Deep Into Winter

It's been good to get deep into winter at Fiddleheads this month, and studying and playing hibernation have felt very appropriate. It has been dark, rainy and windy many days this month. Being outside for 3-4 hours a day in this weather definitely brings up stuff for people. It can be a challenge. I make sure that everyone has lots of warm, dry clothes on, but that in itself is uncomfortable for some children. Gloves and mittens limit your movement, but then your hands get cold without them. It seems simple, but it’s this kind of situation that can be so challenging to deal with when you are 3 or 4 years old and live your life almost completely in the present moment. How to deal with discomfort? Also the woods are dark, the trees are bare, the wind blows in the branches and the rain spatters down. It makes us feel buffeted and insecure. This is winter. It’s good work for me as a teacher to lead children into and through this dark season and to notice what comes up and spark and find joy in days like this. Jumping and singing together to stay comfortable in the rain is warm broth for the soul. We’ve been doing extra exploring on the trails to keep everyone moving and engaged. Sometimes the darkest days can lead to the best new adventures and a true feeling of triumph. Winter gives us work to do and we are doing it!

We will begin studying migration this week. We will stretch our imaginations as we learn about the world as experienced by birds who travel so far and so free.