Greetings Forestgarten Families!
We introduced a new spring circle this week, including two new songs and a new verse. We are
singing about planting seeds, blooming flowers and little birdies. Although Father Winter is still
among us, we are seeing the first signs of spring such as fresh, green grass and daffodils near
the garden. See the lyrics to one of our circle songs below!
Spring is Coming
Spring is coming, spring is coming
Birdies build your nests
Weave together straw and feather
Doing each your best
Spring is coming, spring is coming
Flowers are coming too
Crocus, lilies, daffodil-lies,
All are coming through
Spring is coming, spring is coming
All around is fair
Shimmer, glimmer on the river
Joy is everywhere
We have been enjoying some warmer, heartier snacks such as oatmeal with honey and
vegetable soup. We stirred some kale into the soup this week (which was a new addition), and
most of the students loved it!
Our story this week was about a little cherry seed. She fell to the ground and looked around.
Realizing how small she was, she began to feel sad. She longed to be like the birds flying high
above or the roses with beautiful petals or the butterflies with pretty designs on their wings.
Her sadness weighed heavily upon her until she sunk into the ground. The soft, cool ground felt
nice and so the little seed stayed there. The sun shined and the rain fell and the little seed
sprouted. She began to feel proud and happy of what she was becoming. Before she knew it,
that tiny seed grew into a beautiful cherry tree. Birds came and made their nests in her
branches, butterflies fluttered on her leaves and animals rested under the shade of her
branches. What she loved the most was when little boys and girls climbed her branches and
picked cherries to eat. One day, a little boy ate a cherry and from it, a little seed dropped to the
ground…
We celebrated Leyana and Savani’s fifth birthday this week. We enjoyed hearing sweet
memories and we ate delicious cupcakes. Happy Birthday, Leyana and Savani! We also
celebrated Kato’s fifth birthday this week. We know him as Kato; however, his friends learned
that his given name is Gregory. We also enjoyed yummy fruit and cupcakes. Happy Birthday,
Kato!
The students have been busy with many activities in the forest. One group of students has
been working on an intricate structure involving wood, sticks and other forest treasures.
Others have been drumming on tires and a large bucket, working together to create steady
rhythms with their sticks. Still others are digging large holes and using hand shovels to fill
buckets with dirt. The mud kitchen is as busy as ever. Students are working together, each
fulfilling special jobs to bring their bakery creations to life.
Thank you so much to the families who came out and repaired our forest fence and put
together our new fire pit. We collected firewood and made our first fire in the new pit this
week.
A few reminders:
Please make sure to continue to pack all winter essentials. The mornings are especially cold
and the forest tends to be even cooler than the playground. All students should have the
following items:
-Heavy coat
-Hat
-Gloves
-Warm boots
-Change of clothes, including socks and shoes
-Bottom layers, i.e. snow/rain pants or sweatpants over leggings
If you were not able to attend conferences before break and would still like to meet, please let
us know and we will schedule a time to sit down with you. Conferences are a special time for
us to connect with parents and celebrate each child’s growth and progress here at TGS.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Ki Fatima
Ki Holly
Ki Amy
