What a wonderful week we had in the forest! In keeping with our Head, Heart, Hands, and Holism approach to observation and documentation, here are a few special things we shared in the forest this week.

Head:

As the rain moved through our region this week, we were able to observe many changes in our familiar play areas. The sandy ravine, which is a favorite spot for kitchen play, lended itself to hours of muddy fun. The children took note of new mushrooms and fungi which emerged from the wet ground and logs. A favorite among many of our friends, the American Toad were in abundance in the damp forest, as well as snails, slugs, and earthworms.

Heart:

With so many new creatures to see this week, it is remarkable to observe the children’s care with these delicate animals. Earthworms are gently held, toads are carefully relocated to a safe place. There is a reverence for life the children innately hold.

Caring for living things certainly carries over into the children’s relationships. New friendships are forming, and when a child has a fall or a bump, it’s never long before a friend checks on them. Such empathy and care is being shown during our time together.

Hands:

The children continued to enjoy coconut kefir popsicles and apples for snack each day, and quinoa with colorful vegetables and kraut for lunch. It’s a joy to see exploration continuing with new foods! We have begun to introduce more involvement during clean up after snack and lunch time. Each child has been responsible for putting their own water bottle back in the basket, emptying their bowl, and adding their bowl to the stack so it may be washed. It’s wonderful to see this sense of rhythm and responsibility beginning to form.

Holism:

We’ve been fortunate to have Sarah join us a little more than usual this week! Sarah has led us in a half sun salutation during circle time each morning. This, along with our morning song, has become a beautiful way to begin our day with a quiet in-breath together before our big out-breath at play!

We also invited children to thank the forest when we exited the trail this week. It was noteworthy to hear how many of them said thanks for “letting me break sticks”, “letting me destroy the log on the ground”, etc. There seemed to be some implicit understanding that their acts of (minor!) destruction were a gift from the forest, only made possible interdependent, responsible relationships with nature!

⭐️Please help us keep track of water bottles, and extra rain gear and clothing by labeling your child’s belongings! ⭐️