The Joys of Summer

As our friendship with Ryan blossoms, Emily and Tvisha naturally reach out to him with a gentle and heartfelt invitation. 

Run around the garden like a teddy bear. 
One step, two step, tickle you under there!

"Run around the garden like a teddy bear" is a classic nursery rhyme and fingerplay often enjoyed by us. It is playful and interactive, usually accompanied by gentle tickling motions. 

In the spirit of coming together to apply what we have learned, Emily naturally steps into a leadership role. With confidence and care, she demonstrates the movements - left, then right - guiding the rhythm of the group. Tvisha and Ryan follow her lead with enthusiasm, moving alongside her in sync. Luka, curious and playful, dips in and out of the learning experience, exploring it on his own terms. Together, their movements create a lively dance of learning, cooperation, and joy.

Being busy with many ideas definitely sounds very summer! We capture the vibrant energy of our curiosity in the warmer months. Our imagination buzzing like bees, chasing ideas like butterflies, one thought leading to the next like hopscotch squares under the sun.

In this golden season, learning does not pause. It simply takes different shapes. It hides in the splash of water experiment, where curiosity flows freely. With thoughtful determination, Nora navigates her own strategic path, discovering how to make the water flow, even when the upward cycles present their early challenges.

We too dive into a wonderful exploration of birds and nature! Our journey begins when Emily brings in a fascinating real bird's nest with a tiny egg inside. Everyone excitedly gather around to carefully observe and discuss the features of a real nest.

Kai observes that the nest feels like a feather.

Kai thoughtfully mentions we may need "an incubator" for the egg since we don't have the mommy bird to "warm up the egg."

Ryan adds that the nest feels soft and he is amazed by it.

Kai initially thinks the egg is cracking but soon realizes the black dots are simply part of its natural coloration. 

It sparks curiosity, inspiring us to create our very own nests and eggs using air-dry clay. It is delightful to see how each friend uniquely crafts our own nests, shaping them differently and proudly sharing our creations.

Emily is showing us the nest that she is making.

Kai is proudly showing us the tiny eggs he makes to put on his nest.

Kalyan uses a different technique for his nest, carefully creating dots using the rounded end of a carver tool, adding unique texture and detail.

Tvisha proudly shows us her nest, explaining that she makes it gently. 

Nora thoughtfully shows her egg and explains, "These are the walls to protect the baby egg."

To get active and understand birds even better, we dance joyfully to the song "Flap Your Wings Together" from Treetop Family. Through the movements, we learn about the gradual way baby birds learn to fly. 

Emily sweetly shares how she cuddles and snuggles with her mom at home because we are reading a book where the birds are also snuggling with each other, which warms all our hearts.

We continue our creative exploration using loose materials such as feathers, balls, dried plants, shredded paper, and pipe cleaners. Each friend imaginatively constructs birds, nests, and bird food. Our creations showcase impressive creativity and a clear understanding of birds' natural habitats.

We also enjoy some short yoga sessions together after lunch, which help us feel calm and relaxed, ready for the rest of our day! 

We also venture outside to our nearby park. Friends enthusiastically play "Red Light, Green Light" demonstrating  our growing understanding of following instructions to stop and go safely.

 Luka enjoys navigating the way to the park by eagerly and safely driving the toy car.

The big tree in the park draws our attention as we observe its strength and marvel at how beautifully the sunlight filters through its leaves. 

As we admire its quiet grace, a curious thought crosses our minds: how could we ever climb this tall, steadfast willow tree?  With every step of imagination, the willow tree becomes more than just a tree. It becomes a challenge, a dream. a silent companion in our golden afternoon of learning and discovery.

Kai bravely steps forward, ready to turn wonder into action. With a spark of determination, he attempts the climb, using a rope we have carefully secured around one of the willow's sturdy branches. The tree, once just a question in our minds, now becomes a partner in our learning - a challenge, a possibility.

From below, we cheer him on, hearts full of hope and hands ready to help. In this golden moment, the willow tree is not just tall - it is reachable. Together, we are learning to rise.

Tvisha, on the other hand, finds her own way to connect with the willow's world. She sits a quiet tree stump nearby, where a generous scattering of bird food hoping to invite curious visitors. Together, we begin to chat - about how birds remember where food is, etc. In this peaceful corner, learning takes a softer shape - woven through conversation, curiosity and the quiet presence of bird food.

After lunch, with hearts full and minds still buzzing from the morning's discoveries, we begin to pack things up. The sun hangs a little lower now, gently reminding us that it is time to head back. We gather our belongings - ropes, containers, and crumbs left for the birds - making sure to leave the willow tree and its quiet companions just as we have found them.

As we walk, there is a shared sense of togetherness - a day shaped by curiosity, courage, stillness, and learning.

As we arrive back, feeling the warmth of the afternoon sun, Emily notices an invitation to observe something on the water. There is a beetle pausing to drink, it its tiny legs delicately touching the surfaces as it quenches its thirst.

Our learning carries more than just memories. We share a deepened sense of empathy toward the living creature around us. The birds who visit, the bunny who likes to play hide and seek with us, and the world explore with care. 

Kindest,
​Children & Friends.