The rain fell from the sky. A lot. The photos below do not reflect these days because my camera and rain are not on speaking terms but we did indeed face many downpours. It was delightful–honestly. Children loved splashing in the puddles, used the water to make soup and other potions and learned how to open and close their snack containers super quickly so their snack did not become soggy.They also practiced taking off all their wet gear, put everything into their bins and waited patiently for us to hang it on the hangers too high for them to reach. Each day brings more independence and a sense of community as children help other children to get these tasks done.
Gathering around to investigate mushrooms; we pull out our mushroom guide to try to identify them. The children are learning the power of mushrooms.
Many Eagles are interested in creating art on the gravel pathways; children are inspired by what is around them and continue to explore the materials in new ways. If you do not see art on our art shelf in the Cottage, know that children are making art each and every day when they are outside. We are learning to appreciate the non-permanency of our work.
After spending time in his small group and working on mashing berries, Damian continues his interest and mashes gravel with a stick, making his own mortar and pestle- so cool!
Zoë and Ian enjoy working together on making a pile of rocks and gravel. Did this activity help to support their new friendship or did their friendship help them to engage in this project together?
Abby, Maliya and Ariel scoop out the inside of our homegrown pumpkin. We talk about how each seed can grow many more new pumpkins- isn’t this amazing?
Yohan pauses in the middle of painting his name tag. He has just arrived to school this week and is figuring it all out. Might the cars he carried from the other play area offer a sense of security and familiarity?
The Owls re-hydrate some drying clay with water and use it to make prints on paper. The clay is still hard to manipulate and some children prefer to just “draw” with it while others persevere and try to mild it into a shape.
Ty and Ezra find interest in looking at their work from last year in their documentation binders. What are they thinking as they look back on their work and photos?
Kaya never, EVER has enough kale!
Earlier this day, whilst they were hidden under a tree canopy, Ella sang “Let It Go” to Mason. From that moment on, the two are connected, enjoying each other’s company. Perhaps she wooed him with her lovely vocals:)
Heidi catches a glimpse of a snake, quickly put on some gloves and is able to catch it to show the Eagle children. The snake has an injury, which leads to lots of ideas of how it might have happened, what it eats and comparisons to other animals.
Nicole, Alison, Brianna and Miles are working hard to cut through the squash from our garden to make a sinful recipe with loads of butter and brown sugar! Cooking communally is so important to most cultures; this is something we want to foster in our Nature School children!
The Owls go on a big excursion, investigating a new path. Some seem to be hesitant but most just plow on ahead without too much concern. What brings this sense of trust- us adults being with them, a trust in our land?
Hayden and Keaton learn how to brush on just the right amount of paint to make a nice print; this is not easy!
Araceli enjoys discovering the effects of making multiple prints before re-loading the rubber with more paint. I wonder how this will affect her use of paint next time it is offered.
If the picture had sound, you would hear hysterical laughing. Damian is doing something that he finds absolutely hilarious which cause Miles to laugh very hard too. This dialogue went on for quite a while- how wonderful to see them so happy, enjoying each other’s company and moving into this stage of social play.
Busy in the studio- it is so quiet, just the sound of “Please pass the orange” or “Pass the spider web” can be heard.
Mason stands proudly with his birthday crown. The children are very familiar with this ritual and now look excitedly to see what natural gem the birthday person chooses.
Ty asks me for the field guides to identify trees and birds.Ashton and Ezra are nearby and come over to investigate. They carry the guides for a long time, looking and discriminating.
Playful costumes provide a forum for creativity, social engagement and self awareness.
Alison paints her own face in the studio. Interestingly, she knows to keep it away from her eyes and lips. She is very pleased with her work. Usually children have their face painted by others, with a specific design. Maybe there is equal value to both ways?
‘Till the next post,
Emily