The rain and winds have brought most of the leaves off the trees around us.  It’s been exciting to see our play spaces change as nature continues its seasonal rounds.

As educators, the Kindergarten teachers and I can see how liberating being outside with children has been.  The fresh air and ability to move through spaces has been welcome and good for us all.  With so many changes happening all around us, watching the seasons change has been something to celebrate together.

As we learn and play outside with the flowers, bugs, and trees, we wondered how we could thank them.  How can we give back?  We remembered one child’s  comment about how the leaves on the ground “are making a home for the plants.”  Let’s help with that!

   

We went back to the where we knew there were leaves to collect.

Next we brought them back and made a mulch to spread around the garden beds.  “This is how we turn dirt into soil, making it good food for plants,” Ms. Orologio said.

 

We also had some fun making faces for the trees! We used play dough and gifts from the trees to make biodegradable decorations for everyone to enjoy!

 

   

Here is a play dough recipe if you would like to try this on your adventures one day! Clay and mud also work really well 😉

Playdough

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

2 tablespoons cream of tartar

4 tablespoons oil

food colouring (optional)

2 cups boiling water

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

Add food colouring and oil to boiled water.

Add water mixture to dry ingredients and mix with a spoon until all combined.  Knead the dough until everything is incorporated.

Play!

Hych’ka,

Ms. Jenny