We felt the weather shift with cooler mornings and a wonderful breeze in the forest this week. Students commented on how different the forest felt between Tuesday (very hot and humid) and Wednesday (cool breeze). During morning circle every day, we ask students a couple of questions: What is the weather like? What kind of clothes are you wearing to prepare for the weather? These questions prompt students to observe their surroundings and reflect on how they fit in to their environment. Some students are comfortable in shorts while others wear pants. We talk about these differences in length! Students are reminded to always make sure their layers (if any are removed) are put in their backpacks so the sneaky squirrels don’t run off with them ;)
One type of open-ended tool students have available to them during class is a bulb-handled paint brush. Students have thoroughly enjoyed mixing up mud paint and chalk paint. They have also taken initiative to blend dry chalk colors with the brushes to make a smoothed colorful effect in their drawings. Consider providing outdoor paintbrushes at home for your kiddo to encourage outdoor art!
Seasonal fruits and veggies of the week included plums, apples, corn on the cob, and cucumbers from Deanna’s home garden. Deanna brought a whole cucumber for students to see and touch while she explained how the plant grows and what type of flower it has for pollination. The corn and cucumbers were a big hit!
Thank you to Kristin and Marilyn for helping us in the forest this week!
And, thank YOU for understanding why we had to cancel class on Friday. My daughter, Matilda, is experiencing very mild Covid symptoms. I will test myself again before returning to class and will wear a mask just to be extra careful. Sheena, the AFK Board Secretary, will be in the forest substituting in my place on Tuesday.
Have a wonderful weekend!
