Tuesday’s cold and rain brought a wonderful opportunity for resilience-building among the students. We cozied up at picnic shelter three for the first time this year with a fire, chamomile tea, and a warm snack of oatmeal. The students took advantage of rainy puddles and rain dripping from the roof to make mud kitchen creations. Thank you for layering your children so well on Tuesday, it really makes a difference in their comfort and ability to play on challenging weather days!

Wednesday we had Hamlin with us while Ashley was off for a personal day. Hamlin played a game of chase that the children really loved and recreated in the forest and brought back at the end of the day. There was a big release of energy and happy moods today after the challenging weather day yesterday!

At lunch Wednesday we had sautéed broccoli, including the stalk which was a hit for many of the kids. They noticed that the stalk (cut into large discs) had shapes like stars, hearts, etc. based on their natural variation in shapes.

Thursday brought lots of large motor practice and play. Following Kylie’s lead, several children climbed the fallen White Oak tree to a place just a bit higher than they have before. We noticed the students thoughtfully navigating the more challenging climb, trying new skills, and asking for support when needed!

Friday was such a full and fun day! The children had SO much fun at the Friendship Feast, and the teachers love to see what they bring as their favorite foods! What a wide, varied pallet these kiddos have! Aside from the feast, we ventured out on a hike, which led to more picking up of litter. While on our hike, the students found a forest slide on the side of a ravine. They loved sliding down and landing in the piles of leaves below!

We are so very grateful for all of our Forest Kindergarten families, and we hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving break! Remember we are not meeting next week, and return to school on 11/29!