Changes are hall

Changes are happening all around us!

This morning we started talking about all of the changes that are happening around us. Among the children, the most noticeable changes were: the cold weather, the leaves changing color and dropping to the ground,and the anticipation of snow. 

We read about squirrels and how they prepare for winter in Squirrel's Fall Search. The children were able to see that the things that were happening in the story were also happening to them such as "gusty winds" and needing to wear much warmer clothing.

Next, we began brainstorming what kinds of things we would need to add to our new classroom tree. Their ideas included: "lots of leaves, "leaves on the ground," "twigs," "birds," "apples," and "flowers (buds)." Everyone took a turn coming up to the white board to color leaves and give new ideas.

Tomorrow we will continue brainstorming and building our class tree.  Having a tree will help us create our own representation of what we see happening outside. Stay tuned!

This photo was taken as a result of a few wonderful spontaneous moments. One child brought a journal into class which she labeled, "my homework."  It is filled with coloring, scribbling and now she is making shapes and letters. Without any adult suggestion, one by one, the children joined the group so that they could get a turn learning how to make a red heart in the journal. We will follow up by creating our own individual journals.