birthdays, circle, and gear

Dear Families,

Tomorrow, Tuesday, will be the last time I tell "Wild Goose Lake" to the class. Children seem engaged, quiet, and thoughtful as I tell this story. Many sing along on the songs I put into the story; several also imitate some of my gestures (for the calm, still, lake). On Wednesday of this week and Monday and Tuesday of next week, we will be celebrating 3 summer birthdays. Children tend to become very excited about birthdays. Children also tend to get very excited at the end of the school year. Although many teachers might try to avoid placing birthday celebrations at year's end, I find the social exuberance (with moments of reverence) of the birthdays meets the exalted mood of children at the end of the year. One might say that I make up for a lack of wisdom with an excess of courage, but this method has worked well in past years.
Our nursery children showed delight and an ability to move as a group when we danced with the Maypole for the month after Spring break. Recently I have been sharing a spring circle of Wilma Ellersiek games (of a fish springing, a daisy warmed by the sun, roses growing by the gate, and animals visiting a flower to be rocked). Even as children can be boisterous, enthusiastic, and exuberant for much of the morning as summer approaches, most children in the class demonstrate great interest, reverence, and tenderness during this quieter part of the morning.

Please remember that next Wednesday is our last day before summer break, and dismissal is at 11am (but we invite you to come at 10:15 to share strawberry shortcake with us).
I will take the supply bags home to wash next Tuesday. Please bring home as much gear as you think is wise as soon as possible. Parents have reported that mystery boots linger around their child's cubby, and I suspect if we can clear the area, other parents may discover and solve mysteries. You might, for example, be so bold as to take rain gear home with the plan to only bring it if your child needs it (the long term forecast does predict rain next week). Do leave just enough spare clothes. Please do bring a bag from home to store them in on Tuesday.
There is a basket in the hallway for lost and found items. There will also be a basket for donations--clothes your child has outgrown. Other parents may take these home for their children, and teachers will use them to build up our supply of spare clothes. We will take the rest to Good Cheer.

With warmth and light,

William Geoffrey Dolde