Bird Study

Acorns showed an interest in birds at the beginning of the school year as they looked out our window at birds eating from the bird feeder.

We continued to study birds all school year.

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."-John Winger

The Last Birdhouse

Today the Acorns installed the last birdhouse at the Forest. We had special help from Dee Dee’s husband John. He dug a hole and put in a post for the birdhouse. H. offered him a stick to use to dig the hole, but he used a shovel. Everybody cheered after our last birdhouse was installed! We hope the birds enjoy their new homes!

It has been a wonderful journey learning and exploring birds with the Acorns. Thank you so much for letting us be apart of your child's world. We appreciate your generosity with our end of year gifts!

Thank You.

Dee Dee, Kelly and Katie K. 

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."-John Winger

Wildflower Seed Balls

 Today we walked to a secret garden, that has wild flowers and vegetables growing.  We then came back, and threw our wildflower seed balls on to the hill where the observation deck is located.  Our attempt of trying to feed the birds throughout the summer without being here.....

Birdhouses continued...

 The Acorns installed three birdhouses today.  One on the hillside near the snail and two out front on the Cedar Circle Drive.  We chose the Cedar Circle Drive because we have seen bluebirds down the street and were hoping we could get a few to nest in our boxes.  Since the children's favorite bird is the Eastern Bluebird, we are trying to attract them to the area. Our research on the Eastern Bluebird is extensive.  Bluebirds are attracted to the color blue (which is why we painted the houses blue).  

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."-John Winger

Birdhouses

 We walked to the forest today and scouted out a place to install our Birdhouse.  Last week, Dee Dee called the parks department and got permission. When we got back to school, we finished painting the houses and installed up eyes so that we have a way to hang them. We then installed two Birdhouses on our observation deck today!! Luckily the Acorn windows look out to the observation deck.

 

Reminder- 

The AFC closes at 4:00 today so that we might all attend Celebrate the Joy!! 

Friday May 26th the AFC closes at 11:15

                                       "I am the acorn that becomes the oak."-John Winger

Caper Day

 The Southside Capers headed to the big playscape today.  We brought out all the birdhouses and the paint so that we might get some help painting all the houses!!

  

 

 

 

 

 

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."-John Winger

Willow

Seedling

Maple

Spring in the Forest

Acorns saw signs of Spring in the Forest including a baby bird and baby bunny.

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."- John Winger

Summer Birthdays

     We have been very busy this week finishing things up. Today we celebrated Summer Birthdays!!

Birthday Celebrations-Birthdays are an important milestone in the lives of young children. Birthdays place children at the center of attention for one wonderful day each year. At the Ambrose Family Center, children in each classroom decide as a group how to celebrate each other’s birthdays through a meaningful “birthday tradition”. Teachers will share with parents/guardians the “birthday tradition” for your child’s classroom which does not include bringing treats from home. Please honor the very special classroom experience designed by the children as they celebrate each other’s birthdays. Enjoy what is created for your child in honor of their birthday. Please let your teachers know if you do not wish for your child’s birthday to be celebrated.

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."- John Winger

Magic Sand (Augmented Sensory Table)

 Magic Sand (Augmented Sensory Table) will immerse the children into a visual, tactile sensory exploration. The augmented sensory table is a hands-on sandbox exhibit combined with 3D visualization applications by researchers at UC Davis. The sandbox is augmented in real time with an elevation color map, that when the children mold/move the sand it makes contour lines and simulates water. AR sand box.   It houses a computer program which is attached to the sand sensory table; it alters how the sand looks as the child plays, explores and moves the sand.  The child will be able to create mountains, streams and even deserts. Having their (the children’s) sensory needs met will help the children self-regulate and help with concentration, which will in turn increase their development of fine motor, social emotional (controlling oneself and empathy for others), language (understanding what is being said to them and talking to a peer), speech, science and technology. We currently have sand tables, but the visual impact of the augmented sensory box will draw the child in and meet sensory needs on a tactile and visual level.  Everyone needs to be able to manage daily input and be able to focus.  The augmented sensory table in itself is astonishing, but if we start to add additional materials/loose parts for tinkering to the sensory box, the opportunities for the sensory box to change will be endless. 

Ms. Katie and I were awarded this grant during the Covid-19 shut down.  We have been working to build and program the computer to finally get this up and running.  It did not disappoint!

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."- John Winger

Chickens

 Today we walked over to view the chickens and figure out a few things about them.... 

Why do they lay eggs? 

How do they get food?

How do they move? Do they Fly?

Why are chickens in cages? 

We then walked to the chickens and the children started to answer the questions...

Caper Day

For capers, we had the worms out, the mad matter for egg creation, and our keyboards and phones for pretend play area.... We also had the geoboards to create shapes, and the cup building area along with loose parts and the light table. 

Forest Day!!

                         The weather cooperated and we enjoyed a fabulous day in the forest!

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."- John Winger

Walking Wednesday

 The Seedlings joined us on our plan to walk by the chickens, and say hello, on our way to the firestation.  Low and behold, Ms. Jenny the chicken owner was out putting her new chicks in the coop.  She came out several times carrying two chickens each time.  The last time, she came out with a tiny chicken, she named Queen.  Oh my, Queen is adorable, each child had the opportunity to pet the Queens special plume. We then thanked Ms. Jenny, sanitized everyone and went on our way. The children were all chattering about how cute Queen is and excited that we finally saw the new chicks.  At this point, some of the children understand that chickens are birds, others do not.

 

 

 

  

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."- John Winger