We returned to the forest today after a long break due to the wet and cold weather. It was such a joyful morning, cold but sunny. We began in the meadow with a conversation circle followed by stories about raven, bear, whale and salmon. I told the story of Mary's Sweater and then we played two games. Playing circle games is so much fun, lots of laughter and great movement at the same time. Both of the games were new this week. The first game , Grizzly Bear Is Sleeping includes a lovely song as well as a chasing game  and I have added a link to a youtube video  so that you can learn the tune...... Soooo much fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h95mCQKuCKA Then we move to a wide area game. I have included a short list of games which lend themselves to forest play. Two games are from  http://www.projectwild.org Where Is My Family ? I chose four animals and we decided upon a sound for each animals  i.e. grrr. Then I whispered to each studen...

a lovely example of students generously offering support to a peer  by quietly gathering  nature's loose parts so that she could focus on  design and construction of  her mandala during our fall free  exploration  at Neck Point  Last year Kindergarten students in my class worked on a project for months! As they deepened their understanding they learned so much about themselves and each other. I wanted to share this powerful project because as I moved with them through the months I witnessed a profound change and growth of understanding and kindness. Reggio Inspired Practice: The Kindness Project During the past few years I have worked to transform my full-day Kindergarten learning environment to reflect a more authentic experience for students. I wanted to move away from expecting children to be ready for school, towards the concept that schools should be ready for children.  I wondered if an increased understanding of younger children ages 3 to 4 would...