students also played around with some drip art using liquid watercolors and my used/rinsed square coffee filters and got some red clay and beans to decorate our trees.
We've been continuing with "First Days" this week and it seems to be working out well, giving each child a highlight day each week. Monday is Kâs and then we move up in age through the week ending with Fridays as P's "first day". You can guess what this means likely: if it's your first day, you're first at anything that comes up with turns. First in line, first to teach a breath at circle time (if you want), first to engage with an activity we are doing, etc. Someday they'll learn the pleasure that comes from letting another go first, but for now, their brains just aren't developed enough, and it really does matter to them, so this helps with expectations.
Midweek, we ventured over to the Woodcroft playground and fields for much of the morning. The kids made up some games and mainly wanted to free play with a soccer ball and frisbee we found. We also did a little bit of music time with shakers and a steel tongue drum.
Apple crisp was a delicious fall treat that everyone helped make, though some friends were more interested than others. "I love cooking", said J as he eagerly offered to do every step in the process. Children peeled and cut up their apples and added the ingredients. Not only does it feel good to chop, peel, scoop, measure and mix, but fine motor and eye-hand coordination skills are practiced in the process. Hands-in cooking activities help children develop confidence and skill, teaching them how to follow directions and develop problem-solving skills. All that learning in the form of a tasty treat!
As the weather cools we'll move into more cooking projects. This will largely mean stews and soups in the amazing instant pot. I generally ask folks to sign up to bring an ingredient or two so we can share in the process of contribution. Students always feel proud about "their carrots" that go in the soup.
Finally, at the end of the week we had another fun field trip! Everyone loves the change of scenery and exploring new places. We discovered a trail and just followed where it took us, ending up underneath a big magnolia, picking seeds, playing tag and climbing. Yellow jackets were pestering us a bit while we ate lunch but from this came my favorite quote of the day: "I don't like yellow jackets. I only like pink jackets with rainbows."
While over at the playground, a friend asked for help sliding down the pole. I reminded them that if their body couldn't do it on their own, they may not be ready, but will be soon. This is common phrasing in early education, but something that many parents don't know/haven't heard. I didn't myself until my son started at a small Waldorf school in Seattle and they used that wording. While it's tempting to pick up your child and lift them up to the monkey bars or higher onto the play structure, it doesn't promote gross motor development and can be a safety concern. A good phrase to use is "If you can't get up there yourself, your body isn't quite ready YET". It's okay to help or model how to climb something, which helps their bodies understand technique. Sometimes holding a hand or pointing out where to put a foot next is a great way to be supportive without doing the gross motor work for them. You can always offer to spot while they give something new a go. Our friend on the pole today eventually figured it out and felt a huge sense of accomplishment! Yeay for Fridays and for small wins!
Enjoy your weekend! I'll make a brief showing at the family picnic tomorrow right at the beginning. Hope to see you!
Teacher Maddi