We had a short yet fun week last week. We continued to talk about frogs even though our tadpoles did not make it. I did not dwell on it with the kids but told them exactly what happened. I think we needed more water and fewer frog eggs in our tank. I also needed to remove the unhatched eggs and limit the number of tadpoles in our tank. We are ready to try again with a full tank of filtered water. Then there was snow… giving us an opportunity to talk about wood frogs in the wild. They can freeze solid in the mud and then “wake up” when the weather warms. We read fictional stories about Frog and Toad, asked questions about the difference between frogs and toads, and then discovered the answers to our questions. Children are the consummate connectors—- While we were talking about frog eggs and tadpoles I asked them what would the tadpoles turn into next and they shouted out that they would be “Philippes.” Do you remember Philippe from Monet’s garden, the long legged frog who escaped the frogcatcher and went to live in Monet’s pond?
Meow Cats :: March 18
We kept reading Dr. Seuss stories as well this week. One week of Seuss is never enough. The Meow Cat’s favorite so far is I Can Read With My Eyes Shut. I’m sure we’ll read a few more before the end of the school year.
Did your Meow Cat tell you about all the new free choice art supplies? I am dedicated to having paint available for them every day, and they also have access to paper, scissors, glue, yarn, stencils, oil pastels, markers, pencils, and colored pencils during free choice time in the morning and in the play block after snack. I’m going to add in some natural materials and a collage basket. We are putting away our own supplies and cleaning up the floor ourselves. I love that they can take great joy in using a sponge and soapy water to clean under the easels.
Think back to the first weeks of school. The Meow Cat kids have grown so much. I had a sub this week who really marveled at their newfound social skills. They are advocating for themselves, asking for help, and navigating brave new friendships. We are choosing to write more, draw more, and set up extended dramatic play in groups. This week we went beyond talking about how it feels to have something taken out of your hands and talked about our personal space, our “bubble”. We are trying to be careful about taking toys out of our friend’s “bubble” without asking. We laughed a lot as we practiced taking things from me while I sat in my hula hoop bubble.
Hannah and the Brilliant Butterflies have been playing and learning about the human body. I’m so inspired that I think we’ll spend a little time talking about our bodies. On Monday we’ll trace our bodies and start to talk about how our bodies work.
The kids have asked to transform our class into the universe, and they would like to know more about dinosaurs. Those are ideas for the coming weeks.
Who is interested in a summer camp at The Children’s Garden? I’m coming up with some ideas for some summer fun.
I’m also looking for some wire? Does anyone have spool of wire… or several.. that they might be willing to donate.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sally and Lauren
