NATURE PLAYSCHOOL: Fall is in full swing in our outdoor classroom! We have had a blast celebrating Autumn together and are so excited to heading into the winter months soon!
We had frost for the first time this week! With colder mornings starting to show up, our time together at Playschool (ages 3-6) is currently about acclimating and empowering our students to take care of their bodies and belongings. Learning how to listen to our bodies when we are cold or hot, how to successfully layer as the morning sun changes, keeping our gloves, hats and layers safe, and tricks to warm up our bodies and hands on those especially cold days are just a few things we are working on right now. Our students continue to learn about friendship and safety through conflict resolution, teamwork and communication, and are flourishing in their independence and imaginative play while playing and working with each other at school. Each child is getting the opportunity to practice their skills and abilities of taking care of themselves both physically and emotionally (with teachers help of course).
Since the beginning of the year, we have seen such strong bonds forming among the class! We have also noticed great improvement in each child’s development in language, ability to regulate themselves, identify their feelings and talk through conflict. Some activities we are enjoying right now are reading stories, playing in our mud kitchen, exploring the creek bed and saying hello to the horses and dogs we get to see in our outdoor classroom.
WHAT WE ARE LEARNING: At this point in the year, we are learning about the changing seasons, weather and all the fun that these changes bring! As the changing weather brings the need to take care of our bodies, we are empowering the kids to put into play all that we have practiced at the beginning of the school year. Throughout the day we look for opportunities to have the kids take care of themselves and their belongings, listening to their bodies (hot/cold/potty/ hunger/ thirst), empowering them through big emotions and learning moments, and continuing to build confidence in themselves and their friendships. As always, we practice our three classroom agreements: Play Safe, Play Fair and Have Fun. We are enjoying the colder mornings and love games that involve running around, exploring, practicing our layering, spending time in the sun, and staying close to teachers and friends to warm up our bodies each day. The kids have naturally been inclined to play more physical games this season as a way to combat the colder days, and it has been so fun to see the bond they are all creating as they get lost in their imagination and creativity. The days have been particularly tricky to navigate as we have yet to have consistent temperatures and some weeks and even days can go from cold to hot very quickly! Teachers spend their mornings helping the kids with their layers, giving kids extra care during transitions and colder days, working with the kids through conflict, and connecting with the kids through play, help and conversation. Their mornings are filled with exploring, observing and joining in games with the kids and making sure everyone is safe and fair with their play. We continue to practice teamwork and encourage personal empowerment with the kids in all that we do. Our Learning Topic was all about leaves and why they change! We learned about colors, weather, patterns, and senses as well as some basic counting and letter work! Books that supported our learning were One Leaf, Two Leaves, Count with Me! We’re Going On a Leaf Hunt and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
* Remember to check Brightwheel for updates and personal pictures of your kiddo in class throughout the school year!
NESTLINGS PROGRAM: Since it’s start back in April, our Nestlings Program has truly become such a highlight of each week! The support and community for our moms and first friendships and magic outdoors for our littles has been such a meaningful experience. Our families have spent their Thursday mornings going on hikes, coloring pumpkins, singing and reading stories, playing and exploring in our outdoor classroom and building connection with both nature and eachother.
We have a few openings for the Fall and Winter Sessions of the program! Email or visit our website for full details and enrollment options!
*For littles ages 7 months - 3 years and their caregiver
UPCOMING CLOSURES:
*Fall Break: November 23rd - November 27th (one week)
*Winter Recess: December 21st - January 1st (two weeks)
FALL FOOD DRIVE: Calling all Forest School Families (enrolled or not)! During this season of gratitude and giving, we’re inviting you to join us in helping put food on the table for local families in need. Now until Friday, November 20th, you can bring nonperishable food items-like canned goods, pasta, rice, and peanut butter- to our outdoor classroom and give to any of our teachers to pass on to Programs Director Mackenzy. At the end of the Drive, we will take all collected items to local food banks/ pantries in need. You can also donate via Venmo @gratefulgatheringfs with a subject “Food Drive”. 100% of donated funds will go directly to those food banks. Please Contact Mackenzy with questions or to schedule your drop-off. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference.
Let’s come together to share the spirit of gratitude and make sure everyone has a full table this fall!
NESTLINGS POP-UP EVENT: Join GGFS Nestlings Program for our next FREE event: Autumn Celebration! Enjoy fall-themed crafts, a walk with a view (come see the last of the fall leaves), and supportive conversation and fun with other parents/ caregivers! As with all of our events are open-house style so families can come and go as needed.
Monday, November 16 from 11-1. Email or Text Mackenzy for location details.
*Program is for ages 7 months - 3 years and their caregiver. Event is open to both Nestlings and Nature Playschool families! Strollers welcome but not required. Event may be cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather.
SAVE ON WINTER GEAR: Gearing up for winter? Support our school and get 15% off!
Shop Oaki.com. Discount Code: GratefulGatheringFS
Shop Outdootschoolshop.com Discount Code: GRATEFULGATHERING (full-price order)
*OUTDOOR BOOK CLUB:
Kids Book Club: Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
Parents Book Club: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
(If you are interested in joining the book club and reading and discussing together, contact Director Mackenzy!)
If you have a book you’d like to recommend, please send us a message through Brightwheel!