Outdoor November 20

The morning was still and sunny today, so we enjoyed morning circle time outside. Our animal messenger cards brought us messages of resourcefulness, gratitude, surrender, decisiveness and imagination...all important qualities for animals surviving the cold.

After circle we came inside to snack and hear a new long story about the animal people before humans choosing a leader. It was full of great messages that students identified with throughout the day. Though it was a longer story with fewer pictures than we are used to, we took many opportunities to discuss what was happening, learned a valuable lesson and we were able to solidify another lesson we know. We learned that the fastest, strongest and biggest are not always the winners or the first to be done....that the quality of the race shows is the quality of the racer, which reminded us about Humility and Wolf from our foundational teachings, that true leaders lead from the back of the pack.

After snack we went out for a hike to forage, play and see what the animals and plants are up to. We first discovered a Marshmallow under the Spruce trees off the parking lot STILL FLOWERING!! We talked about how Spruce shelters Marshmallow from the weather and snow at the base of it's trunk so Marshmallow can grow longer. Oakley reminded us as well that we do not pick leaves from plants in winter because they need their energy more than we do. Great reminder Oakley!

We ended up at the park to play first and everyone had fun making up games in the teeter totter, and playing pretend all together. I loved listening to them work through their games. We stayed out for an extended play time and foraged as well.

We headed back to the school for lunch, animal play and a colouring contest (suggested by Oakley). Everyone was excited when I turned into a Bear and visited me at my cave for a Winter rest. After free play, I started creating bookmarks for the sale day, while students had their colouring contest. Oakley won the first round, Lola won the second round and Mila won the third round ❤

At the end of the day, we tidied and packed up, enjoyed sharing board outside and everyone perched on the backyard car and guessed which parents would arrive first.