Living Peacefully and "Spilt" Milk

What a crazy, busy week its been! Lots of work on this end doing administrative duties and getting all my ducks in a row (and a huge 'honey-do' list for the hubby). It's a lot of work, but very exciting at the same time! I'm getting closer on choosing an official name for my program as well. Still stuck, but close!

I'm also strongly considering transitioning over to providing lunch and snacks for the children. The menu would consist of wholesome, nutritious, preservative-free foods which also invite storytelling, either while preparing, serving, or at the table. I've looked at a winter menu which is a full week of recipes which are meant to be rotated throughout the season. This is done to create a predictable rhythm to mealtime in the home that the children and caregiver can depend upon each day, warming the child physically throughout the season. The same way it is when we bake here at the Casa, the children will be involved in parts of the process of cooking. If this change is done, it won't happen until next semester. Will keep you all posted on that.

And finally, here are some snippets from last week for those needing their Casa T dose.
By this week, I should be back to my regular posting schedule! ;)

What's On Our Shelf This Week
Living Peacefully



Character Education
Even though we do not have this problem at the Casa, the book we focused on last week was Hands Are Not For Hitting. We discussed that hands are for saying hello, and for playing, sharing, clapping, couting, helping, building, being kind, and staying safe. There are so many good things hands can do. The story also focuses on ways to handle strong feelings without hitting. This gentle, encouraging book helps young children understand these important concepts and reinforces two main themes: violence is never ok, and every child is capable of positive, loving actions.

~*~

Snippets























We read It Looked Like Spilt Milk this week, and this book was as HUGE of a hit with the children as it was with my 1st graders when I taught. We pulled out some blue paper and white paint, and the children did their own versions of 'Spilt Milk'. It's always interesting to see what designs come up! Tee hee....

















We also had a little belated birthday celebration for Gwen. Lit the birthday ring candle for her and we sang her Happy Birthday in English and then I followed in Spanish. We also got to enjoy an excerpt from her new Flower Fairies book.


*This was followed up with a very detailed discussed about candles, flames, and adults-only-light-candles type of conversation.

And, more cool surprises found in a lunchbox!



It looks like we have all the supplies needed for our upcoming project on Wind, which should extend through this week.

Thank You!