Second Week of Kindergarten In Progress

We have fallen into a happy routine here that makes sitting down for desk work much easier and exciting. After chores and breakfast we take a long nature walk through the field roads. We spend our time talking about earth and sky, plants and animals, making observations and gathering items to identify both in photograph and for her nature table. Many times she takes my hand and we walk side by side, other times we will walk or run as the mood strikes and the scenery dictates.

 When we return, if its hot enough we take a quick dip in the pool. This summer she has learned to swim by herself, no floaties! She is our little fish. If it cool enough we throw bareback pads on our mares and head back out to the field roads for a little trail ride. Ellie has spent a lot of time in the round pen, without reins or saddle, learning to sit the trot and gain strength and balance, but these rides are usually at a walk due to the heat. She has learned so much about caring for her pony this year and it is a joy to watch their bond.

 When we go in we start on our lessons, then break for making lunch. Today she helped me fry chicken nuggets from 8 chicken breasts. We talked about measuring, safety, cleanliness, seasonings, and healthy food. She loves nuggets and we love for her to have homemade ones. I had the cutest picture of her helping to dredge the meat but accidentally deleted it. After lunch, we clean up and she gets to watch Wild Kratts, Super Why or Peg Plus Cat for half an hour and then free play for half an hour, while I prep the next activity or catch up on anything I need to do.

Then its back to the school room for arts and crafts and the rest of the lessons. We have been lucky to meet new friends this summer. Miriam, who we met at Library during the Summer Reading Program party, came out for a second play date yesterday afternoon. These two girls have so much fun with dramatic play and outside. Ellie enjoyed showing her the school room and all her books and supplies. It was finally hot enough that they were able to swim together too. Its so much fun to watch them and great to have some mommy talk time too!

 These photos are from Monday and Tuesday of this week. Some of them are things we are working on identifying. So far, through much research and discussion about clubbed antennae, we have learned the difference between a moth and a butterfly.

Willow Pond School is settling in to becoming magical.

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