This morning we explored some sweet beets! Last week the Purple Porch brought us a bag of organic beets. What to do with beets? Pickle them, of course!

First, friends had a chance to touch and smell the beets. One friend remarked that the beets smelled like “rotten socks,” while another said, “these smell like carrots!”

Next we got to scrubbing. Children took turns washing off the beets with water and a towel. This process was both a sensory exploration and a satisfying real work activity.

We took a look at the water leftover in the bowl and saw how much dirt we scrubbed off! Lastly, we wrapped the beets in foil to roast them. Up next—taking the skin off, cutting the beets up and preparing them for the pickling process.

After putting the beets in the oven, Miss Mindy asked friends “what color is the inside of the beet?” We had lots of different responses, but most children picked “red.” Once we start the pickling process, we will get to see who guessed correctly!

Kindergarten: This week in large group we have been working on FAB K.W.1: Write for specific purposes and audiences. Yesterday, with Miss Mindy, the group wrote a piece of persuasive writing together—a letter to Tami asking for a new T-rex dinosaur! Today we brainstormed all sorts of different lists (“lists to remember things”, “grocery lists”, “lists of things to do”, etc.) and wrote a list of our own—“Places to Play at WF”. When children see writing at work in a variety of contexts, it highlights the usefulness and importance of learning to write.

Wee Sprouts: Red bell peppers and carrots. Breakfast: Corn Chex and fresh strawberries. Lunch: Whole grain flatbread with hummus, peppers/carrots/pea pods, and watermelon slices. Snack: Cottage cheese and roasted chickpeas.

Link to the photo album: WF 3/29/2016

Have a wonderful afternoon! –Jessica