As the weather changes, so does the environment around us at New School-West. The tree anchoring the front yard bike path shed its leaves in Fall and is now budding and offering new shades and shadows. The butterflies migrate to a warmer place and days are growing longer. These changes influence children’s interaction with our environment. With the children’s innate curiosity, the teachers in the front yard introduced the germination of seeds and planting and pollinating flowers.
Georgios: The plants are saying, ‘Feed me, feed me’. They’re thirsty.
Poppy: Look! This is growing! This is growing!
Felix: This plant connects with the birds.
Teacher Katherine: Can you explain what you mean when you say ‘this plant connects with the birds’?
Felix: This plant here communicates with the birds. This plant talks to the bird so they can come to them.
We will meet again to explore the children’s ideas of communication in the natural world. These experiences of caring for their living and growing environment serve the children in exploring more of their sense of smell, touch, and taste while strengthening their relationship with nature. I believe that in our bustling and technology-driven lives, it is essential that we all slow down and relax and find the personal joy that nature gives us every day. Come join us in the front yard and feel it with us. -Teacher Katherine
