Our first week was full of meeting new friends, reuniting with old friends, exploring the classroom and materials, learning the expectations, and getting into the routine of the day.
We welcomed 12 new students and 8 returning students. We also welcomed a new after care teacher, Tricia Fox. The children quickly made introductions and spent a lot time getting to know each other. It will take some time to learn everyone’s names, but there will be plenty of opportunities to practice. The returning students were very welcoming. They helped the new students remember the routines, find spots to return materials, and assisted them when needed.
In the classroom the students did a lot of play dough work, cutting, gluing, and painting at the art table, scooping and spooning, raking in the small Japanese sand garden, observing the monarch caterpillars that Grammy Boop brought in, playing sound games, building towers and stairs, and using the farm. There was a lot to see and do all day long. Everyone worked well together at the end of the morning getting the classroom cleaned up. Children put away their materials, swept the floor, cleaned the carpets, washed the tables, and wiped the chalkboard.
During circle we learned some new songs and sang some familiar ones. We read lots of stories about families, friends, and the earth. All of the children enjoyed meeting Henrietta and Wolfgang, who taught us about manners and making introductions.
Outside everyone was busy playing chase, raking leaves and sticks, digging in the sandbox, climbing on and in the tunnel, and running, running, running! There was a lot of excited energy to let out by the end of the morning and the afternoon, and we were grateful for the warm summer weather.
Friday students were all engaged working on puzzles, playing with the farm, building with blocks, and creating art. We noticed that the caterpillars had turned into chrysalises overnight. We had a wonderful last day together at the end of a busy week!
Next week we will continue to focus on friends, family, and community.