Many of you have already noticed that we have changed our classroom environment/theme.  The children learned so much about creatures of the sea, and care of the ocean.  I try to keep our emphasis on the seasons, whenever I can.  So........we are now talking about Fall (just preparing for the inevitable end of summer), about trees and birds.  I think learning about birds is the perfect way to introduce nature studies.  If you have an opportunity to point out birds and trees near your home, etc. this would be a wonderful reinforcement.

I don't always (ok - often) report to you what we do on a normal day, but I am taking this opportunity - even though I may not be able to get the photos up in the same day. Today we did the following:

  ~ We filled the parakeets feeder with grain.  Each child took turns scooping grain from a large container into the feeder.

  ~  We  picked mint leaves and made mint tea.  Had a nice tea party outside, and then sang "I'm a Little Tea Pot at circle.

  ~  We cut up kale for the parakeets.  Also fed large kale leaves to the chickens.

  ~  We picked and ate lots of tomatoes.

  ~  At circle we read a book about feelings, and sang a song about feelings.  In case you don't know the song, here it is.

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.
           "                              "
           "                                 and you really want to show it,
           "                                   , clap your hands.

If your're mad and you now it, pound the floor, etc.
If your're sad
If you're sleepy
If you're confused
If you're surprised

The children (some are more interested than others), in just one week, can recognize and name about a dozen birds. We also learn bird calls, and many children can recognize the calls already.

We will learn more about trees in the weeks to come.  Right now we have begun with leaf rubbings.