Today there was a LOT of fine motor work. And a LOT of watching each other work.  Walker, James and Ben had a chance to revisit clay and paint. All three had their own way of saying hello to clay. Walker was quick to pick up the mini slabs and offer them out to all of us. James slowly touched one slab and Ben eyed it all from a safe distance. We have not offered clay in a while and when we have, it is usually in both a liquid and solid form. Some friends were more interested in having the clay in ball form, others seemed more intrigued by the clay snake. Some wanted to get their hands in and on, and others  interacted with it using another more familiar object. 

One brave  finger!

_____
Next, Paint.

Is paint an object?
It is on my hand, on my feet. 
I can touch it, it can touch me.
Can I hold it? Can I pass it?
I can hold the bottle.
I like holding the bottle.
I would prefer not to pass the bottle.
I would prefer not to touch the paint.


___

Back in class, objects, materials, in and out, together and apart.

Yes, let's get ourselves OUT!

Today was an explosion of creativity as Rosie, Rowan, Mia, and Ben turned a simple painting session into a full-on masterpiece of mayhem! While Jack thought that a nap would be more appealing.
At first, Ben hesitated, eyeing the paint with suspicion. But after watching his friends dive in headfirst, he had a change of heart--"Why not?"—and soon, his hands were just as colorful as the rest! 
Meanwhile, Mia took artistic expression to the next level—so inspired, she climbed onto the table, spreading paint with her hands, feet, and, well... her whole body! A true performance artist in the making! 
Rosie and Rowan? They turned finger painting into a splash zone, gleefully swirling and flicking colors around, leaving trails of joy everywhere.
By the end, everyone (including the chairs, the floor, and table) was covered in a beautiful, chaotic colors of blue, white, yellow, and green. 

Happy One Year Around the Sun, Ruthie! 
From tiny toes to big adventures, you've made your first trip around the sun look magical!  May your days be filled with giggles, cuddles, and endless joy. The world is brighter with you in it! 
Happy 1st Birthday, Ruthie! 

Yesterday was pure joy as we celebrated Ruthie’s first trip around the sun! Her mom and uncle joined in the festivities, and we filled the room with love, laughter, and music.
We kicked things off with a heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday, followed by a special story time featuring Ruthie’s favorite book—every page turned with excitement! 

Where is Rosie's nose?, Where are Isabella's hands?
Naming people and parts.
Name games are very hot right now :) 

At this particular time of individuation, all of our friends are starting to experience me and you and us in lots of ways. Naming, both fun and an essential step in the process. 

Ball Games
Walker is taking our ball skills to the next level. He will search it out and bring it over for a back and forth. Other friends, also with their own interest and skills are watching and warming up to the back and forth idea.

Parallel Play, kind of, I like to think of it more like Double Helix or Mobius Play. They are not two identical lines never intersecting, they are much more interwoven, overlapping, watching and learning and influencing each other. This play continues and strengthens daily. 

Curiosity and joy- game on!

***


And a medley of other happenings from the last couple of days. 

​Monday Funday, bright and new,
So many things for us to do!
We found new boxes, big and small,
Filling, dumping, stacking tall.

​Up the stairs, one step, then two,
A window waits with a perfect view.
Older friends wave and laugh below,
We smile and chatter, faces aglow.

​With our new friend Mehrsa near,
We turn the pages, voices clear.
Stories dance and pictures shine,
Sharing books feels warm and kind.

Outside we run, the breeze so light,
Sunbeams golden, sky so bright.
Leaves are swirling, soft and free,
A perfect day for you and me.
​
Monday Funday, full of cheer,
We’ll hold these moments close and dear.