A Family of Flowers

 The day of our Fall Family Potluck we asked the children to choose a flower to add to an empty vase.  One by one they added the flower they liked best.  Once all the flowers were added, we sat in silence and admired the bouquet that WE had created.  The silence broke when a little boy said,
"Miss Jennifer, we made a flower family!"

What a wonderful Family Potluck we had and yes, the flowers were absolutely beautiful.  Thank you to everyone!
PEACE,
Jennifer

What will happen to our insect friends?

Okay, so this Friday Oct. 28th is our first Family Pot-Luck.  The kids are excited, I'm excited, it can't come soon enough.  However now they are mentioning SNOW!  Whoa people, snow?
One of the children mentioned this at morning circle and not much was said about it.  However, later on the playground, questions arose.
"What will happen to our insect friends?"

That's a very good question.  What does happen to insects during winter? Curious minds want to know.  I'm going to have to find the answer.  Please Mother Nature, don't let it snow before I figure this out. See you ALL on Friday! PEACE ~ Jennifer

Happy Birthday John Chapman

Wearing pots on their heads....

Reading Johnny Appleseed together under an apple tree.

We introduced John Chapman, our first Peace Maker of the school year. His picture now hangs in the Peace Corner in our classroom.  By June he will be in good company, 8 other Peace Makers will join him.  Each month we will introduce a new person to the children who believed in peaceful conflict resolution.  A person they can relate to in some way, who loved children and respected all.   

John Chapman was such a man.  Ask your children who he was, what he did, where he traveled.  Children are our greatest teachers.
PEACE be with you,
Jennifer

Take a Child Outside Week

September 24—September 30 Annually

Take A Child Outside Week is a program designed to help break down obstacles that keep children from discovering the natural world. By arming parents, teachers and other caregivers with resources on outdoor activities, our goal is to help children across the country develop a better understanding and appreciation of the environment in which they live, and a burgeoning enthusiasm for its exploration.

Going outside:

• connects children to the natural world
• helps kids focus in school
• reduces chances of obesity

So take a child outside!

Visit this site so you can:

• pledge to take a child outside and record your outdoor experiences
• get ideas for outdoor activities
• find participating organizations in your area

Come, be a part of this national movement!
For more information or to offer financial support, contact Liz Baird, Director of School Programs, at 919.733.7450 x601.

Outdoor kitchen play

I've started calling it the "Pine Needle Kitchen".  The children are really enjoying the new outdoor kitchen/restaurant and Mallory, Ian and I are so happy! 

Easy Does It

Hello Families,

The first days of school are approaching. For some, this means a happy return to a beloved routine. For others, it means starting a whole new way of life. Either way, it's a transition, and a biggy, especially for the littlest ones.

It's an adjustment for parents too, but our main job is to do everything we can to help the children (and parents) feel secure and supported during this important time. Separation anxiety, new teachers, new spaces and routines... it's a lot for a small person to take in. So Mallory and I are getting ready to do our part to make the transition back to school as seamless as possible for everyone.

For help with separation anxiety please read this article from Savvy Source.

http://www.savvysource.com/savvyparent/beingsavvyarticle_115_9049_separation-anxiety-and-the-first-few-weeks-of-school


Our classroom and play yard will look a bit different than it has over the summer camp weeks. New things have been added and during these first few weeks of school, more changes to the outdoor space will take place. Our play yard is an ever evolving natural play scape.
We would like to say a special thank you to everyone who has helped build this space.  From the veggie garden to the fence, flower gardens and tree cookies; it's because of everyones joint efforts that our children have such an inviting space to play in!  Thank you.

It's going to be a wonderful year!  Reminder: OPEN HOUSE for new and returning students is September 3rd. Also please spread the word that our new after school program has openings.  Thank you!
In PEACE,
Jennifer, Mallory and Ian

Ocean Week

Together we made this underwater world....

These lovely water folk and these two adorable whales.