Passing Things and Paper Airplanes

Picture of the Day

We had a visiting journalist today.

Friends were very busy, as they get more adept at dramatic and cooperative play.

There were several classroom photographers...

...and an interest in building new kinds of paper airplanes. So, we went to the library to see if Gwen had a book. She did. We decided to use it a Choice Time.

At Snack today, we decided that friends were ready to take on more responsibility at the table. Danielle and I each sat down at a table on we worked on the concepts of taking and passing. We started with napkins and cups. Then we moved on to oranges and pita bread.

Next, we passed the water and friends worked on their pouring skills. Some of our older friends were able to demonstrate how it's done.

For everything that we do during the day, we consider what our friends can do for themselves. As parents, you know that this also means a serious consideration of time. If every child decides they want to learn to zipper their coat on the same day, how do we insure that we have enough time to allow that to happen. If you've ever had to wait while one child struggles with a zipper (usually when you are late), you know what I'm talking about. Whenever it's possible, we make that time, because that's what we are here for. 

Outside, we set up a new activity - a balloon on a string (we attached a straw to the balloon, put a string through it and tied it to two posts). Friends had a blast pushing it back and forth.

Then it was time for the library! Friends first took back the books that we had checked out last week.

Then, we gathered on the rug for a story. It was a pig and elephant story called, Listen to My Trumpet. Gwen and Christina brought out PUPPETS! They helped to act out the story, and friends were thrilled.

Then, we got to check out new books for our room.

After we got them checked out, we went back to the rug and chairs to look at them and read them and share them.

We also made up some of our own stories about the fish who live in the library.

Snail imitation.

At Choice Time, we made some very unusual paper airplanes and tested them out. 

We also baked some play dough cookies. Before we knew it, it was time for lunch.

A Day of Few Pictures

We had a very busy day, with our friend, Barbara, because Danielle was home sick. This means that, while we were very busy, we didn't get many pictures. We did, however, get pretty wet and muddy. It was a perfect day to spend outdoors in our boots. Many of the Catbirds could really use waders, though. The end result was that we have gone through much of our spare clothing supplies (a few friends had to borrow). So, if you don't recognize your child's outfit, that is why. Please wash and return. Also, please refill your child's bin - socks and pants are at a premium.