
Inside, the children have been working on a little paper weaving using some watercolor paintings. They folded one painting in half lengthwise and cut slits about an inch apart. This was an excellent exercise in control, because they had to stop cutting before they reached the edge. There were a few lessons learned, but those mistakes were fixed with tape. Next, they cut strips from another painting. Lastly, they wove the strips. It took concentration to weave them first under and then over, and to remember to start the next strip in the opposite way! Primarily, this was a craft for my older 4's and 5's. Our younger children enjoyed painting and just cutting strips of paper into little pieces while they watched the older children.
I've also been reading some carefully chosen fairy tales to the children at lunch time. These fairy tales are usually lighthearted in nature and also there are no pictures (which helps deal with the "I can't see!" issue at lunch). Last week we read about a tiny little boy named Pimpernall who accidentally got carried out of his chimney by some steam, but through his wit and help from a friendly giant, made his way home again. Prior to Pimpernall, we read The Queen Bee, about three brothers, the youngest of whom helps some ants, some ducks, and some bees. When he later must fulfill 3 tasks, the animals help him. I often hear some of the themes of these fairy tales repeated in the children's play later on!