Week of 1/13

Dear Families,

This week in Prospect Park, the children embraced the spirit of Frederick by Leo Lionni, finding warmth and joy in the colder days of winter through creativity, imagination, and curiosity. Just as Frederick collected colors and stories to brighten the darker days, your kiddos discovered ways to bring light and warmth to their play, transforming the winter landscape into a canvas for connection and wonder.

Imagination and creativity allow us to express ourselves and connect with our surroundings using simple materials like sticks and rocks. The Marigolds explored a dirt patch, using sticks as “crayons” to draw shapes, letters, and portraits of each other. H observed, “The sticks are like crayons,” as the children carefully named body parts to make their drawings realistic. On Sunshine Hill, the Ladybugs turned logs, sticks, and rocks into a pretend train, with Nia leading as the conductor, bringing stories and movement to their play. Working together near the House Tree, the Spiders built sturdy structures with logs and sticks to climb,  showcasing their teamwork and creativity.

Signs of winter were all around and the children were keen to observe, notice, and explore the transformed landscape. The Mice noticed a brand new green and fragrant mulch pile at Quiet Hill, sparking questions about how trees break down and how mulch helps the environment. They imagined tunneling through the piles, adding a playful element to their learning about construction and engineering. Visiting the same location for the first time, the Marigolds wondered what it was made of. After noticing the earthy, piney smell, one friend exclaimed, “Christmas trees!” Another added, “They had to break it up,” sparking a conversation about the lifecycle of trees and how mulch is created. Ladybugs were also thinking about trees and while collecting leaves in buckets and dumping them by a nearby tree, explaining “We’re giving the leaves back to the tree!”

As winter continues on, the children have begun to wonder what is left during these colder months. During a hike to the Ravine Bridge with Paula, the Marigolds noticed frozen water and declared, “It’s too cold for ducks.” This observation led to a discussion about what animals stay active during winter and how they adapt to the colder months. The Squirrels discovered a “tunnel” at Mylli’s stump and wondered about its creator—perhaps a squirrel, rat, or chipmunk? This led to lively conversations about the animals that call the park home. Birds are still among us and active, with the Spiders discovering a flock of robins foraging for worms and the Marigolds spotting a soaring hawk during their wagon ride into the park. 

The children stayed active, bringing energy and warmth to the chilly days. The Ladybugs and Spiders ran up and down hills, turning the challenge of staying warm into a joyful game. The Marigolds even drew a finish line in the dirt, adding a playful race to their hill-running. The Squirrels climbed and jumped from log to log near Endale Arch, cheering each other on as they built confidence and celebrated their physical accomplishments. Scaling big boulders is another way we can stay warm, and the Mice used their full bodies to navigate a challenging rock course, upping the intensity by hiding “treasures” for each other to find. 

While staying active during the winter months is an important part of staying warm, we also explored and wondered about ways to stay warm and cozy during outdoor play. The Marigolds wondered why it’s important to keep their gloves on, with one friend sharing, “They keep our hands cozy.” This sparked a conversation about how winter gear helps us stay safe and comfortable in cold weather. The Spiders noticed the words and letters on their winter clothing, leading to a playful exploration of brand names. They imagined thanking the people who made their gear for keeping them warm, finding delight in the practical details of their day.

Just as Frederick the Mouse reminded his family of the beauty and warmth found in creativity and imagination, your children demonstrated how these qualities can brighten even the coldest winter days. Their ability to transform sticks, logs, and their surroundings into tools for connection and discovery reflects the magic of time spent in nature and the importance of play in every season.

Thank you for supporting their curiosity and creativity—we look forward to more winter adventures ahead!

With Gratitude, 

Sara & Jules