Pinecones and Scooters

Samantha gives Aiden a spirited ride. He did the same for her in return.

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
Usha brought a big bag of large pinecones for the children to paint and decorate. After first examining the TEXTURE and PATTERN, the students painted the with toothbrushes, of all things. These turned out to be the perfect tool for reaching inside those deep grooves. After this was a robust application of numerous colors of glitter. The raccoons did this one today, so the squrrels will do this one on Tuesday. So what were the squirrels doing, that the raccoons get to do tomorrow?

SCOOTER RELAYS
In the multi-purpose room, the squrrels were doing scooter relays with four teams of three. Using color-coordinated stations, we did several different types of movement, each focusing on a different muscle group. First, we did laps by sitting and pulling with our heels. Second, we sat and went backwards by kicking our feet. The coordination required to "see" behind was good for balance and quite easy for their little, flexible bodies. Third, we "swam" like crocodiles, working the shoulder and back muscles. We finished with the best of all. Sitting with legs crossed on the scooter, our teammates pushed and guided us around the circuit. It was fast and furious, with roaring laughter overcoming any spills.

TODAY'S STORY
Runaway Bunny, by Margaret Wise Brown. Sometimes a familiar classic of comfort is just right. A mother's perseverence to always seek her bunny provides the security needed for his wishes of independence. Our students were particularly fond of finding the little rabbit distorted to suit his imagination. It is a tale of reassurance. Why else would any of us run, than to have someone want to follow us? That's why children love the "chase" game so much. It's the human condition.