Nature Explorers

                                               and           Apology of Action

We are out in the gardens

with our science teacher.

As we look for caterpillars,

 we learn about the plants caterpillars like to eat.

No caterpillars here!

But the herbs smell so good!

We found a caterpillar on a dill plant.  It's black and yellow?  It's so cute!  It's so beautiful!

Can we bring it in?

The caterpillar is in the classroom!  After some investigation, we found out it's a Black Swallowtail.

Taking a closer look and

 making observational drawings of the caterpillar during language arts.

Also during language arts, we

 are making observational drawings of other items in the Science Center.  Such as our frogs,

fossils,

Praying mantis, stick bug,

Chrystals, prisms.......

The caterpillar is eating a lot and growing quite fast.

Out in the Pre-K and K-1 gardens we

 look closer, as we make observations during science class.

The K-1 Muddy Boots Club out in the woods

 on a beautiful Friday afternoon.

The children were asked to find

 three small nature treasures to leave in the Science Center, or take home.

Such excitement!  The children found

 a Wooly Bear caterpillar.  Can we put in the Science Center?  Not this time - we have the Black Swallowtail for now.

It has different colors but not as

bright as our Black Swallowtail.

Apology of Action

During one of our Language Arts times, the children brainstormed an Apology of Action.  When a child uses the Apology of Action, he/she takes responsibility for his/her actions by doing something positive for another. For example, if a child hurts another child's feelings, the child whose feelings got hurt asks for an apology of action choosing from the list the children generated.

The words and actions the children brainstormed are very powerful, and when used during an apology they empower both children - the one giving the apology and the one receiving the apology.  The children will become familiar with the Apology of Action as they use it, or as they observe others using it.  The Aplogy of Action is NEVER viewed as a punishment.  In the classroom and in the school, we do not use punishment. If a child is being disruptive during a lesson, or group meeting, the child is asked to take a break in our "quiet chair". Also the child may choose to sit in the quiet chair if the child feels he/she might become disruptive. I am hoping that the children will learn to view the "quiet chair" as a place where they can go on their own (or are asked to go to) to regain control, think about their actions, and decide when they are ready to re-join in the activity at hand. The children are just beginning to become familiar with the "quiet chair," so don't be surprised if they can't explain it to you yet.  There is also a "Peace" spot in the classroom.  It's a box of very fine, soft sand, with tools for creating designs in the sand.  This is a spot the children can ask to go to at any time if they feel they need to refocus, breathe, and feel peaceful.  The children are being taught how to use the sand and tools in a slow and relaxed way.  Not everyone has had a chance to use it yet.  So, again, don't be surprised if your child does not know how to explain it to you yet.

Throughout the day, the children are always empowered to take responsibility, practice empathy, share materials and ideas, listen to each other, be helpful, and respect everyone.  We have one rule wich includes all of these and we have held discussions about it.  The rule is:  Be Nice!

Until next time.  Peace!
Liliana