Boats

I just love the innocence of this photo and had to share it. On our way to our latest adventure.

Last time we took a trip to the forest we went exploring in the stream and two things happened. One: we hadn't had rain in a while, so the stream had dried up. Two: a homeowner yelled at the children through her window telling the children to stay away from her fence. That was embarrassing to say the least... especially since we weren't anywhere near her fence, plus her home backs onto a public green space!

This time around we decided to keep away from that area of the forest and knowing that it had rained quite a bit the last couple days, there was a pretty good chance that there would be water. Since the children eagerly race towards the stream each time we visit the forest, I wanted to ensure that the children stayed in one area of the stream (away from THAT end of the stream), so I brought along some styrofoam trays a grandparent had so graciously donated.

We quickly discovered that, although there had been quite a bit of rain, the stream did not hold as much water as we thought, and the 'boats' just kind of sat in the water. Not to worry though, it was neat to try out different areas, and to scoop the water with the trays... seriously, these children don't let anything stop them!

In the process we found ourselves soaked to the bone and loving every moment!

Some children tested out their boats with cargo to see if they could float as well 

In the end we discovered that nature has it's own way of making boats, we found a large cluster of pine needles that were able to float down the stream, this caused a lot of observing and a need to go collect our own needle boats... natural is always a better way anyhow! 

Those trays we useful in so many ways that day, and became a great carrying tray to bring forest treasures back to our school!

Worm in distress!!!

While the children were enjoying our brief sunshiney days a worm was spotted on our sidewalk! The children had been observing worms in their delightfully cold and damp soil, but had not been aware that the odd worm  gets a little off course and ends up in a rather precarious position, risking getting dried up by the sun. 

At some point in our outside play time you can always find at least one child totting around a worm all the while being engrossed in another form of activity. Some children, like the child below just like to sit and observe.

While the child observed the worm, other children put forward a call to action! The worm was in danger, and all hands were required to save the little guy. The interesting part to me was that not one child picked up the worm and moved it to safety, but rather built little fences to corral the wriggly worm towards his destination!

It took a great deal of discussion and some organization. A few children noticed that the fences were not going to achieve the ultimate goal if one end was not open, so they were diligent to remind others of that need. 

Of course with the sun beating down, the worm was just not moving fast enough. So a then the course of action switched to making a temporary covering for the worm while he made his way to the soil.

Through the process of teamwork, it appears that the worm was saved, the children we relieved to have done their small part. The amazing process of discovering all the while playing, was fulfilling and a joy to observe!

Nature's Playground

*Just a disclaimer... my batteries in my camera were dying, so some photos are a little blurry.*

Earlier in the week we took a trek out to our local forest. This is a new experience for some of the children, and of course part of walking in the forest is exploring and discovering hidden gems, and that's just what we did.

The younger children worked very hard to keep up with the big guys, and they made a valiant effort, because the big guys found something awesome!

Of course sticks picked up along the way are always part of the trip!

Also part of the exploration is discovering new things and being curious about these new things.

This tree was COVERED with fungus. I don't know who was more interested, me or the children.

At the end of the path that we explored was a little wooden bridge, underneath we found a little stream.

Climbing over those fallen logs proved a challenge for the smaller children. Of course part of the reason I love exploring the forest with the children, is that it helps them to be aware of the uneven ground, and develops their gross motor muscles without them even knowing it! This is a weekly trip for us, so I foresee the younger children leaping over the fallen logs before too long.

A little further down the stream was a lush green area, also accompanied by a bridge, and some natural 'waterfalls'. 

This forest is home to so much potential, and experiences!

Barns, who needs Barns?

Our tree block are fast becoming the critical item in our play. This was creative play in motion that I came across this morning. It was so neat to see the different levels of the animals, I love that some of the animals are on pedestals! It reminded me of the hills that one might find on a farm! 

This was concentration at work. This took a great deal of patience and trial and error. Look at the symmetry! Those coloured blocks are counter top samples that I picked up at Urban Source a few weeks back, and at closer inspection I discovered that the supplier is from the company my brother used to work for... how did I miss out on that years ago!

The children are encouraged to develop their own designs and creations, but for those times that we're having a 'creativity block' (because even children get stuck), this is some inspiration pieces. I love that we've had a big discussion about Buckingham Palace (because we've sent the Queen an invitation to join us for snack), and that we were able to see a picture of the Tower Bridge, and that's where the Golden Jubilee Celebration will kick off!

 I love the interpretations that these blocks take on. This horse is clearly jumping the fence! The child even kindly placed a block on the other side, to make the jump a little easier! 

Did you know that some of our tree blocks make perfect stoppers for our cardboard tubes? Now you know!

Bring the outdoors inside.

OK i'll admit, these blocks were purchased. I've been wanting a set of these for a long time, but A. I have yet to make a set myself, and B. my dad wanted to make some for me, but has yet to make them. So I gave in and purchased a set. You may notice that there is a hockey puck in the middle. This is how we roll, natural with synthetic. We thoroughly enjoyed building a tower with these, and knocking them over. 

I also invested in a set of fences from Natural Pod. This is my number one favourite website, and the fantastic thing is... it's local! We got pretty creative with them today, building a garage for our cars. I wonder what other ideas we'll come up with?

Our neat little wheel barrow basket got in the action too! It's always easier to transport things in a wheel barrow.

Here's a little something else we've been working on. Some movable fences for inside and out.

A little preview of our valentine's day art... mommies and daddies watch your mailboxes!

Ego Booster of the day:

While a child was watching me saw a piece of wood off our 'fences' the following conversation occurred.

C-"It's hard being a superhero isn't it?"

T-"Wow, how did you know i'm a superhero? Do you know what my power is?"

C-"Yep, you're super strong."

Well, that just made my day... it gave me an extra boost of strength when I pushed our six seater stroller up our hill. It also warmed my heart!