IPS/Butler University Laboratory School

This morning was filled with a buzz of engaging activity! The children were doing things in preparation of the summer and next year. They were making writer’s workshop books, they were washing, rinsing, and drying toys we have played with, they were sorting and organizing materials, they were sharpening materials, and they were making some bead toys! It was fun to see this activity because it showed me how much they have grown this year. At the beginning of the year, I would not have been able to engage so closely with kiddos while they were working independently because they would need my support here and there and now they are so independent that they do not need me!

I want to tell you a story. At the end of the day we were talking about how tomorrow is our last day of school and how we would not see our friends for quite a few weeks. While we were lining up, I saw a couple of tears stream down one of our friend’s faces. I asked him why he was sad, and he started crying harder saying that he did not want summer to start! It just broke my heart to see him so sad, but then I started thinking that is what we want (not a child crying) but the children not wanting to leave school. His tears showed that he felt a part of this community and he felt connected to those around him. His tears showed that he has grown into a strong child who believes in himself as a person and as a learner. It was a moment for me that I will not forget.

Today was filled with word puzzles, scavenger hunts, cupcakes, and bouncing in the bounce houses! So fun and let me tell you the children were pretty tired at the end of the day!

What a wonderful day to plant trees! As I shared in earlier blogs, we have been working with Mrs. Argus’ class to plant fruit trees.  As we end our recycling/tree project, we have two additions to our garden to share with the school. Today our class and Mrs. Argus’ class planted two apple trees near our school garden.  We planted one Gala Apple tree and one Johnathon Apple tree. Check out the pictures below to see how our afternoon went!

I am so proud of the children for receiving all of their positive points for their great choices, and the children were so excited to wear their fancy clothes as well as play games throughout the day! It was fun to see them work collaboratively and play cooperatively together.

We also started to make clues for a special scavenger hunt for Miss Estridge’s class. The children and I had a great discussion today regarding where they wanted each clue to be and then they started working in small groups to actually write the clues-they were really creative so we are excited to finish up the clues tomorrow and put them up for Miss Estridge’s class!

Jett’s mom, Mandy, came in today disguised for the mystery reader, and it was so fun! It was such a positive way to end our day!

This week, we received a series of letters from our chickens! They led us on a chase throughout the school to see their secret message.

Michael reads one of the notes from the chickens!

Our librarian puts the chicken note up on the big screen!

Looking for a hidden note in the garden…