Congratulations at Year's End

Each child, after a year of working with each other to create the
Peaceful Playgroup, received this certificate:


Let it be known to all... 

that each 

of a very special group of eight children

have been wonderful participants in our peaceful play group

and are hereby declared 

Masters

of gentle hands 

and kind words. 

Congratulations.

From loving teachers, 

Audrey and Sarah and indeed..... Nature 

Warm Weather News

Dear Families--
What a fun season we are in! Summer time!
A few practical suggestions, our calendar and a special invitation:

SUGGESTIONS:
1. please bring a water bottle labeled with your child's name, if you are willing. We will make a water table next to the fridge, upon which you can place it upon arrival. The children are more thirsty throughout the morning now in the warm weather.

2. please put a layer of sun block on your children's skin before school, especially if they are sensitive to the sun.

3. please check to make sure there is still an extra set of clothes for you child at school. And perhaps bring a small towel to add to it, and a sun hat, if you are willing.  I look forward to the possibility of some outdoor water play.

SPECIAL INVITATION:
SHOW and SHARE DAY! This is a chance for every child to bring in a toy from home that they are willing and eager to show AND share with the group.  In general, let's NOT bring toys from home into school.  If you use a toy as transitional assistance to get to school, we'll make a special box in the entry hallway for them. Ok?

Much joy,
Audrey

Homes in our World

Two of our children have both been talking about moves their families have made this season. 

New houses, moving trucks. 

Home.  

These dolls live at our school. 

Our helpful teacher, Sarah moved into a new apartment this year... here she is in front of it.  

I love the yellow paintings all around it, and the brick walls, and the round door frame.  

And Sarah's smile! 

The snails take their houses with them on their backs for protection, 

since they are such soft creatures.  

What does your home look like?  

What is your favorite place inside your home?

Happy Earth Day To You

We celebrate the Earth. 

The planet where we live.

We sing "Happy Earth Day To You!"

to the tune, of course, of Happy Birthday.  

We are learning to be part of the Earth Family 

where all beings are Brothers and Sisters. 

Each child created a "flower child" -- an Earth doll to take home with them.

                                    

We celebrate spring with this song/movement-game: 

"Our roots go down, down in the ground...." 

and all the children seed-up in a yogic child's pose 

under a big earthy cloth..

.. and grow upward into standing, 

balancing upon their root feet, 

as plants, flowers and trees.

Spring School

Spring School is wonderful. 

The season has so much to say. 

Together, we try to take notice of earth's expressive moment, 

collaborate with it, explore the emerging and growing possibilities.  

It is so much fun, really. 

The sun's brightness makes the outdoors a new kind of classroom. 

Below are some pictures from our outside time.

                                   

Puppet show time with wiggly snakes painted by the children.  

Painting wooden horses and cats -- new toys for our classroom!

Gardening to plant our future snacks! Fresh organic lettuce.

One of our mothers who has spent some time with us recently, has donated our lettuce-farming supplies!

Our lettuce-patches are growing and the corn-husk Scare Crow 

we made in the fall stands above them to protect them. 

An action portrait!