Mat 27-28 (OUTDOOR)

Thursday

Getting back into our 90% outdoor routine, we begin the day with some free play, morning circle, unstructured creation (drawing, colouring usually) and then move into our morning lesson. Today we reactivated our outdoor creation brain, discussing activities that we did in the fall. We filled our creation bin with newly forage items and opened our Nature Guides for some inspiration. Each student created their own nature critter/creatures and shared it with the group. They also named the plant material that was used. Afterwards, we explored what real creatures eat within our guide books. Working in pairs, the Sprouts followed the paths on the page and shared their learning with their Seedling or Sapling classmate, who took notes. Afterwards, they got to share with group about an animal of their choice and what it eats.

On our afternoon hike the students chose to cross the street and head down the spruce path to climb trees. We got to notice all the little treasures on the ground that had been hidden under the snow. We found a variety of spruce cones and lots of bark today. We then continued on to the creek where lots of water play was had. Those who had waterproof boots made it to “Potter’s Creek Island” while others stayed “home” to “fish”. We stopped by our Fir friends and gave them love. Noticing that one Pine tree would soon be chopped down, the students chose to take a photo to remember what it looked it. They really liked its smooth feel (all bark had fallen off).

We had sharing board outside today.

Friday

We started our day outside under our shelter, wondering when the rain would begin. It didn't until after 2pm! We enjoyed our morning circle outside and gathered together to read a story about our eyes, the light from the stars and how everything came from stardust. We then gathered natural items to inspire our art. Using wooden eye shaped pieces, we created two eyes. These eyes were a part of our face, drawn using pinecones, acorns, rocks, and sticks. We then took one of our eyes outside to the fairy hollow and one eye went home with everyone so they could imagine seeing the fairy hollow from home.

After a snack and some free play, we moved into the kitchen to make juice. We talked about the nutrition our eyes need and how Spring is a good time to rejuvenate our bodies. We talked about what bears and squirrels might be finding to eat in the Spring.

Everyone helped in making the juice. Cutting the fruit and vegetables and tasting everything was so much fun.

We juiced each food first, tasting each juice separately. We added each juice to the jug, mixing all the flavours together. This was a big hands on experience! Pear juice and apple juice were the favourites.

After lunch, we ventured outside for a walk through the park, visiting the playground. Everyone was thrilled to be able to take their mittens off to play and swing. We stepped into the boggy part of the park to see how it felt, and determined it was not safe to go in, as it might be quicksand.

We closed our day with a full sharing board outside, and said farewell just as it started to rain.