Happy February, Athens Forest Kindergarten families!
We spent another wonderful week exploring 2 favorite forest locations between the Crow’s Nest and Picnic Shelter 3. Despite these sites being visited frequently, we always seem to find new ways to interact with the land and notice the changes created by weather, animals, and seasons. While there is so much that happens in a week of school, I’ve shared a few things about our time together that coincide with 4 areas of development.
Head
Caroline brought a terrarium and Juniper brought a hand lens to share with the class this week. Logs were turned over and so many insects were carefully collected, placed inside the terrarium, and examined with the lens.
For months now, students have expressed interest in animal homes and creating shelters in the forest. As a program that focuses on child-led emergent curriculum, we read new books about beavers and squirrels and the homes they create for themselves and, subsequently, other animals in the ecosystem.
Heart
Howl and Orora are back in the forest with us this week after a short time being away. We are so glad they are back!
William and Sylvan took care of a pet worm, “Wormie,” building a mud home with a stone roof. They were so gentle with this small, squishy friend.
Hands
At circle time on Friday, a birds nest and white tail deer antlers were brought in for the students to handle and discuss. They were all so excited to share stories about their own experiences with these animals.
Amora and Mable turned the mud kitchen pots and pans into a drum set and spent a long time creating music and singing songs.
Buckets were used on Thursday and Friday to move sticks, mud, and water around our play site. “Clay dough” was made by students using red clay, water, and sand and then rolled out into small spheres, carefully arranged on leaf platters and served to fellow classmates.
Holism
Introducing the Adventure Vests went well this week! This is an effort to ensure students’ safety in the forest and have a visual reminder that we are one big group of explorers.
A new rotating seasonal menu for the month has been introduced and includes great north beans, polenta, beets, and squash as well as some of the old favorites.
All of us are continuing to explore what makes us feel safe and happy while we play together in the forest. Students are encouraged to check in with one another, communicate their needs, and hold boundaries.
Thank you to our AFK Co-op Helpers this week: Kirby, Basel, Hala, Ryan, Iralyn, and Bernice! This program would not be the same without everyone’s contributions.
We are grateful for you all!
