Making Plans

We read lots of books and worked on many puzzles this morning.

After cleaning up, we headed out for a weather check,

and discovered that it was only raining under one tree (when we shook the branches).

At Morning Meeting, we took our wiggles (of which we had many), shook, them, squished them, tasted them, balanced them on our noses, figured out what color they were, and then put them in a box - with a tight lid.

Only then, were we ready for our Moment of Silence.

We pulled out another new book from our box, The Little Red Hen,  (another classic). After, we talked about why the animals had done what they did, and whether it was fair.

Next, we started making plans for our camping trip. We have decided that we are going to get a couple of tents (I have one that will probably hold 6...anybody else have a real tent they could lend us?), and go "camping" for the day over in Alverthorpe Park. Today, we began planning by making a list of all the things friends thought we would need.

Then it was Choice Time. Danielle showed friends the Moon Sand that they could work with.

We also introduced some new blocks - duplos - which are large leggos.

Other friends began work on their self portraits.

Others drew on the easel.

Some read books,

or played the keyboard.

Then we headed outside, where we had many running games, some hockey and lots of hunting and finding a variety of bugs and worms. Then it was time to head in for lunch, where friends took turns telling stories...most with monsters in them. Friends are getting better and better at creating suspense in their storytelling.

This Is the Color of Me!

This morning, friends explored some old and new favorites.

Then it was time for Movement with Missy! We did some of our favorites, "Going on a Bear Hunt," and "Bop Until You Drop."

We tried our hand at Dodge Ball.

Then, Missy got out a bunch of balls, hula hoops and the Monkey Jumping mat, and we made up some new games of our own.

After we got our hands stamped, we spent a little time out on the playground, before heading in for snack.

Then, it was time for Morning Meeting. We had our Moment of Silence,

and then we read a brand new book (we got a BOX of new books in the mail, and we are pulling out one every day). This book is called, Press Here,  and it is a somewhat magical book. When you press, or shake or turn it like the words tell you, it makes things happen! Friends were VERY excited about this one.

At Choice Time, we made our first official Sign Up Sheet for the keyboard, and friends wrote their names, or some letters of their name, so that we could keep track of whose turn it was.

The sandbox was also open and full to capacity,

and so was the block area, as friends worked on some large block construction and continued to explore ramps of various sizes and configurations.

In the Art Center, friends started work on their Self Portraits, for a special end-of-year project we are doing. First, they had to find the right color for themselves out of our big bin of multicultural markers.

Then, friends carefully studied themselves in the mirror - thinking about the shapes of their heads and each of the features of their face. 

There were discussions about placement of noses and eyebrows, whether their mouths should be opened or closed, and what mood they wanted to express (and how to do that). It is fascinating to watch friends study their faces, and to have them really consider the shape of their eyes, rather than just quickly drawing a circle. It requires slowing their perceptions and, in considering their teacher's questions, really looking at themselves in a new way.