In getting to know her intern, Yoli discovered Katherine’s love for gardening back home in the Philippines. To make connection with the children, Katherine brought Lady Bugs in from the garden she tends in her new home.

Brendan: “I counted 7 Lady Bugs. They’re all alive!”

Sofia: “Can I count, too? I counted 6. There are 6, Brendan.”

Brendan: “I counted too fast. Sofia, count slowly with me.”

They count 6 together, slowly.

Sofia: “Brendan, I want to see them so I can draw them on this paper.”

Sofia's Lady Bugs

The children considered the care of the Lady Bugs after being reminded to work gently with them.

“The shell will break on the Lady Bug if you shake the box!” Xavier shouts in concern. “He’s trying to eat the leaves.”

That afternoon, they let the Lady Bugs go in our garden.  After talking about how to care for them, it was decided they needed to find food in their new home.

“I hope they are happy now and can have a family,” Sarah smiled.

Katherine was able to communicate a wish to be accepted by the children by sharing Lady Bugs from her garden. The children immediately took to the gesture and then welcomed the Lady Bugs into our garden by showing great care and concern for their well being. Communicating care and nurturing relationships with new friends in the front yard reminds us all of our intentional work at NSW: making relationships through materials.