Greetings Turtle Families!
As our school year comes to an end, I’d like to begin this last message by saying thank you. I have used the word “overwhelmed” many times in describing the kindness this Turtle class community has shown toward me and toward one another. On the last day of school, as we bid each other farewell, I felt overwhelmed once again. Thinking back to September, I remember the growing pains of separating from moms and dads and not quite knowing how to acclimate to the forest as a classroom. As a group, their play at first centered at basecamp, playing with the toys there, being just a little unsure of how to venture out into the woods. Fast forward to the end of the year and every single student runs from morning circle to their favorite place in the forest, immediately immersed in vast creative and imaginative activities. One student remarked to me last week “Ki Amy, do you remember when we didn’t even like to go to that part of the class (pointing to all of the trees) and now we are always there!” These words are more true and beautiful than anything I could come up with myself!
Our last week was full of adventures old and new. The fort is still the centerpiece of the table, so to speak! They have so much pride in their work and I am full of pride watching them work and play there. We played some organized games for field day and had some extended creek play. They were happy to see some remnants of last week’s creek activity and were quick to get to work on various projects as soon as we arrived. Ki Annabelle and I sat back and watched each cooperative task unfold.
On Friday, we started the day by celebrating Hugo’s (almost) 6th Birthday. His mom and dad and little brother were there to share fun memories and wishes for Hugo’s next trip around the sun. We also played parachute games, shared ice pops and savored every last minute in the forest!
Happy summer to everyone! For those returning to The Garden School next year, I wish you the best as you continue your journey in forest kindergarten or first grade. For those embarking on new journeys, best wishes as new paths are forged :) Thank you, thank you, thank, from the very bottom of my heart for entrusting your children to my care this year. They are such remarkable little people and I am honored to know each and every one of them. The Garden School is an incredible place - made so by the wonderful community of students and families that support our educators so fully and abundantly :)
Kindly,
Ki Amy
