Nature KG - Spring Day 03

Bismillaah

The morning forecast seemed very unpredictable. It showed rain and cloudy weather but we could hear the birds praying.

Trusting in Allaah, we decided to meet outdoors for our session.

While driving, I started second guessing my decision but a while later, I spotted a flock of birds sitting calmly on the wires. I assured myself to continue with the decision of staying outdoors.

When I arrived at the site for check-in, the weather became gorgeous. The sun even played peekaboo with us. Once the morning adhkar (remembrance) were done, I introduced the concept of sit-spots to the families while handing them the writing materials. I gave the instructions to listen to my call to know when time is up.

While the families went in groups of 4 to their sit-spots, I paced around looking for a sign. I could observe that the children wanted to stay in the Woods and explore it today but the sky told another story. While I was still processing my thoughts, a sunshine shone over an open area in the woods covered by cedars. I headed towards it with the tarp and a family joined just in time. We decided to take shelter there for the day.

There was some deer scat in the area, which I encircled with the help of pinecones in the area.

Another group joined shortly and I assigned them the task of collecting sticks to secure the tarp.

While we waited for the last group to join, we observed the scat and other signs. There was a really dry and brittle one, which at first sight seemed to be an owl pellet. But upon breaking it in half, I realized what it was 🙃

The families shortly returned upon my call and everyone seemed to be ready for a snack 😋 I pointed at the scat square and we sat down for snack time. While I took up the children's responses for their sit spots, I inquired about their day and talked about how birds come into the world vs mammals and insects.

Today, I had a great book to share!

We spent the next 20 minutes reading and discussing the book. It even rained on us but we were too absorbed in the book.

After the book ended, the children wanted to look through pictures and see more info. I prompted them to build any nest from the book and we all got up to search for items.

There were great finds.

Maybe a semi-decompose pawpaw?

A baby snail under the moss

We looked at dry grass to tie around the pine needles and make Nests 🪹 🪺

The rain ended and the sun came out to our surprise and we all came out of the woods to play. SubHaanAllaah how trusting Him always leads to a win! We were so grateful for the sun we started doing tasbeeH.

The children are getting familiar with the forest, so they went searching for the bench they love climbing on. We noticed signs of spring with the buds appearing on most trees and shrubs while walking towards their favourite spot.

We spent the next 45 minutes doing independent play. Some children found worms and other insects to observe, while others focused on climbing. We played a short game on bird movements and it was almost time to say goodbye.