Camellia class has had some fun days in the rain - finding puddles, riding the tricycles, and gardening! We have had some parent volunteers helping us do laundry, cut designs for the class, garden, read stories and prepare food for the class! The children have really enjoyed this! Please talk to a Camellia teacher if you want to come in or want to do a class project at home!                

As we say "Good-bye" to Winter and "Hello" to Spring, we see the many changes on campus.  What will flower blossoms on fruit trees turn into?  Why is it important to pick the fruit off the trees?  What varieties of flowers do we have on campus?  The many flowers on campus will give us opportunities to study flowers and their parts.  We will be studying Europe and mammals as well.  Ms. Graham's guinea pig will come live in the classroom for the month of March to give us a better understanding of mammals.  What does "AZ" like to eat?  Why does he like to hide?  Please call the Ginkgo teachers if you would like to come and help us plant in our garden for the Spring.           

 
Tuesday Hattie's dad, Frazer, came in and shared with us some pictures and stories of how his family celebrated Mardi Gras when he was growing up. We all enjoyed having a little taste of what it's like to go to a parade during the celebration of Mardi Gras. Frazer brought in masks and toys and even threw beads to the children! In March, we will be studying Europe, flowers and mammals. If you have anything at home, for example things from Europe or books on any of these subjects, we would love for you to share them with us.                

Gardening helps young children develop a sense of ownership and responsibility and helps them to reconnect with nature as well. This has been true in Juniper class for the past two weeks.  The children notice the outcomes from their gardening with such pride and joy.  Care of plants in the classroom has become a much-used activity. Watering, trimming and polishing the leaves teaches control of movement, eye-hand coordination and a sense of control.       

The Live Oak children have been enjoying a variety of food preparation activities over the last few weeks. They started the year by peeling, cutting, and serving carrots to one another. We added bread making soon after that, so that the children actually make the bread that they eat each morning for snack. Recently they began peeling, cutting, and serving eggs on crackers to their friends. Most recently, some of the older children have begun following a recipe to make biscuits which are later served for afternoon snack. All of these activities, while being enjoyable in and of themselves, are truly about taking care of their classroom community and playing a part in sustaining their friends. Plus, it's just fun!

Magnolia children have truly taken ownership of the new listening station.  In honor of Black History month, we listened to legendary Miles Davis.  One child commented that he feels happier and more relaxed after listening to the soothing music. This month, and throughout the entire year, we continue to look at other influential persons such as Toni Morrison and Jackie Robinson.  The children are also interested in bird activities.  This includes looking at various birds of California.  From California's state bird, the quail, to the impressive condor - the children are fascinated with studying the many feathered friends.              

Mulberry children helped make lemon curd for our toast work in the classroom. The children helped squeeze the lemons and then zested three lemons to mix with the eggs, butter and sugar. The lemon curd is delicious! The children were sad to discover our fish dead in the fish tank. If a parent is looking for volunteer time, we would love for a parent to go to the pet store and get the class some new fish. Let Mrs. Aima know if you would like to buy fish for us.