Fun on Friday

Map Of "I-Land" by Dorri.
Here's why that's not a typo:
Me: "Can you tell me about your drawing?"
Dorri: "It's I-Land."
Me: "Oh, you drew some islands?"
Dorri: (pointing the marker at herself) "That's I-Land!"

In addition to practicing name (photo) recognition, we found a great use for our new name cards today. By using them as placecards for lunch time, we eliminated the nebulous commotion of negotiating where to sit. Plus, they had fun showing one anther their cards and letters while waiting for the pizza, sliced cucumbers and 'duo of melons' to be served. Bon vivants, indeed.

THE GRASSY PLAYGROUND
Our Friday visit to the grassy playground was a real hoot today. Where last week's visit was about exploring the space, today's was more a set of collaborative efforts. I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that I didn't get any playground pics without their faces in clear view. The good news is that I got video! More on this later...

...so here's a 'radio' snapshot:

Idries, Christopher and Luca repeatedly built a tall tower of small blocks and knocked it down in a hysterical heap.

Belle and Aidan F. are climbing the olive tree. 'How to safely climb down yourself' was the teachable moment here.

Samantha, Athena and Lola are having a 'picnic' in the climbing cave. Tanbark tikka masala, anyone?

Sheyla and Nadia are on the spring-loaded seesaw. They figured out how to sync their movements to rock that thing alsmost to the ground.

Sebastian, Henry, Alexander and Benjamin are on their soft blocks 'driving cars', though the sound effects and motions more closely resemble those in a WWI plane. You must have interesting commutes.

Jabari, Mollie, Taye and Nate are sliding on mats down the slide, running to the top and trying to catch the other at the bottom. Think perpetual motion machine, but much louder and slapstick.

Dorri and Lilia Rose are running about, collecting leaves and dropping them onto the speedy sliders.

TODAY'S STORY
Angus and the Ducks, by Marjorie Flack. Angus the Scottie dog is very curious about the mysterious quacking sound from the other side of the hedge. He finds his way through to the other side to investigate. The ducks tolerate him until he startles them with a loud "Woof!". Our dog evades the hissing waddlers and retreats under the sofa indoors - one place he's sure he's never seen or heard a duck. The moral of the story? When you're sharing a playspace with someone, try not to ruffle their feathers.

"OM FOR KIDS" CHARITY EVENT
The students gave me a good workout on the playground, streching muscles in unexpected directions as I became involved in their climbing, running (again with the chasing) and tree climbing. Their methods are unconventional but effective. I should be in good shape for the charitable "Om For Kids" Yogathon next Saturday. Please CLICK HERE to make a secure online contribution. All proceeds go to Covenant House California to provide homeless youth with essential, sometimes life-saving services. I'll be posting on this topic all the way to the wire.