Growing Together

On Tuesdays and Thursdays we are a small class of 8. There are many parts of the day when we are all together and the children are helping each other learn the routines of school. 

We walk to the park holding hands with a partner. Today there was discussion as to whether we'd seen a chipmunk or a squirrel carrying an acorn. We stopped to watch the squirrel climb up the tree.

Two classmates take turns helping hold the door open for our line to pass through. 

When we return from the park, we say grace together before heading to the bathroom to wash up. "For good food and those who prepare it, for good friends with whom to share it, we thank you, Lord. Amen."

At snack, we enjoy each other's company while eating the snack provided by the family scheduled that week. We use our napkin as a plate and take two or three pieces of snack at a time. It is an opportunity to practice using, "Please," and, "Thank you." "Please pass the crackers." "I'd like some more water, please." 

When we've cleaned up from snack, thrown away the cups and napkins and pushed in the chairs, it's time to read a book. The children look at books independently or read with a teacher. This is a leisurely time of the morning, not to be rushed.

Every morning, we have a planning meeting where the teachers introduce new skills and explain what activities are available. Ms Buckley demonstrates how to use the glue sticks for a collaborative collage.

During activity time the children currently work with collage and paint with the teachers and may visit many other activities with their friends; puzzles, lacing cards, blocks, cars, library, light table, drama.

To close the morning we sing and pray and read a story together on the nest. Our new prayer is, "God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all. God is not far from any one of us. In Him we live, and move, and have our being. Amen."

Next time we come to school Ms Mauldin, Mustard Seed School's music teacher, will join the Rocks Class and teach us new songs.