Tadpoles, Thinking Maps, Story Writing, and Habitats

Mystery photo must have been taken by a student while we were looking through our Nature book.



I was excited to bring in Thinking Maps during our project on amphibians. 
A flow map demonstraing the life cycle of a frog.



The double bubble map to compare and contrast between frogs and toads.






This was the week we got the tadpoles. Two little guys went belly up, however, a month later, one remains and is quite big and puffy! :)



































We wrapped up our amphibian focus with frog habitats and reading through Frog and Toad during storytime after outside play, and a homeschooling field trip to the ASNC for their topic on amphibians.

Amazing Amphibians at the ASNC

Over In the Garden

Having the opportunity to start a small garden at the schoolhouse is something that brings me great joy. When I had the preschool in my home, one of our favorite past times was spending time in our garden. The children were so small then, however, it was a part of our program that they enjoyed during our time together, especially harvesting the delicious veggies, being able to enjoy fresh organic lettuce, beautiful japanese eggplant, or eat unusual veggies such as these purple carrots. Munching from the herb garden was also a favorite of some of the children.

Even though our first garden at our schoolhouse is a small one, it's a start, just as my first garden was at my home. Our current expanded home garden is the result of several years of laborious, yet gratifying work, much of which involved our whole family.  It is my hope that the children will be able to enjoy this activity at the schoolhouse just as much as it was enjoyed at my home. Perhaps one day, we can begin to plan a larger phase of gardening, and build a mandala garden as a community.

Potluck and Star Party

On Sunday night we met at the school and for an impromptu family potluck. It was a clear night and the moon rose early so Damon's dad brought his telescope to view the moon, Jupiter and Mars. The kids had a great time being at school at night, and took turns looking through the telescope.

Art Class: Full Body

Self Portraits were so neat. Full body representation was just as fun to see!

Before and After









Before (on right side of page) and after.



I'm missing a couple photos. Trying to hunt them down to post.

It Takes a Village

When Violet's sweet grandmother showed up unexpectedly at our schoolhouse the other morning to place these potted plants in the empty holders, I was overcome with gratitude!



This tender gesture and random act of kindness is what makes our community so special.  

Everybody Has Something Wonderful to Offer

I have the pleasure of seeing this every day at our schoolhouse.