Meet Ms. Julie

Tuesday mornings have quickly become a favorite time in the Birch room.  Why?  That's when Ms Julie, Ambrose's OT, comes in and facilitates a motor group.  Her time with us always involves fun, functional, purposeful ways to move our bodies.  Sometimes it is HARD, and other times it is EASY.  But it is always FUN!

Today Ms Julie brought in a mix of familiar and new movement and it challenged our brains and bodies to think and move in new ways.

Look at the pictures.  What do you think we are going to play?

Did you guess musical chairs?  Well, you're right...sort of!  

Everyone walk around the room and find a chair with a picture taped to it.

Bring the chair to the circle.

Sit down.

Wow.  That is THREE steps.  Following that many steps can be tricky.

I can look at my friends to see what they are doing to help me!

Now, stand up behind your chair and put two hands on the chair.

This is where our game becomes different.

When the music stops...stand behind the chair...look at the card...copy the card!

We love our Tuesdays and are excited to welcome Ms Julie into our space!

How can you get moving in new and different ways today?

Outside Play in ALL weather! (following the temperature guidelines, of course!)

Outdoor play is vital to the growth and development of young children. In the Birch Room, we try to get some time outside each day. Rain or shine. Snow or wind. Of course we abide by the school temperature guidelines, which means - always dress like we will play outside. 

Coats - ✔

Hats - ✔

Gloves or Mittens - ✔

Winter Coat - ✔

Winter Weather Shoes - ✔

Today we had to be flexible, and once it was "warm" enough to go out we did! We meandered in the chilly winter air. Our day may have looked a bit different than our normal meandering Monday, but the fresh air did us just as much good. 

Check out these posts about the benefit of outdoor winter play! (and while you are at it, cross your fingers for some snow!)

Why Being Outdoors is Essential for Wellness, Even in Winter

Cold Weather Outdoor Play Boosts Immune System!

You can also check out these books for fun, winter time play. 

The Wild Weather Book: Loads of things to do outdoors in rain, wind snow by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield

Snow Play: How to Make Forts and Slides and Winter Campfires by Birgitta Ralston.

Check out our amazing day, outside! 

Stay Warm!

Fast and Frozen Forest Friday

 It's finally happened, the weather has been chilly for a few days in a row. This may be the first forest day we were not able to stay and play in our beloved wooded play space. Check out the weather guidelines below for a better idea of when we can go outside and for how long. 

Today it felt like 28 - so we decided to make the most of our short time outside. We walked fast and were able to spend a few minutes exploring the forest. 

  

Even when we've been gone for two weeks, haven't visited the forest in three weeks, and have almost freezing fingers (😆) we were able to find ways to work together, be curious, and work our brains and bodies. 

What can you do when the weather is cold?

In other exciting news, we want to introduce you to Ms. Riley. Riley will be spending each day with us through April as she works to become a teacher. She is in her final semester at Fontbonne working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education. Riley is a Webster native and fondly remembers her time going through Ambrose. She has quickly become a member of our Birch room family, we cannot wait to help her grow as a teacher. 

Welcome to Birch, Ms. Riley! 

Welcome Back, we missed you all!

 A warm and wonderful welcome back. We missed everyone over these last two weeks, and are ready to ring in the new year with lots of learning, questioning, and exploration. Check out all the ways our brains were working today. 

It's going to be an amazing 2024!

How high can you build?!

Is that a pattern?

Let me just park my motorcycle. 

This is the corn picker and grinder!

We are taking all the pinks to make our cell phones!

 

Wishing you well, hoping the your start to 2024 was as wonderful as the Birch Room.