Celebrating the Year

Our school year ended last week, and I'm finally catching up with blogging about our activities for the end of the year. During the last two weeks of school we did a lot of celebrating- we had a "Favorites" day, where the kids were involved in choosing our activities. We went on a field trip to the Aviary, and we used a review of seasons to look back at all the things we've learned this year. Finally, on the last day of school we had a summer party to welcome in the new season. Here are a few highlights from all our activities:

We made a book about birds as we prepared for our trip to the aviary.

Field Trip to the Aviary

We had an awesome tour guide that taught us some really great things about the birds. In this picture she is holding a toucan beak for the kids to explore.

Ice Excavation

One of our favorites activities...

Magnet Play

Another favorite.

Alphabet Hunt

We played several group "review" type games. This one was searching for words all around the preschool and putting them on the word wall. 

Family Program

We shared our portfolios, artwork, and some music with our families, and then everyone took their stuff home. I always get a little sad when the artwork goes home- this wall of spring art is pretty empty now.

Summer Celebration!

It wasn't warm enough for true water play, so we tried out some summer themed, sensory play outside. :) This is another family event on the last day of school. 

Beach Sensory Table

Ice Cream Play dough

Snake Bubbles

I love celebrating the end of the school year. It's amazing each year to watch the kids grow and change so much over the course of  just 9 months! 

First Year Favorites

It's been busy the last couple of weeks getting ready for the end of school, and today I said goodbye to my first preschool class at Hands and Heart Learning. This year has been so much FUN, and I've honestly felt a little bit sad all day about finishing up the year. But Gorilla and I have some awesome summer activities planned, and it will be nice to take a little break.

I've enjoyed reflecting on this year and everything that we did, so I thought I would share some of my favorite moments. 

Raising Butterflies

I'm pretty sure I was just as excited as the kids during this whole process. It was all so fascinating to witness, but the moment when we watched the butterflies flutter away just felt magical. 

Rainbows

There's just something happy about rainbows..

.a couple kids continually drew rainbows after this art project. 

Penguin and Pinecone Friends

I found a lot of great new literature this year, but I especially loved this book and the kids loved making pinecone friends.

Frozen Hearts Sensory Bin

This was a favorite sensory bin. 

I am now a huge fan of "ice excavation" activities. They are so fun!

Polar Bear Art

Our study of polar bears resulted in my favorite art project of the year. 

Gingerbread 

Another new favorite book, plus the process of baking gingerbread with the kids was pretty sweet. 

Fall Leaves and Pumpkins

They are so great to use as learning tools!

We have done some fun things this year, but the best moments for me are definitely watching the kids each progress and learn in their own ways. I love being a part of their learning process. 

Happy Summer!