A New Friend on Friday

THE GRASSY PLAYGROUND
Today's outside time was mostly about the snail. Yes, one snail. You never saw so much attention showered on a single mollusk that wasn't prepared by Thomas Keller. That's one animal that can take prodigious eye-poking. The children were fascinated, and so was I once I read more. The requisite climbing, see-sawing, and infinite vinyl block destructo-sculptures were also the source of much active engagement.

MATH IN THE MIRROR
The concept of symmetry was noted today in the "Animal Castle" built by Aidan F. and Madrid today:

A: Hey, look how big our tower is.
M: Yeah, it's big...with big dinosaurs!
A: There's another cheetah in that tunnel... there's two!
M: Where? Hey! There's a Aidan in there. That's you, too.
A: Look on top! I made it here, and it's there, too.
M: It's really, really so big!
A: ...and it's the same.
M: Yeah, the same big one!

That's entirely why we placed the large plexi-mirror in the block area.

TODAY'S STORY
Max's Dragon Shirt, by Rosemary Wells. Max loves his blue play pants so much that he never takes them off. They're messy and long overdue for replacement. Ruby is given $5.00 to take Max to the store and buy him some new pants. All Max can say is "Dragon Shirt!". Ruby takes a long time to try on dresses and Max wanders away. In his attempts to find her, he ends up in the boy's dept. and tries on a dragon shirt. Ruby is frantic to search for her lost brother and is led to him by a helpful store clerk. Max enjoyed a dish of ice cream with the store police. They had to buy the $5.00 shirt once it was stained with ice cream. It was a very happy ending for a very messy Max.

After the story we talked about what to do if you get lost in a store. You look for a clerk with a name tag at the cash register or counter and tell them who you lost. They will gladly help you find your parent.

To learn more about Rosemary Wells, CLICK
HERE. There are book lists, activity pages and interesting information on reading. There is also a link to the Max and Ruby program pages as seen on Nick Jr.

"OM FOR KIDS" UPDATE 9/22
I am floored by the incredible generosity from all of you. (Literally, on my chest trying to touch the back of my head with my toes...so close!) As much as your philanthropy means, I am especially touched by the moral support and encouragement you have all given me at school. I received a call from Covenant House California with commendations for your contributions. The cause is so worthy. For anyone who still wishes to contribute, please CLICK HERE to do so securely. Really, I couldn't ask for any thing more, except maybe a tube of Icy/Hot on Monday.

Have a great weekend! See you all on Monday.