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We're Going on a Bear Hunt...

We hope you had a wonderful week, here's the news from Mountain Village School.

*Next week's issue will be focused on nutrition!

Nature Corner
Activity: Let me explore all that interests me while outdoors with you. I might have a lot of questions about what I see. You don't have to need to have all the answers. We can think about it and wonder together.
Why?: Exploring and figuring things out both on my own and with your guidance creates greater learning than just being given information. 

Classroom Happenings
Infant I: On Thursday and Friday we had afternoons where the entire class spent time outside. This time was wonderful; the babies loved exploring together and investigating the grass. We have lots of solid food eaters in the class, and it seems like every day we grow and develop new skills. We continue to work on being gentle and aware of others around us. A note for parents: Please be sure to label food containers and lids, so we can be sure they make it back to you. Thanks!
Infant II: This week the class enjoyed warm temps in the beginning of the week (which meant fun times in the pool) and beautiful sun filled days at the end of the week. The children continue to work on their social skills (saying please, thank you, saying hello and goodbye) and they feel quite proud and happy showing this skill off. We continue to work on language development and using specific words when negotiating with a peer over a toy or a shared space. The children are also using the words "stop, I don't like that" or "please, stop" if a peer is getting too close. Next week, we have some kids traveling for summer fun, so we wish them safe travels!

Toddler I: The children went on two big walks on Thursday and Friday, on both days their destination was the Stowe Elementary School playground, but on Thursday they took the hidden path and on Friday they headed down Depot Street. The class continued to work on their abstract art project by adding the purple egg cartons they had painted. A popular book this week has been a green board book called, Trucks. And on the subject of trucks, many children could be seen loading some of the new wooden blocks into the truck beds and dumping them out. As a whole, the class is still becoming accustomed to a few new routines. And a note to parents to please check the new white board for info on your child's day. 

Toddler II: Oh the irony. On Thursday the class listened to one of their favorite books during morning circle: We're Going on a Bear Hunt, only to see a REAL black bear during their Friday morning walk. The class talked about the bear, and how when we see bears in real life, we give them space. The group enjoyed other adventures outside of the classroom this week: investigating rocky areas, streams and perfecting some of their expert climbing skills. During walks, the class is working hard on holding the hand of a buddy instead of holding the rope as well as stopping, watching and listening for cars. Many students are continuing to make strides with potty training. 

Pre-K: Sarah spent time in the classroom this week, and as a reminder, Jen will return on the 22nd. Morning free play has been a very enjoyable time, with all kinds of building projects, artistic creations and imaginative dramatic play. The kids were all over this week: The spent time wading in streams, on the Stowe Elementary School playground, working in the gardens (check out the pumpkins...they are looking good!), and painting in the larger grassy area in front of the school. The children have been working on carrying their gear (water bottles, lunches, etc.) on their trips, and taking turns to haul things cooperatively. The class also adopted a mantra this week: "I will be kind and gentle to everything and everyone." When challenging situations arose, they reflected back to this to help them make good choices.
 

As Seen at MVS



Thanks for Reading
See you next week, Sam 

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