Finally we get to play in the snow

The children were so excited that they finally had the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the snow!

We fed the hungry birds.

We took lots of photos of nature and our friends.

We discovered our water table was full of ice.

We stopped and poised for a photo.

We got to see how really deep the snow is right outside our door.

We made a chair fit for a queen.

We made a snow castle in the snow and sat back to admire it.

We had great conversations in the snow.

We tried and tried to make snow people.

We tried to make a ski ramp in our water table.

We just had fun laying down in the snow.

We traced some words in the snow.

Making Play Dough

Very often we go to the fridge and replenish the play dough with the dough that families have donated. Every once in a while though, the timing is just right for the children to make a fresh batch with some inventive touches.

They have wonderful ideas to help us make bright, vibrant colours.

The children are very used to being in the Suzuki kindergarten kitchen. We know the terrific opportunities the children have to learn so many things in the kitchen... but mostly, they have a natural love of mixing and making recipes.

Why stop at the bright colours?!  The best thing about the 

play dough that the children make is that 

it's not just a feast for the eyes.

It also smells great!  The children add potpourri and there is a fragrance that fills the air as they feel the roughness of the dried stems when they knead the dough.

A little glitter here...

Some sprinkles there...

And voila! Perfect play dough to excite the senses and the imagination!

Strega Nona visits

Before the holiday break the children had a special visitor in the house center. We shared a few of Tomie DePaulo's books that featured Strega Nona so it was very exciting that she took the time to visit with the friends,

Imagine our surprise when we found her sweeping up in our house center!

The children had lots of questions for Strega Nona.

The children wanted to know where Big Anthony was and if he would come for a visit.

Strega Emelia called and needed Strega Nona to return back home.

Towards the end of the morning Ireland discovered what Strega Nona had left behind.

So one of the friends quickly wrote her a letter and it was mailed to Italy. The children are hoping that on her return visit she will return with a special visitor.

When A Book Opens A Whole New World

It all started with a very cranky bear...

and a sheep that was... well... kind of plain.

Sheep may have been plain, not having stripes like Zebra, 
or antlers like Moose or a mane like Lion,
but sheep wanted to help like the other friends 
and knew just what to do to help Bear!

Ryan thought it would be a good idea to make a pillow, so off we headed to the dress shop.  We tried to use the plastic needles, but they wouldn't go through the fabric.  Mrs. Brent knew that we needed a proper needle and thread for such an important endeavor.



Cross-stitch needles and button hole thread were the perfect answer. The points on the needles weren't too pointy and the thread was nice and strong. With all the right materials, we set to work. The children chose, measured and cut their fabric and then 'threaded their needles' by 'putting the thread through the eye of the needle.'

They began to sew! We talked about different types of needles. The wool needle definitely did not work!  We talked about how strong the thread was. 

 -

Some of the children said, "But I don't know how to sew."  "Is this okay?"  "It isn't working!"

Mrs Brent said, "Oh how I love mistakes! Mistakes are the best way to learn. It gives our brains a chance to learn two times. Now we know what doesn't work and we get to try again! The smartest people always make the best mistakes. Especially scientists!"

Before long we heard, "Hey look, I'm sewing!"  "I'm so good at sewing!"  "I'm sewing like I do with my Bubba."  "My Nanna sews, and knits!"

And they created as we talked of sewing, and bears, and doing something kind for others, and trying to make others feel better. And their world opened up... and they let us in. 

We heard of grandparents and parents and families. We heard of special pets.  "I'm making my pillow for my Granny.  She's sick. It's soft and cushy and it'll make her feel better. It feels good to do something nice for someone." Keira said.

"I'm making mine for my dog. Maybe he'll think it's a chew toy. Maybe I'll make it for my cat." 

"I'm making mine for me!"

  "I can't wait to bring my pillow home and have a nice sleep."  

"I can't wait to show my mommy... my Nanna... 

my Granny... Bubba!"  

"Let's show Mrs. Fairall and Ms. Piccinin!"

"I'm ready to make another one!"

Take the time to enjoy playing in the snow

Remember when this was you?  

It's almost time for all the children to come back after a long holiday with their families.  Mother Nature wrapped up this gift of time with a big white bow!  Waking up to a world covered in white is one of the most magical feelings when you're young.  Take some time, bundle up along with the children and head outside to play. You'll be making some of your child's favourite memories and creating great stories from home for us to share!