Apples to Cider

On Tuesday, we had a special guest visit us from the Indian Rock Nature Preserve for the Apples to Cider program. We learned all about apples; how they grow, what they taste like and things you can make with them. We helped peel apples so that we could taste three different types. We tasted the McIntosh, Red Delicious, and Granny Smith.  

We then learned about how apple cider is made. We each got to pick out "windfall apples" (apples that have been blown to the ground by the wind) and grind the apples in a 100 year old machine! We worked really hard to crank the press to grind up our apples, and then watch as apple cider was created. We had a chance to taste some apple cider that was made and treated at the nature preserve. It was delicious!   

Building together

Building activities are of the top preferred play choices this year in room 22. We have such an amazingly talented group of young builders! Building together fosters teamwork and cooperation, as kids learn to work together and build upon one another's ideas. Students are also learning turn taking, focus and patience.

Blocks

Last week Mrs. Donnery gifted our class road signs to contribute to our block area.
Students used their imagination to create a parking garage with a bridge using various signs they learned about. 

What a great understanding they have of spacial awareness and organization,
creating a structure that does not topple over!  

Working carefully to create their designed structure! 

Magnatiles

While playing with Magnatiles, children learn how to manipulate various shaped objects,
building on their visual skills and motor planning. Notice the organization techniques used to design a structure this tall that doesn't topple down.

Building structures and friendships! 

What pride they have in the completion of their building!

Teamwork and Friendship in Outdoor Play

Swinging into Fall! 

Friends showing kindness at recess, giving a gentle push on the swing. 

Big Blue Block Building 

We had so much fun building with the big blue blocks. Everyone worked well together to come up
with a building plan and in creating a structure. We made our very own ship!  

Fall finds! 

Exploring nature by collecting leaves, dirt and twigs to make a campfire.

Mrs. Caruso and Mrs. Morrisroe's classes collected acorns at recess.

Exploring on the Nature Trail

Hiking to the top of the Nature Trail and finding a rock 

taller than we are, was the best part of our day!

Balancing fun!

Friends making soup on our treehouse porch.