Experiencing Summer’s Cool Vibes

The heat is on, and with it, the air crackles - not just with warmth, but with lots of energy coming from within. From moving our bodies together to the giggles that bounce between backyard fences and echo indoors, summer comes alive. Through songs, we reach high, buzz around, and stretch wide like sunlight spilling in all directions.

Summer moves not just through heat, but through the way we respond to it like how water soothes our sun-warmed skin or the way we follow its path through a clear hose, mesmerized by its steady, shimmering flow.  

We build an upside-down cycle to experiment how pressure lifts water upward. We laugh and return to our interesting experiment "how much water do we need to let it flow up?"  We notice an unseen force revealed through clear tubes and summer light.

Up, against gravity. Up, like magic for a while. Kai pours, he measures, it spills, A lot.

Another laughter bursts! It is indeed more than a play. It is a moment of discovery. The world is not just hot. It is alive.

Our minds hum with questions. Our fingers itch to build, to twist, to take apart. Every splash of the water, every buzzing voice, every strange summer sound becomes an invitation.

In the warmth of summer, we wash baby clothes - tiny shirts, soft socks - learning through water and motions how care takes shape in small, gentle acts. When Tvisha, Ryan, Kai, Emily, and Luka wash baby clothes, we are not just playing. We are testing ideas, forming connections, and making meaning through action.

After the washing is done, Nora, Fides, Kai, and Tvisha carry the damp clothes into the sun. With pegs in hand, we learn the quiet art of hanging:

• how fabric folds,
• how balance matters,
• how wind becomes part of the process.

We bring out the buckets and hoses, and washing our bikes becomes a learning experience. Fides, Luka, Emily, and Kalyan are observed to enjoy cool water splashing against metal. sponges circling wheels, hands learning where the dirt hides and how to make things shine again.

We never run out of ideas. This time is to explore another possibility by stretching our creative minds to paint the fence with water. Each splash a brushstroke, every drip a masterpiece in the sun.

It seems our curious minds are exploding during this lovely summer time! Look at how creative Fides and Kai are while working together to deflate our beach ball. Together we giggle, theories building up like soda fizz. Sometimes it can be a bit mischief, too! 

But really, it is not about the ball. It is about the way two curious minds collide - unbothered by the heat, unbound by shared understanding, and wholly enchanted by the simple magic of taking something apart just to understand it.

Water, heat, and collective curiosity
As we observe ourselves engaging with water play, Ryan becomes inspired by his peers. He picks up the watering can and invites us to fill it with water. He wants to care for the grass, especially the dry patches that are hot under the sun. 

Preparing for the field trip: Voices of safety
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As tomorrow's field trip approaches, we gather to talk about safety. Our responses guide our reflection: “Stay with the group,” “Listen to the teachers,”. We see how deeply we understand that fun and safety go hand in hand.

Kalyan and Fides lead us  with the song “A Little Seed”.  Our voices encouraging others to join. Our leadership reminds us of the power of peer connection and rhythm in learning.

Listening games and shared laughter
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We introduce a game using pop-its, inviting us to pop once if we hear the word “flower,” twice if we hear “bug,” and to freeze if we hear “freeze.” This playful structure becomes a tool to sharpen listening and comprehension. We hide the target words in sentences, cultivating focused attention.
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Emily shines during the game, showing strong auditory awareness, we celebrate her effort and presence.

And then, a moment of pure joy: when we say, “A butterfly is flying around the flower,” Kalyan exclaims, “Where??” with wide eyes and curiosity. The group bursts into laughter. Fides, catches in the fun, echoes the moment. In these shared giggles, we find a deep sense of community.

Painting salmon: Action through art
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We take our learning beyond the center and step into action. Participating in the City of Surrey’s Storm Drain Challenge, we paint salmon around our drains. This act becomes a message: a reminder that everything that enters those drains flows directly into rivers and streams,.

We are eager and engaged. Some ask to paint again, excited to contribute. We reflect together on how our actions matter, and how even our hands can make a big impact. 

We also take time to climb trees, ride bikes, and swing like sloths, exploring nature with freedom and joy.

A butterfly of her own

Back from the park, inspired by the butterflies she has seen fluttering around, Emily begins to construct her own butterfly using foam blocks. We watch her transform materials into meaning, her butterfly is a memory, a story, and a symbol of her experience. In her hands, play becomes reflection, and imagination takes flight.

Today, we have a wonderful opportunity to visit Redwood Park, a beautiful park filled with towering trees, winding trails, and peaceful nature all around us.

Our adventure begins with some fun at the playground! We are full of energy as we climb, slide, and run with big smiles. It is a perfect way to start the day, moving our bodies, laughing with friends, and building excitement for what is next.

One of the exciting challenges we take on is the climbing ramp. Emily goes first, followed by Luka, and then Kalyan. We wait patiently for our turn, showing teamwork and respect for one another, something we've been practicing together in our daily learning experiences. 

After our time at the playground, we set off to explore the forest trails. We are amazed by the size of the redwood trees and how tall they stretch into the sky. Along the way we see some slugs crawling slowly on the ground. The slugs spark a lot of curiosity, some of us get down low to take a closer look.

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A highlight of our trip is placing the birdhouse we have decorated in a special spot in the forest where others leave theirs too. We are amazed to see how many colourful, creative birdhouses have been left behind by other visitors.

Luka's eyes widens as he looks at the different birdhouses and says, "Wow!", a moment of pure wonder that reminds us how meaningful shared spaces can be.

Aw we explore the area, Kalyan finds a small branch and gently knocks on some of the birdhouses, as if checking if anyone is home. He is also able to recognize one of the birdhouses we have left there. His quiet curiosity and care are heartwarming, he makes sure not to damage anything, just softly tapping and looking closely at each one. It is a lovely moment of connection between self and nature.

Today is a reminder of how powerful nature can be in early learning. We walk, play, explore, ask questions, and connect with the world around us. It is a full and joyful day, one that has left us with tired feet, happy hearts, and wonderful memories of our time in the woods.

Kindest,
​Children & Friends.