Fall Leaves - Yellow and brown

In Florida we really don't get those lovely shades of red, yellow, and orange in the trees that our lucky northern states get.  Our trees are shedding their leaves at last.  So today the VPK children and I  went out on a mission to collect bigger leaves than we have.  We only have oak tree leaves and maple leaves.  It is supposed to be a red leaf maple, but here it only turns a yellow then brown. 😞
We found a sweetgum tree on our walk, along with magnolia trees, and a few bushes with larger leaves that were very round.  There are many oaks along the way, but we have quite a few oak leaves from our scrub oaks and live oak.  While we were gone for a leaf collecting walk, the younger children used leaves that I had already collected to make "leaf men/women".

 In addition to learning about the different types of leaves from the different trees, we can learn the basic body parts.  As the VPK children were putting together their leaf men/women with the leaves they had collected, a couple of the children had trouble identifying what type of leaf to use for what body type.  In other words, using a big round leaf for a leg or arm might not work too well.  So as needed just sitting beside them and talking them through which type of leaf they thought they needed for each body part, and what parts does their body have? Body, head, legs (2), arms(2).  Just trying to get the basics.

Just as each child is unique, each leaf man/woman was unique.

We read stories about how to be a Super Friend, then practiced being a Super Friend while we were in circle time, during play, and again later as needed.  We also read stories about leaves falling and being peaceful.

Even though we don't get much color change in Fall, you do have to appreciate that it is December, and we can still play in the water table!

Look at this great block structure built by three and four year old hands. Using planning, cognitive abilities, and a great approach to learning. Of course, they also worked together (Super Friends teamwork!) They love to work with the big blocks and tree cookies, and legos in the afternoon!

Menu for Friday, 12/1/17
Breakfast: Oatmeal, Apples and Bananas, and Milk
Lunch: Cheese Pizza, Apples, Carrots, Milk
Snack:  Whole Grain Goldfish Crackers, Bananas and Apples