AFC MAGNOLIA AM

As we have been exploring our space, children have found an interest in bird watching! Birds have been crowding the bird feeder and it has been amazing to watch.  Children were building birds out of dough, creating birds out of different kinds of paper, and playing with birds at our small world. We were able to display a live cam of birds from the Cornell Bird Lab . What made it even better was the caretakers were filling up the feeders! Many wonderings were said:  "What is that food?" "Can birds eat that stuff?" "Are those seeds?" Other Classroom Happenings  

Today we decided to take the plunge and dive into our project work. We have noticed that many children have been interested in bugs, so today we decided to ask the question, "Can you draw a bug?" We had a discussion about the different bugs we find in our houses.  Q - I really like flies E - One day I found a daddy long leg R - I've seen ladybugs sometimes R - I am making a ladybug  S - I am making a spider in a giant web! It is huge E - I am making a flying bug Q - Here is a big, big spider! P - I have eyes all over my bug!  ___________________________________________________________________ Outside Happenings Children were able to explore a new area, the hillside! The snail was quite a big hit as they were exploring the language of sound. On the hillside there is also a play kitchen where many exclusive baked goods were being made: cherry pie, cherry and apple pie, cookies, and more! It was fun watching each child try the different foods and give feedback. Our sense of ...

Forest Day is such a wonderful day where children are able to explore nature without adult interference. Children have the opportunity to engage in risky play as they strengthen their gross motor skills. The roots on the ground act as a balance beam as children run through the Forest looking for new adventures. Risky play helps strengthen executive function skills and engages in critical thinking as well. Some were timid at first as they were unsure where to go or how to interact in this way. However, we saw beautiful relationships begin to bloom as others who were more comfortable were inviting other children to investigate and explore alongside them. 

Today we were so excited to be able to go outside! Children were able to explore the upper playscape with different materials. Building in the sun with translucent cubes, drawing with water, and exploring possibilities with chalk. Being outside helps increase emotional well-being, connecting with nature, and cultivating appreciation for our community.   

  Pinch Poke Chop Roll Push Cut We had a great first week in Magnolia!  We hope you all have a great weekend.  Your Magnolia teachers will be getting rest ;) and are so excited to see you again on Monday.