What a beautiful and chilly week we’ve had! The children are doing such a great job adjusting to the seasonal changes, and we greatly appreciate all the parents layering them appropriately for the weather. This time of year can be so tricky with the near-freezing temperatures in the mornings and warmer afternoons! Layers really help the students stay comfortable all day.
In response to the changing temperatures, we experimented with a new play site on Thursday at the Crow’s Nest. Small shifts in the forest can make such a big difference for the little ones with more sunlight exposure or less wind coming from the lake. While at the Crow’s Nest, we took the opportunity to begin discussing fire safety for the upcoming season. We worked together to “spruce up” the fire ring, defining the circle with large rocks and stumps, and clearing away leaves. Some of the students already began gathering small twigs to make a future fire. We’re so grateful for access to the features of the park that keep everyone warm and cozy during the wetter and colder months, and are so excited the students are so eager to pitch in and share the responsibilities of caring for our environment!
A new play feature has emerged in the forest this week…A “playground”! A few weeks ago, the students realized they could make a seesaw out of a log and a large branch, and this week saw the addition of a slide! A flat piece of fallen tree was propped up against the same log to make a quite effective slide! It’s so amazing to see how inventive the students are, but also how much turn-taking and kindness take place with an exciting new opportunity.
This week, we saw a big interest in music! Mud kitchen tools, and sticks and branches became musical instruments. It’s amazing how many different tones the children can get out of pots and pans! One of the “bands” became a marching band, and another became a drumming duo.
Next week is looking a little warmer, but we encourage you all to continue sending your children in layers. A base, middle, and outer layer help keep the children dry, warm, and comfortable. Another important piece of cold weather bundling is mittens. Water resistant mittens are fantastic to have, but two pairs of mittens also work. Little fingers become very cold in the morning forest, and this really helps to keep them happy and able to play!
We hope you all have a wonderful weekend full of adventures big and small!
