Quick Notes:

• When your swimmer is getting dressed tomorrow morning, please keep in mind that leggings and tights are terrifically difficult to take off/put back on. We all appreciate loose fitting pants on swim day! Thank you so much!
• Jen Tank, Finn’s mom, has invited Wee Friends families to join a program she is running at St. Patrick’s Park called “Science Sunday”. See below for more details.

ND-LEEF to host Science Sunday The University of Notre Dame Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility (ND-LEEF) will host its inaugural “Science Sunday” from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 29 at St. Patrick’s County Park in South Bend. Scientists from Notre Dame will be on site to discuss their current research at ND-LEEF. —-ND-LEEF is a globally unique research site housing multiple experimental watersheds, each with a linked stream, pond and wetland system. Each watershed hosts cutting-edge ecological research in a setting that mimics nature, yet is highly controllable and replicable. ND-LEEF will be critical in solving major environmental challenges facing society by bridging the gap that has traditionally existed between the laboratory and field research.—Participants in Science Sunday will learn how hydrologists study the flow of water and how aquatic ecologists study complex interactions of living organisms in the water and see science in action. There will also be hands-on exhibits for children to learn more about aquatic life and water flow.—-ND-LEEF is located at St. Patrick’s County Park. The entrance to ND-LEEF is off Laurel Road between the main park gate and the Park Gate House. This event is open to the public and free of charge. Complimentary light refreshments will be provided.

We are building a Wee Community, each day, at Wee Friends. From letters to life skills, we are covering bases that we hope will prepare your child for what lies ahead in their life journeys.

Melinda welcomed friends today with a letter identification activity. Using life skill phrases such as “Please” , “Thank You” and “I’m Sorry”, friends were encouraged to match the Montessori letters to the words on the page.

Letter/word books have become a project of interest to several friends. On lined paper, friends choose words they are interested in and either kid spell the words, or work with a teacher to trace/copy or produce the letters. Whenever and however writing is being created, we celebrate and encourage.

A large group gathered around Melinda to hear Cinderella read out-loud.

 

Thorough hand washing has been an area of great work over these last several weeks. In truth, this is one of the most satisfying sensory life skills we work on! Water and suds feel wonderful. Rubbing up, down and all around is delightful. Some friends wash their hands over and over. Others enjoy each one of their 5 minutes or more washing hands. Some friends insist their hands are clean while others check with a teacher and happily re-wash if needed.

And as you all know, the sandbox affords us LOTS of time to master the skills of taking off/putting on shoes and socks. (Our friends LOVE the sandbox-thanks for working with the large quantities of sand that make it to your living rooms!)

Building life skills, language and community, day by day.

Wee Sprouts: Carrots. Breakfast: Cheerios and bananas. Lunch: Flatbread with hummus, cantaloupe and salad with French dressing. Snack: Goldfish and orange slices.