The Love Tree

Our tree is taking shape, thanks to all the children who have added papier mache' to its emerging bark.  We had to really rub the gluey paper onto the trunk in order to smooth it down and get it to adhere properly.  As we did a few children said, "We love you tree!" as they lovingly rubbed the bark.  This action took off and soon most of the children could be heard loving the tree into life.

When we were done I asked, "What should we call our tree?" and they suggested "Love Tree."  So that is what it has become, our very own love tree. Several of your children have become young tree huggers in their own right.

Today the teachers and I talked about the tree study and where we might go from here.  They had so many fabulous ideas, most of which I would never have considered on my own.  Ahhh the power of collaboration! I can hardly wait to share these inspirations with you and the children in the months ahead.
If you are a parent at our school come on by to see our resident tree and if you'd like to share your love of trees with the world, there will be lots of opportunities ahead!  PLEASE contact me and we will make something happen.
Enjoy your weekend and say hello to your neighborhood trees!

What have we been up to?

Well for one thing the children's artwork is now on display in the Artisan Center window, on 3rd and Detroit Street.  If you have not stopped by to see it, please find the time to do so.  We are very proud.

In studio the children have been doing so much.  Some are playing with light and color...

 While other's continue to enjoy drawing together...

 Kirsten from Tod's has been collaborating with XP to choreograph a song...

 And the XP children have been working with me to illustrate a song book...

 There's been lots...

and lots of dress up...

And plenty of pretend play.

All in all it has been a very busy, albeit short week.  We have so much fun yet to come and I look forward to sharing next week's festivities with all of you.  It's going to be WONDERful!  

Enjoy your warm weekend, stay curious and we will see you soon.

Designing a window

After the children visited the artisan center they continued to develop their design plans.  This week Amy came back into the studio to create the armature for a bird and a nest in the studio.  These may be part of the window display in April.  At the very least we are experimenting with ideas.  If you get the chance to come by and add your two cents, please do.

How might we decorate the Artisan Center Display window?

The children and I are regularly visiting the display window of the Artisan Center on Third and Detroit St.  Together, we are brainstorming how we might decorate the display window in early April.

Of course birds, nests and eggs are figuring heavily in their design process.

Responding to this interest, Amy began working with them to make several large eggs using papier mache'.

Even the toddlers got in on the fun!

As our ideas come together in the weeks ahead, we will have a clearer impression of our design plan.  Stay tuned!