Finding Inner-Peace!

We spent Monday morning welcoming our new friend, Kian, and hanging out in dramatic play. Many of our friends were ready to say “bye bye” with hats on and bags packed, so we put chairs in the area to serve as seating in the airplane. Soon, the plane landed, and we were ready to take on play-dough. Choosing colors and rolling worms was exciting. Later, we spent time outside helping in the garden, and finished up with yoga, which centered on playing with our facial expressions. We went outside once again, to focus on creating a friendship bracelet, made with the goal of giving it away! They seemed excited to make something for a friend.

Tuesday followed with more play-dough. Using tools to cut and shape the play-dough was a goal. In the afternoon, we had yoga on the deck in the beautiful weather. We were surprised to see how focused our kiddos could be in a new setting for yoga. Miss Amelia was thoroughly impressed. Later, we headed outside with the option of water-color painting. Friends from other classes joined us.

Wednesday morning, we did our usual work. We went outside to practice balancing and sharing motorcycles. We played soccer with Zoey’s show-and-tell pink ball. After waking from nap, we had some moments of silence followed by dancing with partners during dance party fun! We talked about “peace” and “togetherness” as we found partners to dance with. We went outside and collaborated on a sand-art mandala, as a part of our practice in quiet and focused fun.

Thursday came around and circle time centered on passing a beautiful crystal around. It’s weight and shinines sparked the curiosity of every one at circle time. We took turns holding and observing it, noting that at our new peace table, we can quietly observe the rocks as we use our words to try to resolve conflicts. Through a demonstration using finger puppets, Ashley showed what it could mean to have an argument, and then go to the peace table in an effort to resolve it through talking. Every one seemed to pay close attention as we talked about talking through problems. We went outside and had the opportunity to pain mandalas with the teachers. After nap, we used mint from the garden to make tea. We each used a glass mug and a pitcher to pour warm water into our cups. We sipped slowly and carefully until it was snack time. Kian came for another visit, and we headed outside to take our hermit crabs out for some “exercise” in the pink pool.

Friday we spent our outside time having a dance party. Then, we brought out boxes to play in, and small pumpkins that we could all paint. They were very proud of their painted pumpkins. In the afternoon, we made peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches. They had a blast tasting the sweet jams that were provided as we attempted to spread the butter and jam onto our bread. And again, they really seemed proud to have made their own sandwiches!

It was a great week at the Sprout!


Love,
Jackie and Ashley

“Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.” 
― Maria Montessori