When Listening is Translated in Many Ways

Our days are always full of collecting moments! When we look around the garden we discover so many snails lingering around. Being curious friends to better understand our environment through the point-of-view of snails. 

Is it not such a beautiful and curious way to explore the world - through the quiet, slow moving lens of snails! Let us dive into their tiny universe and see how they connect with each other.

We are being interested to figure out on how snails being together?
Do they communicate to one another?
​How do they express themselves? If they do, how do they do it?

Through our observation we notice the snails demonstrate relationships by moving closer to one another. They too use their senses to feel or assess whether around them is something they are being safe or not.

We figure the snails only come out when it is moist and safe. If the world feels too hot or dry or loud, they retreat into their shells. But when the air is soft and cool, and they sense good things, they come out to explore and maybe find a friend. So in a way, snail relationships are built on shared safety. Being near someone else means, “I feel okay with you here.”

Following our earlier discussions around snail behavior and their ideal living conditions, we have now transitioned them into a more naturalistic habitat within our collection. It has been a joy to observe the growing connections our friends are forming with these gentle creatures. 

Emily, filled with curiosity, carefully uses a magnifying glass to take a closer look of the intricate details of the snails' shells - an early sign of scientific inquiry and careful observation. Meanwhile, Luka notices the importance of moisture for their well-being and takes initiative. He thoughtfully picks up the spray bottle and gently mists the habitat, ensuring the environment remains humid and comfortable for the snails.

These small but significant actions highlight not only empathy and responsibility but also a growing understanding of the snails' needs - and nature as a whole.

Pranssi with her melodious voice sings Plant A Seed, gently cradling a scarf in her palms likw a tender little seed waiting to grow. With each verse, she slowly unfurls it, letting it bloom before our eyes - a symbol of transformation, care, and hope. Her voice, soft yet powerful, carries the warmth of the sun, the nourishment of rain, and the quiet strength of soil. We are truly grateful for Pranssi's gift - through her song, we do not just hear the story of a flower growing; we feel it come alive.

As much as we love making our learning visible, we also deepen our understanding of being a better friend by drawing it out. Each sketch, line, and color tells a story - of kindness, listening, sharing, and care. Through art, we reflect on what it means to grow not just as individuals, but together.

By drawing a heart and a circle pattern - a simple, beautiful way to show how love and connection radiate in friendship. Each circle is like a ripple, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can grow and spread. As we draw, we learn more about being present, caring, and growing together.

In Kai's drawing, he includes storm, lion, and rainbow.  Our art helps us tell stories of bravery, kindness, and growing hearts. 

Emily is observed to be focused on her drawing - carefully sketching arches, then layering lines over them. Her attention to detail and repetition tells a quiet story of curiosity and pattern-making. Perhaps the arches are rainbows ... and the lines, like rain or sunshine. In her process, we see how we explore our ideas visually - layering thoughts, feelings, and experiences in our unique ways.

Fides, on the other hand, expresses connection and belonging by drawing his mom, dad, and himself. His drawing tells a story of love and togetherness - showing how we often draw from the heart, using our artwork to make sense of our world and celebrate the people closest to us. In Fides' drawing, we see not just figures, but feelings.

Listening With Our Whole Selves

Today, our goal is to explore the many ways we listen--through sounds, through our attention, and through our connection with one another. Listening is not only about hearing, but also about understanding, remembering, and responding. With this in mind, we play games and sing songs to help us listen and respond in fun ways.

We start with a new good morning song that catches our attention. It includes clapping, tapping, and moving. We sing along. This helps us focus, listen, and remember more steps.

We play “Simon Says” to practice listening to directions. We laugh when we move without hearing “Simon says!” They learn to wait and listen carefully before acting.

We play with a Mystery Box filled with hidden items. We listen to the sounds and guess what is inside. This game helps us listen carefully and use our imagination.

In the “Whisper Chain” game, we pass the message “I like ice cream” from child to child. The message changes along the way, and we laugh! The team of Kalyan, Fides, and Rae comes the closest to the original message. Kalyan proudly says, “ICE CREAM!”

​Today, we are reminded that listening is a gift we offer each other, not just with our ears, but with our hearts. It is in these quiet moments of connection through laughter, song, and play, that we begin to understand the beauty of being seen, heard and valued. As we listen to one another's voices, stories and silences, we are building a community where everyone belongs.

When we work with light, we project more than just shadows - we project pieces of ourselves. Light becomes a medium for storytelling. For exploring identity, and for making the invisible visible. Through silhouettes, reflections, and colors, we shape how we see ourselves and how we wish to be seen. Whether it is placing transparent materials to represent emotions or using our own shadow in a pose that feels powerful or peaceful, light becomes a language of the self.

Light becomes a tool of storytelling - a gentle medium through which we shape our thoughts, emotions, and identities. With every shadow cast and every color luminate, we tell stories of who we are, what we wonder, and how we see the world. Light invites imagination to dance, encourages reflection, and offers a space where stories can glow quietly or shine boldly. In the hands of a child, even the simplest beam becomes a narrative waiting to unfold.

Today is an exciting day for our little adventurers as we go on a special field trip to the swimming pool at the Walnut Grove Community Centre! From the moment we arrive, our faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. Before entering the pool, we talk about the importance of water safety, listening and always staying close to our educators and friends.

In the water, we explore and play with great enthusiasm. Many of our friends are also brave enough to try the water slide, laughing and cheering as we take turns zooming down into the water. Some friends splash happily in the shallow area, while others enjoy experimenting with floating toys and noodles. It is wonderful to see us practice our motor skills, coordination, and confidence in the water.

As we wrap up our visit, everyone is happily tired but eager to share our favourite moments. This field trip gives us beautiful memories and reminds us how brave and supportive our little community is. We look forward to more exciting adventures together soon!

Kindest,
Children & Friends.