The Playground Chronicles

Take a look at all the outdoor activities the Yarok group has been doing over the last week.

 Digging in the sandbox with Katie.

 Climbing structure part I

 Climbing structure part II

 Car wash!

 Singing with Liz.

Making ice cream!

Caution: Imaginations at Work

Today the large cardboard box was not a box, but a fire station, and then a three dimensional canvas inviting artistic expression.  It was fun to see how Joseph and Ethan worked at climbing the large wooden platform outside of the fire station and hoisting themselves onto the other platform we placed inside.  At different points over the course of the morning, Joseph and Harrison individually maneuvered the very large box around on the floor in order to better suit their play.  Muscles and imaginations worked together to add to the enjoyment of the children's explorations.

Abby and Eva are working their arms as they paint on the walls - positioning their fingers in the pincer grasp as they strengthen the muscles in the shoulder girdle.

Stepping up with Keshet

Take a peek into our classroom today.  The kids gave the stairs a workout over the course of the morning.  This very simple construction helps kids work on balance and the important skills of climbing up and down stairs.  The levels provided also give a new perspective on the classroom.  Some toys were found underneath the steps on the floor.  In a previous post, I noted that there was no railing.  This time, just take a look at what some children are carrying or holding while climbing.

No trolls under this bridge, just the rug!

Today was a day for using our bodies in fun ways.  Keshet children enjoyed climbing up the stairs, balancing on the top, and walking down the other side.  With no railing to hold, it's quite a challenge for a toddler.  Some kids found this to be rather a good way to spend the morning.  Just look at Isabella's expression of delight as she sprung off the last step!  Beyond gross motor development and practice with balance, the kids worked at taking turns - making sure that each child had a turn - and going to the back of the line to wait for her next turn.  

Into the Woods...

The Rainbow class took a hike in the woods with their focusers today.  The kids noticed that things had changed with the beginning of spring.  They discovered some white flowers, a purple flower, some moss, a fallen tree, and a number of great big stumps.  They saw fresh, new leaves on the branches that were bare just a few weeks ago.  Everyone seemed to enjoy exploring. Take a look below...

Into the Woods...

The Rainbow class took a hike in the woods with their focusers today.  The kids noticed that things had changed with the beginning of spring.  They discovered some white flowers, a purple flower, some moss, a fallen tree, and a number of great big stumps.  They saw fresh, new leaves on the branches that were bare just a few weeks ago.  Everyone seemed to enjoy exploring. Take a look below...

Into the Woods...

The Rainbow class took a hike in the woods with their focusers today.  The kids noticed that things had changed with the beginning of spring.  They discovered some white flowers, a purple flower, some moss, a fallen tree, and a number of great big stumps.  They saw fresh, new leaves on the branches that were bare just a few weeks ago.  Everyone seemed to enjoy exploring. Take a look below...

Can you see France?

When asked if she could see France, Olive answered happily, "No, I see cars."

The children are always so pleased and proud to see just how high they are able to climb. Often they remark that they are taller than the teachers. Each and every day they are building their confidence in their abilities to climb, swing, slide and run.