Today we went on a leaf hunt! Ms. Melinda set the stage by reading several stories about leaves this morning.

We also looked at a leaf identification chart and picked three leaves to look for: maple, oak and cottonwood.

And then we were off on our leaf hunt!

Our kindergarteners were in charge of collecting everyone’s leaves and documenting how many leaves there were. Elizabeth took friends’ leaves and helped identify the tree type. Elliott recorded the number of each type of leaf by making check marks on his clipboard.

When we got back to the house we had a huge variety of leaves! We used some of them to make leaf rubbings and plan to make leaf collages tomorrow.

Kindergarten: Today’s kindergarten work included being in charge of the collection and count of leaves during our leaf hunt in the morning. However, we could not forget about our stocking project! This activity peaked the interest of other friends and teachers provided them with a stocking activity appropriate for their developmental level.

This ranged from threading a needle to sew—to drawing and cutting out a felt stocking—to cutting a paper stocking.  We always try to teach Wee Frienders within what psychologist Vygotsky calls the “zone of proximal development,” the area in which children can learn with guidance from a teacher. These differentiated materials help reach friends within their zone of proximal development, appropriately challenging them without overwhelming them with something too difficult.

Enjoy your Thursday! –Jessica

Wee Sprouts: Bell peppers. Breakfast: Corn chex and fresh pears. Lunch: Whole grain brown rice with turkey, fresh broccoli/peppers, and bananas. Snack: Homemade apple crisp and pistachios.