A Walk through the Park

We went for a walk this morning.  It was somewhat sunny when we started but by the time we walked to the beach the wind had picked up and it was cold.

We braved it for awhile to do some rock turning and playing at the water`s edge.

Then we headed back into the woods but not before stopping to play on the logs.

He was in his rocketship and trying to land but was having trouble with the brakes.  Luckily he was able to use his parachute.

We found...

sticks that looked like a smiling crocodile,

trilliums in bloom,

skunk cabbage,

feathers,

and lots of trees

to hug or climb,

to balance on,

and to investigate.

It was fun to check out how water moved from one side of the trail to the other side.

Our walking took us, not only on rocky trails and beaches, but across boardwalks, bridges and up stairs.

It was a great first morning back from Spring Break.

Clever Tom and the Leprechaun

Last week with St. Patrick's day celebrations I found a book that I could tell as an oral story, Clever Tom and the Leprechaun
by Linda Shute

Hope you enjoy it.

It's the Tools

Our last craft for the week was a rainbow window sock.  True that the families were enjoying the coloured ribbons - nice to have bright colours after our long rainy winter.  But what I noticed more was that the children liked using the tools needed to make it more than the finished product - a big yay for that.

Figuring out how to use the stapler.

The small stapler that fits in their hand worked well. Not to mention great for building those muscles and eye to hand coordination.

Hole punch - loved the determination from the child and the support and patience of the parent.

Tying the string - wow I didn't expect this.

Using the coloured pencils to print his own name.

Just playing and feeling the ribbons was more fun than putting it together.

The proud feeling of working hard and enjoying what you've made.

Today helped me see that I need to offer more opportunities with those tools we may use everyday but are possibly new for our children.

St Patrick's Day

We made wee little leprechauns this morning.  Just the right size to hold in your fist.

They are made by painting old fashion clothespegs green, gluing on red yarn hair and twisting pipecleaners for arms and one for the hat.

We got our hands all messy when making Irish Soda Bread.

We enjoyed a special snack with Lucky Charms.

While we were at gym a sneaky Leprechaun showed up and made a mess of our room.  We knew it was a leprechaun because we found footprints from the paint across the art table.

But no matter how much we searched at the end of all the rainbows in our room we couldn't find a pot of gold.

Happy St. Pat's Day To You

Rarin' to go this morning with rainbow cookies, gold pieces and a great story to tell.

May the luck of the Irish be with you all day.