Knowing we only have a few classes left with our friends, we wanted to organize a special day where we could all just walk, talk and share an experience. We had been planning on going to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary for a while so this seemed like the perfect opportunity given the lovely weather.

Prior to leaving we had a group time to discuss some ideas around the trip. How do we keep ourselves safe? How do we show respect to the birds and people around us? The children all offered insightful ideas about staying behind a teachers on the pathways, using quiet voices and not chasing the birds.

I think the children took this to heart because they were very mindful of their voices and movements around the birds. We had a great day! They loved walking on the trails and I commented to Bonnie and Yvette just how strong our children have become! They have tremendous stamina as we walked for a couple of hours without stopping.

The day was spent listening to birds and listening to each other. We shared stories, thoughts and questions. I loved walking behind the pairings of children and listening to their conversations. They have come to understand how to engage in a conversation and mostly grasp the idea of the turn taking that naturally occurs in a conversation. I am impressed by this ability and found myself simply in complete admiration of them!

Here are a few snapshots of our day:



















When we take time to be together we develop strong meaningful relationships. Listening and sharing builds friendships. I am glad we had this day together.

Emily

Yesterday was our last day visiting our Grandpals at Courtyard Gardens. The early days were sometimes a challenge as our children were often shy to just jump in and strike up a conversation with these older adults. And, on the other side, some of our Grandpals were unsure how to talk to our children or what to do with them. However, each time we saw them, it was obvious their feelings of uncertainty and trepidation were slowly being left behind. Relationships are difficult and it can take a while to build up trust. And, this is where the commitment piece comes in. We must stay committed to the building of a relationship for it to be successful. It would have been easy to let this program go, to decide that it wasn't worth it. But, as educators and community advocates, we see great value in these types of connections and thus we did not simply 'throw in the towel' on this program. Yesterday's visit truly epitomised the meaning of these relationships and I believe we are all grateful for this wonderful opportunity to grow as individuals and as a group.

Here are some photos that speak to our relationship and I title them "Helping Hands"

















To our Grandpals: Thank you Grandpals for lending us a helping hand when we need it. We hope we made your days bright and we offer you our hands when you need it.

Emily

Grace and Kahlen developed a deep caring for each other in the castle dress up area. It is amazing to watch new friendships grow like little flowers.

The dress up hanger became an object that offered secret powers to people.This was brought outside.

The fantasy dress up area instigated the following conversation.

The sun was shining, the air was warm and there was a lightness in everyone's step. The buddies arrival was different this time- there was a familiarity that was underlying this visit. They entered the room with confidence and a knowledge of what was to come. This is always an interesting point in relationships when the unfamiliar becomes familiar- not boring just comfortable. I believe that once relationships enter this phase, there is an ability to be true to oneself and express oneself freely. We let our guards down slightly and feel able to take risks within the relationship. In listening to the conversations between the big and small buddies, it was apparent they had come to this place in their relationship.

Anticipating  it to be a sunny day, we decided it was a perfect opportunity to make sun prints. Sun prints produce such dramatic effects. It is amazing to watch the colour transformation occur right before your eyes! The buddies were so helpful- finding letters to write the little buddies's names, encouraging them to make designs, exposing the print to the sun and then giving it a water bath. I was so busy with the project that I didn't have time to take photos!


The buddies also had a great time playing outside on the deck with rainbow blocks and large wooden blocks. We have just recently started using our balcony for activities that are 'nontraditional' for this space. The response has been very positive and I am encouraged to keep adding to the idea of the 'outdoor classroom'.

After re-fueling ourselves with healthy snacks as well as the 'once in a while' Timbits, we geared up for our next activity. Mr Vines wanted to try to implement a new game called the Food Chain Game. The game was slightly complicated but I was quite sure our preschoolers would be happy to play along anyway. Surprisingly, I think several of them actually understood the complex rules of the game. Each team was given pinnies and we marched out to the turf. As soon as they set foot on the turf, they ran and ran. Jackets flung off, sweat dripping off their brows, flushed cheeks and laboured breathing, all pointed to the fact that they were loving this game- regardless of the actual rules. Mr Vines was the "Sun" and handed out new life cards. Our preschoolers loved running up to him and asking for new cards. The big buddies were great sports and during our circle debriefing, they seemed to really get the point of the game.











We were all sad to say goodbye, we could have played all day!

When our buddies left, I asked the children what they enjoyed about our morning. These were their thoughts-

Connor: I like playing outside. It was fun.
Addie: We had fun playing with the 3D blocks outside.
Kensie: I liked it when we did the art painting and going outside.
Miele: My favorite part with the buddies was doing the sun prints.
Sebastian: When we are building blocks outside and doing sun prints.
Grace: I like to play tag game.
Rhys: When we did the game outside.I was a red guy!
Ryhan: I love having snack with my buddy.
Jack: My favorite part of the game was when I was the grass.
Emma: I liked having snack with them and playing outside with that game.
Jordyn: I like playing the game. I was blue.
Kahlen: Ryhan spent almost the whole day with my buddy. I liked the art. Kate didn't know what to do.
Koltyn: I liked playing outside on the deck. We played hide n' seek.
Matias: I liked running and I even got points.
Joban: I liked snack, the game and building rainbow blocks.
Makena: I liked doing sun prints and the game outside. I like getting life from Mr Vines.

Another rewarding day:)

Emily