October 2024
Classroom Updates
Hi Grown ups. Children are working so hard! They are sitting at circle now, singing songs as a class, participating in all school games and activities and learning how to be a person in a community separate from their parents. Our child led play brings up so many opportunities for growth and learning, I am using language like “Thank you for sharing the love in your heart with your friend” or “How do you think that makes their heart feel when you say that?” Parents, if you would like to start dropping in to observe just text me and we can set that up.
Hello kinder and first grade families, it truly has been a beautiful start to the school year. The sunshine has given us many opportunities for warm play and sunny spots for learning. As we move forward, we will be starting our plant research projects. I am excited to delve into this exploration with them. This month we are also having several speakers coming to share their knowledge and stories with us at forest school. It is going to be a fantastic month!
Hi Air Class families! The start to school has been good. We’ve gotten to know the new kids in our class, Academic blocks are in full swing, and our adventure times are pretty chill. We are still working on how to fill buckets and the kids are learning some calming exercises to use if they need them. We are also working hard on mystery phrases in handwriting and journal entries about native and invasive plants at MSY. We are learning about several fruit and vegetable plants as well and have been doing taste tests and graphing that go along with voting on our favorites. As we continue in October, our class will be focusing on the types of trees we see all around the park and experience on a daily basis. Cooler temperatures mean warmer clothes so continue to send your kiddo with layers so they can decide how they want to feel. Please reach out as any questions come up and happy fall!
The Fire Clan has been grounding into the new rhythms of this school year seemingly effortlessly. We’ve established new daily routines, like journaling, reflections and word work and are getting comfortable with our academic block schedule and switching between reading, math, writing and our themed units with ease. The Fire Clan kids took a field trip to a local private residence (with 12 mature apple trees!) and picked all the apples for our Equinox Celebration and cider pressing. They’re practicing leadership during Forest Families, on Thursdays for all school circle, and on days when we have Ancestral Skills. This group is a bright light in the school, and are beloved by all the children and staff at DTE!
Halloween and the Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead and Halloween will be upon us before you know it! We will have a small halloween party on Thursday October 31st, in the beginning of the day, weather dependent. Please don’t send your kiddo to school with too elaborate of a costume as it will likely get dirty. They can change out of their costume after the party. If it’s a downpour we will switch our costumes to just a HAT PARTY. We will have popcorn, a dance party and thread marigolds. We will also have a Day of the Dead table. Please feel free to bring in a picture of your deceased loved one to add to our table and you can retrieve your picture at the end of the day.
Ms Heidi’s Corner
The school community as a whole feels like it is starting to form and our new families and children seem to be assimilating. We are a community of families with a responsibility to connect, look out for one another and create a loving and nurturing space where our children can thrive. Say hi to a new parent or child at school, reach out for playdates, drop in to your child’s class to read a story, play a game or help with upcoming projects. We love weaving in parents and all the beautiful knowledge and gifts you have to share with our children.
Sometimes I stumble upon some interesting information or articles that informs my work as a director and supports the work we do over all.
One of my favorite authors has a wonderful book out called “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt, I highly recommend it.
An article about a documentary I am considering hosting. Let me know what you think. Chasing Childhood
On the Horizon For Elementary School
October is all about embedding excitement, connection and knowledge around PNW plants. We will be reading books, looking at field guides, making forest tea, foraging and learning from guest speakers all in an effort to integrate plant-child connection. At home you can support your child in understanding how to use field guides or sharing your own plant knowledge while out on a walk.
In November, Kinder and First grade will be compiling a map of the plants and their location at MSY. The 2nd-5th grade children will be working on building a connection to one particular plant and creating a project around the plant.
The beginning of December we will invite our wider community to the shelter to sip some tea and interact with the children and their projects.
We are looking for small Looms for our Fire Clan art project like this one if you have one to lend us till Winter break.
We are looking for pressed flowers to add to our lanterns. If you have some in the garden slide them in a heavy book till November.
