We had a fantastic first day of ECO yesterday.  Hopefully your child shared a little bit about our morning, which was really focused on establishing the routines we will follow all year.  When we first get off the bus we gather in the field for a quick greeting and sharing.  Then we play a game before heading into the forest.  When we arrive at our usual spot we gather around the fire circle for snack and a story.  We will not be having a fire for a few weeks, but yesterday we were entertained by several red efts roaming in the circle.  This seemed to be a highlight for many!  We then split up into three groups for a scavenger hunt to help us get acquainted with the forest and the particular spot we will spend our ECO time, before ending with a closing circle and our walk back.  Thank you for all of your help with preparation- it was a fabulous morning.

During math we have been moving away from exploration of materials and into some beginning number work.  We have been practicing writing numerals 1-6 and also matching quantities to written numerals.  The children have been very excited to use dice and highlighters for this.  Today I also taught the class a game called garbage, which involves sequencing numbers.  We began with 1-6, but will soon add numbers up to 10.  This was a partner game and emphasis was placed on helping your partner, having fun, and being a good sport.  Many chose to revisit some of these activities during choice time.

We are in the middle of a fun caterpillar project with our third and fourth grade partners.  These will be finished just in time for Open House on Tuesday, September 23rd.

REMINDER:  Picture day tomorrow!

Greeting each other with a talking stick.

Getting ready for a game.

Walking into the forest.

Singing a song just before snack.

The red eft!

Sorted items from our scavenger hunt.

Playing Roll a Tower.

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Playing Garbage.

Being good sports.