Sprouts: October 9, 2025
Laughter and Jays
The children arrived full of energy and smiles — one boy made my whole morning when he told me he loves the way I laugh! The blue jays were extra loud today, calling from the trees above (perhaps celebrating the other Jays’ victory over the Yankees the night before!). We put out some peanuts for them and watched as they swooped down — bold and beautiful — giving us an up-close look at their quick movements and brilliant colours.
Firelight and Finny’s Wisdom
A cozy fire warmed the crisp autumn air as we gathered for our morning circle. We read a letter from Finny the Fairy, who reminded us that magic happens when we give and receive — when everyone helps in their own way, whether with hands, hearts, or patience.
We talked about what that looks like in our community, then began making applesauce together. Some children peeled and chopped apples, while others helped in different ways — tending to the dogs, gathering sticks, or simply keeping company. One boy paused and pointed upward, noticing something he thought was so beautiful: the smoke from the fire, glowing in the light as it drifted through the trees. We all looked up and shared in the peaceful beauty of that moment.
Stories and Sweetness
After the applesauce was ready, we sat down to enjoy snack and storytime. I read Thank You, Omu! — a wonderful tale about sharing and community. The kids were full of guesses about what might happen next, offering thoughtful insights into kindness and reciprocity.
Adventure to Underwater Kingdom
Next, we set off for a walk to Underwater Kingdom. Along the way, one sharp-eyed boy spotted a big grasshopper! The group also noticed fish and ducks as we crossed the Blackfriars Bridge, taking time to look down and appreciate the life moving beneath the surface.
When we reached our destination, the same child who had admired the smoke earlier stopped and exclaimed, “Look at the view!” — and he was right. It was breathtaking, the kind of view that makes you stop for a moment and just be there.
Soon after, the kids spotted something mysterious floating in the water. Was it a fish? A turtle? A rock? An egg? A meatball? A walnut? The guesses were endless and hilarious. In the end, they retrieved it — a walnut! (Though one child remained convinced it was an avocado. 😄)
Creativity and Curiosity
We brought chalk down to the riverbank, and the children used it to decorate the rocks, turning them into colourful works of art. Back at the house, free play quickly turned into new discoveries. At the mud kitchen, one boy proudly announced he was making “big red stew,” inspired by Thank You, Omu!
Nearby, others were experimenting with water flow — using watering cans, buckets, tubes, and pipes to test how water travels. A “lake” was dug, bridges were built, and the yard transformed into a lively laboratory of cause, effect, and imagination.
Hide and Seek and Leaf Piles
In the afternoon, we walked down to the Flats for more adventuring and climbing before starting an enthusiastic game of hide and seek. We ended the day at the park, where the girls cozied into the leaf pile for a final snack as we waited for parents — a peaceful, golden ending to a day full of laughter, curiosity, and connection.
Thanks for a great day Sprouts!
