Write To You 2

Yesterday morning a teacher was able to catch a lizard in our back outdoor play area. It was quite large so we assumed it was pregnant.

I took it around to all the classes to show the children and two of the kids from the Pre-K class were just sure it was an alligator:)

Kids crack me up.

Yesterday I purchased some ladybugs from the nearby hardware store and put them in our butterfly container to show the children. All of them of course were extremely impressed and couldn't wait to hold them. As I walked into our Pre-K room a little girl already had her own container of collected bugs, 2 roly polies and a snail. As we were enjoying them she handed me the snail which was only the shell and told me to hold it up to my ear to hear the ocean. Of course I did with delight and a smile.

Last week one of our subs finally was able to bring a baby chick from her farm. It had been 2 months since she first got the chick. A 2 month old chick is quite nearly a full grown chick. The children LOVED getting to pet it and talk about it. It makes such an impact on them when they can actually see, smell, and touch something while they learn. Many of them will remember this for a quite a while. Not only did their eyes light up but their little bodies lit up too, jumping in excitement, they could hardly contain themselves. It was fun!

Yesterday as I was showing our school parrotlet named Lola to a group of children a little girl said, "My dad always fights with my mom. That's why they're getting a divorce." Of course somewhat surprised that this topic of conversation would come up as we look at our sweet little bird, my only comment could be, "Well... how does that make YOU feel?" - Her response was "Like they already are divorced." :( sad face. How observant and smart children are will always amaze me. Whether she overheard this and was repeating it or really grasped this is a something to ponder but the bottom line is, this is really in the forefront of her mind. I gave her a hug and she smiled.

We love to celebrate Valentine's Day at our preschool. Yesterday's parties were a big hit. This year I have to say, had more healthy options than years past. The kids loved handing out their Valentines and celebrating throughout the day.

 A crazy thing happened yesterday morning. I'm guessing the storm the night before is what caused a gopher to run into my office. At first of course we weren't sure what it was so you can imagine the initial fright of 2 of our teachers. One bravely shooing it outside to the sidewalk only to have it make a lightening quick u-turn "across her feet" as it found it's way to my office - running through the legs of another teacher. At which time I arrived seeing it's cute little behind cuddled in fear near my desk. I was positive it was a hamster and my nurturing instincts kicked in allowing it time to relax.

Eventually we cornered it into an animal carrier filled with hay, clothes, apples, and chicken an rice. To my surprise I realized quickly that it was no hamster. I was able to google "images" ground hog, prairie dog, and finally gopher to match the characteristics. Crazy thing I have to say. Still adorable as ever. She/He will be re-located after the rains.