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August Arrives...

August, how did you get here so fast? A note worth sharing from our local paper:

Summer Questions
Does it seem as if summer just started?
Can it be possible July is over?
Can it be true that Stowe schools start classes 8/31?
Wait...isn't that only a month away?
Have I been to an outdoor concert yet?
Ridden a mountain bike trail?
Finished a novel at the Waterbury Reservoir? 
What am I waiting for?
-Stowe Reporter, 7/30/15, page 5.

Nature Corner 
Activity: When we find a natural object outdoors, encourage me to think of words to describe it. A leaf, for example, may be green, soft, thin and light.

Why?: The opportunity to explore outdoors stimulates my curiosity about the world. Using words to describe all that I am learning with my senses leads to strong language connections in my brain.

Classroom Happenings
Infant I: The babies seemed unphased by the heat; all of the children enjoyed long stretches of outdoor time and lots of splashing in the wading pool. The older babies have been working on developing independent decision making skills. An example of this? During feeding times, teachers are asking the older, more mobile children to come over for a bottle or to eat, instead of picking them up and moving them. This way the children can be more independent, and have the time to think about what they are being asked, then react independently. Most of the children can now recognize their own bottle and understand when it is being prepared for them.


Infant II: Friday's visit from the fire department was like a dream come true for the kids in the Infant II. The ladder, the trucks and the gear prompted screeches of delight and lots of clapping. In moments that were uneasy, the Stowe FD was able to ease fears by taking off their coats and showing the children. This was good practice for the children, and helped show just what we do when there if there is a drill or emergency at school. Well done kids! In the earlier part of the week, the children enjoyed using a new outdoor sensory table. The children also did well in the heat, and the class took lots of breaks to keep hydrated. 

Toddler I: The class enjoyed several good walks this week. One highlight of these walks were visits to the small stream by the elementary school. Recently seen in the stream have been small fish and frogs, an exciting discovery for the children. The teachers also commented on the excellent listening skills the class showed during these times. Aside from their "off campus" trips, the group continues to spend as much time outdoors as possible. The days have been filled with time outdoors before morning snack, with the remainder of the day consisting of time to come in to use the potty, eat or rest...then, it's back out into the world! A note from Beth and Hannah: You can now find the class curriculum posted on our cork board, check back weekly to see what we're working on. AND, be sure to send swimsuits along with your child, they make a difference on these hot days. Thanks!

Toddler II: The class spent time outside, and on several walks this week, just as their younger counterparts did. A popular trip has been out one of the nearby paths to Slyvan Woods. Recently a neighbor explained that one of the tunnels the children have noticed was built for deer to pass through. This was very fascinating for the kids. Play in the water has been a big theme this week for both staying cool and building rivers, fountains and other structures. The children are focusing on serving themselves at the table: pouring water for themselves and taking their own portions. 

Pre-K: Friday was certainly the most exciting of the week, with fire trucks, fruit salad and PICKLES. On the pickle front...the class has been talking a lot about food, where it comes from, and how to keep food fresh/store it properly. So on that topic, the children cut up cucumbers, added ingredients, put lids on tight, did some shaking/refrigerating for a yummy snack. Another focus has been the concept of practice. The Pre-K has been talking about to be good at something, one needs to practice. From jumping, to juggling a soccer ball, to zipping zippers, being polite, or calming down in moments of stress, practice makes perfect. 

As Seen at MVS



Thanks for Reading
-Sam 

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