Springing into April brings the cycle of life suddenly before your eyes! Observation is an extremely vital element of this month. Our outdoor detectives have witnessed the hatching of Praying Mantis in our greenhouse.

Praying Mantis are beautiful insects that have a huge appetite. They help to control insect pests in an organic way.  Praying Mantis are strictly carnivorous and feed on almost any insect that they can overcome.

We attached two egg cases in our greenhouse above some plants. When hatching occurs, the babies will crawl out through tiny flaps in the egg case and suspend themselves from silky threads. After a few hours, the long legged young will dry out and disperse, leaving little to no evidence of their appearance.

Ladybugs have also been released into our greenhouse to protect the fruits and vegetables from harmful insects. Ladybugs love to eat aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites, thrips and other soft body insects. Our backyard detectives had so much fun releasing over three thousand ladybugs into our outdoor classroom.

Celery has been growing in abundance in our greenhouse! Our children have been washing, cutting and tasting the goods. We give a thumbs up for celery!

The children have come back into full bloom from spring break! Just look at them getting back into their work cycle.

Tapping into children’s innate curiosity and desire for exploration, we have added SumBlox with play-based learning in mind. It was designed so children immediately see the connection between a number and its value.

A Big Big  thanks to the PTO for our new sink, we love it!!!

Remember learning is endless,

Love Ms. Val  

March’s magnificent magic reminds us all that spring is in the air. Our children have been busy planting with such care, take a look in our greenhouse and check out what is there!

We make time everyday for our outdoor art projects, the children adapt well when painting and coloring outside. Their creativity comes alive, and they become independent dreamers and thinkers. Art allows their thoughts to come alive on paper.

Our students have also been painting and coloring what they see, from any which way they may be!

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Imagination is the key to learning. Children need consistency to thrive, while at the same time benefit from the exposure to rich, meaningful and engaging experiences.

Ms. Barbara has been encouraging our children to use their imagination!

We have created the outdoor classroom so all the children feel welcome. Inclusion is the most important thing in life (even for adults). Allowing the children to feel comfortable with each other is the basis of a good foundation.

Please remember the PTO Family 5K is coming our way on April 1st, so save the date!

Remember learning is endless…

Love,

Ms. Val   

It seems to us that February tugs at our hearts, why is that so? I think we already know! Our minds tend to wonder to spring, could it be that spring is in the air? Don’t despair our hearts and minds will allow us to finally get there!

Our garden is growing, our trees our blooming, the birds are chirping, with this in mind take the time and make the effort to point out and pay attention to the minor details and minuscule wonders within a child’s world.

Time, patience and awareness is what broadens exploration of the five senses. This will give our children a life-long understanding and appreciation of sights, smells, textures, tastes and sounds available to us when we see the value in pausing to observe them.

Making more time to observe means increasing the number of opportunities we provide for our children.

“All knowledge begins as an observation.”

(“Sparks of genius” Robert and Michelle Root Bernstein)

With this in mind,

Remember learning is endless,

Love,

Ms. Val

With January here, we will be gleaming and dreaming for the New Year! January brings a chill in the air, that’s the reason we bundle up with care.

The Outdoor classroom never sleeps. The children notice the unnoticeable, they are Mother Natures’ greatest eyes and ears. A watchful eye is always needed this time of year.

October’s seeds have come to bare, encouraged by the children’s tender love and care. Carrots, Beets, Turnips and more… pretty soon we will be planting galore. 

Learning that our seeds have finally grown, teaches the children to find them a new home. Planting and transplanting from old to new, gives the children something great to do.

The environment plays a very important role in development. The Outdoors can speak to a child about being valued, welcomed and respected. Children will become creative and in touch with beauty and a sense of belonging. 

Please remember our morning hours are very chilly, therefore please dress accordingly. We find layers work the best.

Happy New Year!

Remember learning is endless,

Love Ms. Val

December always brings a special kindness to the air. Our artists have decorated the easels with such care, they are always excited to take them home to share!  

Our children always enjoy group activities that come often when exploring in nature. Shadow, light, color and water exploration are examples of investigatory play that delights children as they build personal and collective relationships with the world around them.

While winter break is almost here, I vision the children jumping for cheer. Always remember I will be here awaiting the children to return in the New Year.

Whether far away or near, Ms. Val wishes you a very good year!

Remember learning is endless…

Love,

Ms. Val