Exploring Beyond the Playground

Today we took the campers across the street to a large gravel parking lot. The lot is almost always closed with a gate so cars cannot get in during the week. So, as we walked over to this parking lot, I thought, "Why don't we do this more often?" Because surrounding this lot is wooded landscape, a mecca for all kinds of bugs and outdoor animals. We brought a tarp and ate our snacks before going bug hunting. We discovered trails and great hiding spaces under tall bushes. We used our bug catchers to collect an assortment of bugs to take back to the classroom. The campers even took some time to play hide and go seek behind trees, stumps and shrubs. We could've stayed out there all day. I've been reading more and more about using the outdoors as our classroom, but felt limited with our small outdoor area. Now that I realize how this area across the street works, we will be spending lots more time there. What a great way to start summer!

Moving to Music Camp!

Our 3rd camp this summer was Moving to Music Camp. Each week I am working with a different co-teacher from my preschool. This week's teacher is musically talented. I stood back and let her take control! She brought in various instruments for the children to explore. She helped them make maracas, drums and harmonicas. We listened to Peter and the Wolf and painted while listening to its various instruments. We had each child bring his favorite music CD to share at camp all week. As we wrapped up the week, one of our oldest boys, who at first thought this camp would be "boring", admitted, "music camp was awesome!". 

Music to a teacher's ears. 

Box Cars

Last week I started teaching summer camp at our preschool. There are 10 camps, each with a different theme. This week's theme is "Moving and Grooving" and we are having so much fun! My co-teacher has put together some great activities, including this one: box cars. She cut cardboard boxes into cars and sprayed them with one color of paint. The campers then added their own colors and other accessories. Today we raced our box cars in the gym. So much fun!

Transitions!

Sorry I have been MIA! It's that time of year where we transition from the end of school to the beginning of summer camp. Toss in a 50th wedding anniversary party we put together for my parents in between, and that kind of explains things.


We had a busy but fun last week of school. Pre-K graduation, Beach Day, End-of-the-Year Celebration at the park, memory books (thank goodness my husband's family owns a printing business!), finishing up projects.....and I was surprised that I didn't feel near as stressed as I normally do this time of year. 

And so, now we are into our first week of summer camp. There are a total of 10 weekly camps, each with a different theme. I look forward to sharing highlights here during the summer!