Just Play! author ~ unknown

When you see me cooking or tasting foods,

Please don't think that because I enjoy it, it is "Just Play."

I'm learning to follow directions and see differences.

I may be a cook or chef some day.

When you see me learning to climb, hop, run and move my body;

Please don't say I'm "Just Playing."

For, you see, I'm learning as I play;

I'm learning how my body works.

I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete some day.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some 'plaything' at my school,

Please don't feel the time is wasted.

For, you see, I'm learning as I play.

I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate.

I may be in business some day.

When you see me reading with friends or an imaginary audience.

Please don't laugh and think I'm "Just Playing."

For, you see, I'm learning as I play;

I may be a teacher some day.

When I'm getting all dressed up; setting the table, caring for babies,

Please don't get the idea I'm "Just Playing."

For, you see, I'm learning as I play;

I may be a mother or father some day.

When I am building with blocks, please don't say I'm "Just Playing."

For you see, I'm learning as I play about balances and shapes.

Who knows, I may be an architect some day.

When you asked me, what I've done at school today,

And I say "I just played"; please don't misunderstand me.

For, you see, I'm learning as I play.

I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in my work;

I'm preparing for tomorrow.

Today, I am a child and my work is play.

I hope you have enjoyed this poem, and for you parents too....take time for you to "Just Play."

~Karen

Let It Fly

On Friday Jan 27th,our afternoon CAK class had a great time during drama upstairs making paper airplanes. During playtime downstairs, two boys had been asking the teachers how to make airplanes. They created some and with the teacher's permission, flew them in the hallway. Respecting the ideas of emmergent curriculum,(which is that we should sometimes follow the lead of children in planning activities), Cindy thought to capitalize on their interest and carry this activity upstairs for all to enjoy. All of the children were seated in a large circle while Cindy demonstrated how to fold the paper in steps to make either regular airplanes or jets. They wrote their names on them and practiced throwing them, trying to hit a table, holding contests to see who could throw the farthest and other games. Then the parachute came out! On the count of three ,Cindy had them lift the parchute and throw their planes underneath and each scrambled to find their individual planes. What fun! Then the parachute was lifted in the air . The children had to shake them all off the top. It was a wonderful spontaneous half hour totally inspired by the students.

More of Barbara Reid's "Picture a Tree"

CAP thurs class made tree sculptures out of wire and beads.


CAP thursday class pretending to be summer trees!


CAK wednesday class made trees out of plasticine also inspired by Barbara Reid!

Picture a Tree by Barbara Reid

Cindy meeting Barbara Reid at a book signing for her new book "Picture a Tree"

The before shot of the table we are refinishing

After lots of sanding, the kids started to paint!

They have finished painting

The results of our project!