The great outdoors

Lately, we have been enjoying a lot of time outside. We recently traded yards and the children are really loving the "new" space. Here are some of the activities that have been happening outside:

Playing in the fire truck...











Walking on stepping stones...












Playing basketball...








Playing in the playhouse...





Exploring the grass...

Babies

Our younger infants have been enjoying exploring blocks, books and mirrors. All three are rolling over and D recently figured out how to get himself into a sitting position. It was great to see him try so hard and finally figure it out on his own. He looked so proud of himself! Allowing children the freedom to move on their own and not putting them into positions they can't get into themselves lead to moments like this. I'm so excited to be able to watch more "I did it!" moments in the future.



D exploring wooden blocks



E discovering his toes


Exploring a colored scarf


I found my feet!








Exploring rollers

Paint

This morning we rolled out paper on the floor and let the children explore paint and shaving cream. Most of our art and sensory activities are done using our hands. We thought it would be fun to change it up and let the children explore with their feet! At first, they sat by the paper and used their hands to paint. Then they discovered they could walk through the shaving cream and paint. They enjoyed feeling the shaving cream between their toes. C walked across the paper and said, "Slippery! Slide!" Soon, they were all sliding all around. Once the papers were completely covered, they started pulling it off the floor and putting it in the trash.

After three days of much needed rain, we were able to go outside. We took out a bin of scented dry oats for exploring, but it wasn't long before they discovered a very muddy puddle. They enjoyed stomping and splashing in the mud, as well as collecting leaves to add to our sensory bin.

Music and dance

We have been enjoying lots of music, singing, and dancing lately. Some favorite songs include "Row, row, row your boat, " "Ring around the Rosies" and "I'm a little tea pot." The children enjoy singing and dancing to these songs with each other, as well as with teachers.








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Exploring a puzzle

F, J, and C spent a few minutes exploring the shape puzzle together. The three would pass puzzle pieces to each other and sometimes show the pieces to me. When the showed me the pieces, I would tell them the color and shape. C handed F a piece and said, "here you go!" F then put the piece in its spot. J enjoyed banging pieces together and handing them to C and F.