Leaf Matching and Morning Rectangle

When the Sprouts arrived, they were greeted with an activity—matching different leaves to their traced outlines. After some playful detective work, we gathered for our “morning rectangle.” The children were eager to share stories from their lives: two girls discovered they both go to Sparks, one boy told us about his Beaver outfit and an upcoming play where he’ll sing “The Snow Must Go On.” The joy of connection and sharing was in full bloom.

Finny’s Letter and the Equinox

Finny had left us a letter asking about equinox celebrations. The children learned how this time of year is about balance, gratitude, and community. With a quick demonstration, we explored how the Earth’s tilt changes the sunlight we receive, and how days now begin to grow shorter as nights grow longer.

Free Play and Creative Worlds

The morning opened into free play:

Beautiful creations were mixed up in the mud kitchen.
Elaborate imaginative play unfolded with “magic keys of friendship” and “specially trained army dogs.”
Near the feeders, others colored while chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and blue jays flitted close by—plus a few chipmunks darting in!
Some remembered to forage snacks, finding ripe wild raspberries and treats from the garden.

Exploring Beyond the Yard

After stories and food, we adventured down to Silly Goose Beach. The kids hopped across rocks to Duck Island and noticed how the river’s current flowed differently in certain spots—sparking peer-to-peer teaching. In the Flats, they hunted for cool rocks, gathered flowers, and experimented with burrs. They discovered that the green, hard ones are safe for play, but the brown, fluffy burrs are best avoided!

Sharing Skills and Making Paint

Back at Heron Tree Estates, the children became each other’s teachers. One showed us how to fold a paper fan, another demonstrated how to draw an elephant (my favorite!). Natural paints were created by grinding berries, petals, and grass, mixing with water to reveal earthy colors. Meanwhile, the “tire train” transformed into a pulpit for a made-up chant, blending creativity with community play.

Closing the Day

Our final stretch of the day took us back to the Flats. Some climbed trees, others enjoyed “tree dining,” as one child called it. One boy balanced impressively on one foot on the slope of the beach for 50 seconds! We wrapped up with teamwork, hauling the wagon back to Heron Tree Estates just in time to greet families.