What a lovely, cozy few weeks we have had here at ALG as we have studied the enchanting world of Nighttime. As we have learned about all manner of critters, creatures, lullabies, stars and more we have also worked to cultivate a slower, deeper pace at ALG that better matches our maturing group. 
As part of this slowing down, for example, we have begun to play board and card games during our 1-3 time. Here children learn lots about managing themselves in a group; they learn to listen and take turns. In a game of Go Fish, they learn about numbers and pairs, in our game Hoot Owl Hoot they learn about colors, strategy and they work cooperatively to have the owls return safely to their nest.
As part of this slowing down, for example, we have begun to play board and card games during our 1-3 time. Here children learn lots about managing themselves in a group; they learn to listen and take turns. In a game of Go Fish, they learn about numbers and pairs, in our game Hoot Owl Hoot they learn about colors, strategy and they work cooperatively to have the owls return safely to their nest. 
We have sung many songs and even had a Family Sing one blustery Friday morning. With the wind blowing outside, we nestled in with our parents and teachers and were led in many tender renditions of classic Nighttime songs like Blue Moon and Goodnight Sweetheart. 
The children and Melissa worked intensively this study creating amazing shadow puppets and elaborate stories to accompany them. Children learned about shapes and spatial reasoning as they drew, cut and assembled their puppets. They also strengthened their hands and fingers and again learned about how to work in a group sharing space and materials. 
In telling their stories, children experienced working with the elements of a story: setting, characters and plot. The older children especially were able to generate stories with a coherent narrative, a problem to be resolved, shifting settings and dramatic tension! "Will the princess save the train????" (Yes.) During this study we also selected a hibernation tale to act out as a group on several occasions. Children learned lines, developed their language and curbed their impulses as they stayed in character.
We worked a lot with Owls this study. Children were given many ways to access and assimilate information about these amazing birds. They were invited to make them in art, using repurposed materials like muffin cups and buttons. They learned about drawing and cutting shapes and when the line to make Owls was too long, they learned about using lists and writing names as a tool to take turns.
Children were asked to come and explore Owl pellets. Using their hands to manipulate tools, they dissected the pellets and discovered a treasure trove of bones and fur. We learned about how and when owls hunt and eat. We read books, listened to a remarkably catchy song and so delved deeper into the world and life of these nighttime birds.
Children were invited to do weaving. We set the stage talking about how someone wove many of our blankets and warm sweaters and that we too could do some weaving on our own. First using paper then using yarn and a small loom children strengthen their hands as they move under and over, under and over. Weaving was also another opportunity to practice patterns.
At our trip to the planetarium, we were all able to experience the night sky together! We learned about constellations and about using the sky as both a real map and a place for fantastical inspirations. We also got to observe and interact with all manner of live and stuffed creatures in the Nature Center. 
We also had many pajama days at ALG which have now, in their second year, become a beloved tradition. What better way to beat the winter doldrums then eating pancakes with your flashlight in your jammies!
