Adventure to the Giant Hill

Our day began with library, and Catherine read us, "The Library Lion."

Friends had a bit of time to finish their morning building projects while we started to get ready for our big adventure.

We sat down for an Adventure Planning meeting. This gave us a chance to create an incredibly complicated map and begin the first discussion of each stopping place and how we will safely cross the street. 

Big Adventures are important for so many reasons:

1. We are outside. I could a write a book (and people have!) about all the advantages and learning that happens by virtue of being out in nature with friends. It is all curiosity and exploration and observation and experimentation.

2. It requires a level of self regulation and attention that many of the Catbirds are just developing. The ability to pay attention, to be aware of one's surroundings and other people, the skill of listening to and following multi-step directions given in a group and to remember those directions despite numerous distractions. Tiny people don't know how to do any of these things in the beginning. 

These are skills critical for academic success!

On every adventure, we raise the expectations for each Catbird. The rewards are a growing sense of independence and competence.

The secret to relaxing adventures is finding a balance between free running and sticking together. This takes a a surprising amount of planning and practice. We have regular stops along the way where we re-gather, allowing some friends to race ahead, and some to amble along at an easier pace. The ga-ga pit is one stop.

Here, we stop to see if the dragon is home.

The break in the bushes is another important stop. Remembering these and exercising the self-control to wait is an important self regulation skill.

My favorite stopping point halfway to the meetinghouse is the Puddle Tree. This is its official name on the arboretum tour, and it was dubbed that by a Catbird class of years ago. After a rain, it's roots hold onto water in puddles that we often count. When they arrive, friends often hide behind the tree and leap out to surprise their teachers. I

Our next stopping place is the pole at the end of the path - an important spot before we get to the meetinghouse driveway. This is also our first "buddy up" spot, where every Catbird needs to take a hand to crossover.

Fun stop - the climbing trees.

Here, friends get to challenge themselves as much or as little as they prefer.

Next, crossing the big street. Friends are buddied up again and must wait with one teacher while the other stops traffic.

On the other side, we keep our buddies and practice the "Car!" drill. If we see a car coming down the driveway, we yell "CAR" and everyone goes to the side. We wave.

Our last stopping place is at the signs at the top of the giant hill.When you pass through, you can let go of your partner's hand and run down the giant hill at full speed. We have arrived!

Snack on stage.

Some of the Catbirds turned into puppies and babies when we arrived - the puppies were much better trained than the babies.

Heading back. Same process in reverse.