Good Afternoon!

We had an eventful and educational trip to the farm this morning!  We spent a lot of time with animals today.  Farmer Charlotte and a veterinarian were working on cleaning and filing the horses teeth today.  We got to watch the entire process and farmer Charlotte explained everything that was happening as it unfolded.  We also spent time with the chickens and a baby bunny, which everyone loved!  After our time in the barn, we went for a nature walk.  We worked on “walking in the woods”.  This seems simple, but it takes focus, body awareness and practice.  We traversed logs, sticks and bushes.  We practiced walking carefully around plants and problem solving our way through a tricky spot.  This is so good for kids as it improves their balance, focus and body awareness.

Yesterday afternoon, one of our friends found a crinoid fossil in the gravel under the log house.  He has been very interested in fossils and often looks for them.  He wanted to know what animal it came from and what it looked like.  We talked about the extinct sea lily that this fossil came from and we looked up pictures of it.  Today I brought some fossils of this extinct creature for the kids to look at.  We talked about how the large round part is the “flower or head” and the small disks, like the one found outside are the parts that make up the “stem”.

While several of our older kids were exploring the farm this morning, we headed outside early to take advantage of the nice, cool morning. Children immediately asked if we could get out markers down at the art table. Our newly rebuilt log house was sure used today!

We love offering semi-risky play opportunities in our indoor environment as well as our outdoor environment. Inside, our habitrail is meant for gross motor work such as climbing and jumping. Outside, our log house is great for getting those muscles moving but because it’s higher up, children quickly become aware of movements that are safe and unsafe while that high up . The log area is another favorite area for children to explore as they navigate standing on and carrying long branches and logs. When children are given the opportunity to indulge in risky play, they’re more likely to become more aware of their body, how it moves, and how to stay safe.

Below is a short PDF about the importance of risky play and possible terminology to use when communicating with children and identifying their goals during risky play!

https://www.bu.edu/childrens-center/files/2020/07/Risky-Play.pdf

PREK2: During group we read the book “Goodnight Construction Site” in response to the interesting construction going on outside this morning.  We talked as a group about all of the different jobs we have seen construction vehicles working on.  After the story, we sorted situations that would need a construction vehicle and those that would not.

Breakfast– Toasted oatmeal squares with fresh pineapple.

Lunch– Brown rice with shredded pork, fresh pineapple/mango/apple, and fresh pepper/cucumber/carrot.

PM snack-Whole wheat crackers with peanut butter, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

Wee Sprout– Fresh cucumber/pepper/carrot.

Have a wonderful night!

-Wee Friends Teachers

Link to pictures:2025-05-08