It took us a while to find our Zip today. The morning was a little rough. Several friends were sad to say goodbye to Mom and Dad. Other friends used their bodies to express themselves, instead of words. There was general discontent all around. We checked our environment to see if there were any adjustments we could make, and we set out to the playground….determined to find our Zip again.

A mini-society took shape. A hearty negotiation took place on where the door should be in the house that Arleigh, Nate and Ada created. Next, are friends invited to enter the door? Yes, Jada, Lea and Marta were invited to enter the house and the role playing work. Words were used and physical space was shared. Zip.

Max and Elliott teamed up to take a trike and rickshaw to the gas station for a fill up. What’s Gonna Work? Teamwork. Zip.

More mini-society negotiations. (Still zipping, though.)

Finn found Zip in the sandbox by moving a heavy log to take it to his house, for the crane.

Max offered to help. Mega Zip. The kids are talking and playing and the teachers are breathing easier.

A second mini-society took place that was filled with Zip and sparkly, strawberry ice cream. Who scoops the ice cream? Who sits down? Who drives the rickshaw and who rides? All points negotiated with Zip.

Zippy compromises: “Can you help me? I’ll put it on.” And I’ll help you zip it up.

“I can’t get these apart!”. I can’t either! But that’s ok, now you have two to enjoy! Questionable Zip, but Zip nonetheless.

A Zip Rush when you clean up after spilling rocks or getting to yell as loud as we can! “I can yell this loud outside!”

“I want to play with Macy and Jane!” You talk to your friends about it first, and I will help you next.

“I’d like to play with you.” Ok! Zip! No….ZAP!!!!

We came inside at our usual time full of Zip. It continued during Morning Part II.

We started in the reading area talking about our feelings, our actions and our friendships.

Lisa gathered a small group of friends together to play a memory game with WF garden veggies.

 

Next, she put on the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack and friends, played independently with self regulation, calm and plenty of individual Zip.

Laurie set out Styrofoam, golf tees and hammers for friends to express themselves by pounding, pressing, poking, pushing and pulling. Loud Zip.

Looking back over the morning, it didn’t take long to find our Zip. Together we turned the frown upside down, we flipped the script. We took turns listening and speaking. We helped each other figure out what we need to be Zippy again. “Is it ok to be sad?” a friend asked this morning. Of course, was the reply. We will help each other, when we are sad, not to hurt others.  We will help each other figure out what we need to get happy again. So on we go in to our Friday afternoon with a good supply of Zip. Just the way we like it.

Wee Sprouts: Watermelon. Breakfast: Cheerios and watermelon. Lunch: Chicken and noodles, broccoli and whole wheat bread with hummus. Snack: POPCORN!

ZIP! ZAP! ZOP!!!