Seedlings: October 13, 2026
Our Seedlings started their morning with some free play while I read Time to Lend a Hand. We also tried out one of our new games, AppleLetters! It turned out to be a little advanced for this group, but with a few modifications, we had fun experimenting with letters and trying to make words together.
There was plenty of creativity happening around the room, too. Some of the boys coloured wooden peg people and played with the dollhouse, while others used our new loose parts to construct a cave for their animals. It's always interesting to see what the children come up with when they're given a few simple materials and the freedom to use them however they like.
We eventually packed up and headed to the Blackfriars Community Garden, where the apple tree was calling to be climbed!
We also brought along a new animal scat matching game, which turned out to be a big hit. The kids had fun trying to match different animals to their poop, but what stood out to me most wasn't the animal knowledge. It was the way they supported one another throughout the game.
There was plenty of cheering each other on, celebrating successful matches, and practising how to handle the disappointment of not finding a match. These are the kinds of moments that can seem small from the outside, but they're important parts of learning to play games together. Taking turns, being a good sport, encouraging a friend, and managing frustration all take practice, especially at this age.
While we were at the garden, two boys also discovered some worms! This led to a conversation about habitats and what different living things need to survive. We talked about how a worm probably wouldn't be very comfortable sitting on a dry wooden picnic table. Soil and moisture would make a much better home.
It's one thing to learn facts about animals, but it's another to begin considering the world from their perspective. What does this creature need? Are we treating it with care? How can we enjoy observing it while respecting its needs?
On our way back, they worked together to get our wagon up the hill, taking turns pulling and pushing. It was another lovely example of cooperation, this time with a very practical goal!
Back at Heron Tree Estates, we settled into some books in the hammock and enjoyed our lunch before trying something a little different: a quiet, mindful listening time.
The children relaxed together while listening to Charlotte's Web on our Yoto player. It was a nice opportunity to slow down after a busy morning, enjoy a story, and simply rest for a little while. I'm hoping to make this a regular part of our afternoons, giving the children a predictable bit of downtime before heading back into play.
We also spent some time with our nature journals and made a trip to the park before wrapping up our day.
Looking back, cooperation seemed to be a recurring theme throughout our Tuesday. From encouraging friends during a game, to considering the needs of tiny worms, to working together to move a heavy wagon, they had plenty of opportunities to practise looking beyond themselves and considering others.
And, of course, we learned a little about poop along the way!
