The Color of Friendship

Friendship slowly takes its own call to shape. We want genuine friendship which is not rushed. It should grow naturally, evolving over time through shared experiences, trust, and mutual understanding.

For the above, Luka and Anthony take own initiatives to walk on the stumps with some gaps between them. It reflects the slow, uncertain but intentional journey of building trust and friendship.

Luka and Anthony, without a word, begin to take own initiative.
​Stepping carefully onto the stumps laid out before us, each one separated by certain gaps. 
We both understand this is no easy path. 
Yet, with a quiet but shared confidence, we look into a deeper focus.
What lies ahead may be uncertain but together, we are ready to encounter it. 
Step by Step.

​We begin our week with the familiar and lively song B-I-N-G-O. Our faces lit up as we join in, clapping and singing together. This song is always a favorite because it allows us to build our rhythm, practice early literacy skills by connecting letters to sounds, and enjoy the fun of repetition.

Our journey of friendship has opened the door to new possibilities. With the experiences we have gained in walking together. Discovering more about ourselves and one another. We are now stepping into a new chapter of collaborative outdoor learning. 

We let our imagination turn a line of stumps into seats on a bus. Dhanika beams with delight as she steps into her new role as a bus driver. With friends becoming the passengers, we put our understanding of safety into practice.

For example, as we imagine ourselves on a real bus journey, we take time to understand how the road is shared by different users. We learn that cars and buses travel on the main road lanes, while pedestrians have sidewalks for safe walking. 

Through our learning experience, we explore how each part of the road has a purpose, and how important it is for everyone to respect these spaces to keep the journey safe for all. 

We also enjoy a movement learning with scarves while listening to Blowing in the Wind by Stephanie Leavell. Each child interprets the song differently, giving us a glimpse into our unique ways of engaging with music and movement.

​Dhanika carefully follows the lyrics and gestures. She moves her scarf with precision, showing confidence in following the actions as she listens closely to the music.

Rebecca explores her scarf by watching how her friends move theirs, and soon she discovers her own way of tossing it high in the air with joy. Her laughter shows how proud she feels of finding a new movement.

Kalyan experiments with rolling his scarf into a tiny ball, concentrating intently to make it as small as possible. His determination shows a different way of engaging, turning the experience into a moment of problem-solving.

Tvisha let her scarf flow with her body movements, almost like a dance. She twirls and spins, enjoying the freedom of letting the scarf float through the air.

​What stands out during this learning is how we do not only express ourselves individually but also notice and copy each other’s movements. This peer learning creates a shared sense of creativity and joy. Movement experiences like these are wonderful because we give ourselves the opportunity to build coordination, strengthen our listening skills, and most importantly, feel connected to music and to one another.

​To celebrate the season, we create fall fork paintings. Instead of brushes, we use forks to dip into the colors of fall such as red, orange, and yellow paint. The forks make textured prints that look like the leaves of trees in fall season. We are fascinated to see how a simple tool can create such different patterns.

Some of us press gently to make light prints, while others push harder to see bolder strokes. The variety of results highlights how each one of us approaches the task with curiosity and our own unique perspective. As we work, we also talk about fall leaves they have seen outside, connecting our art to our experiences in nature.

This week comes to a close with a burst of dynamic energy, as friends eagerly choose to work in pairs. Anthony and Luka deepen their friendship by exploring a shared interest. Building block structures that can stand in perfect balance. 

No words are exchanged during their collaboration. Instead, a silent understanding guiding their actions. With quiet focus, both of them work side by side. Their unspoken agreement reflect in every careful placement of a block. 

Once their structure is complete, the mood shifts. Together, they take position, ready to knock it down. Still in silence, their hands begin to sway side to side. A signal only they seem to understand. Then, with a final coordinated motion, the mission is accomplished. The structure topples. Laughter erupts. A moment of joyful triumph shared between two friends. No words needed.

Friendship does not come in just one color. This week, we see the color of friendship in action as we work side by side, sometimes in quiet focus, other times in bursts of laughter and excitement. And when we mix them together, something beautiful happens. Just like the friendships we are growing every day.

Kindest,
Children & Friends.