Guinea Pigs!

Today marked our second day of starting our morning journaling. The Catbirds are learning the routine of coming in, washing their hands and getting out their journals. They all seem to be enjoying themselves.

We took care of the guinea Pigs,

and friends explored the room and found their names!

At Morning Meeting, we had our first Moment of Silence. We all stretched first, then tried to figure out how to sit criss-cross (this is not easy). Then, we took DEEP breathes in through our noses and out our mouths and made our bodies very still. Next, we listened hard and were very quiet. This is not only a way to get a better sense of our bodies, it is also the way that Quakers begin all of their meetings and gatherings. 

Next, it was time to meet Princess Froggy up close and personal. We talked a bit about how guinea pigs like to be held and petted, and how we look like GIANTS to them. This means that we need to be extra quiet and gentle, so we don't frighten them. Then, it was time to hold Princess Froggy. We put a blanket in friend's laps and set her down (if they wanted). She is very docile and seems to enjoy being gently petted. The Catbirds certainly enjoyed petting her!

After snack, we headed outside. Each day, the Catbirds seem to grow more excited about the things they can do and imagine when we are in our outdoor classroom.

(Please note: The water is very popular, and we are asking friends to wear boots if they want to walk in it. Please make sure that your child has boots, so they can enjoy the water with their friends).

At the end of our outside time, we read a book out on the hill. We read, "This is Not a Stick," which is a story about all the things you can do with a stick, and your imagination.

At lunchtime, we began what is one of my favorite mealtime activities - Storytelling. The Catbirds are just beginning to realize the joy of conversation during lunch, and we will foster this skill all year long.