March 10th, 2017

Butterfly News: Believe it or not, this week we took a walk to find the signs of spring. We found tiny leaves on bushes, tiny flowers of various colors—purple, yellow, white. We also heard and saw birds and felt the spring air on our skin. Then of course day we were singing the winter version of the song “The Green Grass Grows All Around.” It’s the white snow that blows all around in the winter version.
 
Also, despite the snow, we are getting ready to wake up Bear. Bear has been hibernating since the first day of winter and is missed! We have a paper chain to count the days. The children decided that the first day of spring, Monday, March 20th, would also be a perfect time for Pajama Day!

Friendship was in the air. Many children seemed to find new friends in the group we have had since September. It was beautiful to see. We have been adjusting the rhythm of the day to offer more play. This time of the year, with the coming of spring, can often bring a restlessness. Perhaps it is the warmer weather, perhaps it is the growing knowledge that the big transition at the end of the year is coming, perhaps it is being tired of the cold, perhaps it is all of the above. The children seem to be responding positively to fewer transitions in the day and longer spans of time for exploration and connection. Today a group was working together on a tricky puzzle. A few children spent most of the morning chatting and working on Legos. Other children delved into painting, others listened to stories.

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