Starfish

This week we are learning about the ocean, so we made starfish out of paper and polenta.

After covering  starfish-shaped paper with glue, spoon polenta on top.

Shake off the extra polenta and you have your starfish! 

Follow up by sharing starfish and shells and comparing the textures. Read a book about starfish and fill your sensory table with water and real shells, along with fish nets.

Soaking Up The Little We Are Given

I'm talking about sun. We just have not had much of it this year. Everyday at our morning meeting, the class helper is asked what she/he wants us to put in the sky. Almost always, it's sun. So imagine the smiles yesterday morning when the sun really was streaming through the windows! This is when you toss your original plans and go with what feels right. And tossing open the back door and moving lots of activities outside felt right. Was right!

Spray bottles are always a huge hit outdoors!

It's especially fun to fill them.

There is so much more we can do outdoors without worrying about the mess or the noise or the speed of our bodies. So many fewer boundaries.

We were so appreciative of the sun that we went outdoors twice. 

And later, the clouds rolled in.

From Caterpillars to Butterflies

Every year after spring break we order caterpillars.

It's such an awesome experience to watch the transformation.

The most exciting part is releasing them in the courtyard.

The anticipation of waiting for them to fly away.

"Fly butterflies, fly!"

We always miss them once they fly away. 

Watching Them Grow

It took awhile, but our sunflower seeds finally sprouted. (I think even they are wondering where our spring has gone this year.)

We enjoyed measuring them.

And spraying them with water.

And yes, cleaning up after dropping one of them.

Accidents happen.

But it did allow us to explore the roots, so it was a good accident! Ah, the lessons we learn in our 3 year old class. And now the plants are home with the children. To love and care for. And hopefully not drop. :)