We had many indoor activities planned due to the heat & smog index.  Each morning we began the day on the playground.  During this time the children had an opportunity to play, check the gardens, feed the rabbits and say hello to the chicken and sheep.  We went into the classrooms around 9:30 to begin cooking activities, making cookbooks and aprons and visiting with special guests.  Coach Mary led an action packed indoor fitness program. 

A Planet of Many Peoples (cultural studies)
 
In our cultural studies we experienced the foods and crafts of many lands.  Flags and maps were made daily.  Ms Sylvie taught the kids French and Ms Sarah cooked crepes while they learned about France.  Exploring China was fun as we ate with chopsticks and shared our fortunes that we pried from our cookies.   We built the Great Wall and learned how to write some Chinese.  We were able to put our garden to use as the children prepared an Italian side dish with basil, tomatoes, mozzarella, and bread.  We enjoyed our bruschetta with veggie lasagna.  Our past Geography was so much fun that the children asked to revisit Scotland.  Scones were eaten with lemon curd and sporrans and shields were made.

Thank you to Coach Mary who led us in many extra exciting activities.  The children made an obstacle course consisting of tunnels and hoops and had great fun running, laughing and tumbling.  Hand held dancing streamers were made to help with running and stretching and more laughing!  One of the important lessons we learned was how to stay cool and hydrated during activities. Children personalized their own water bottles and decorated sunvisors.
 
Ms. Darlene came in on Wednesday and taught the children how to make fruitfilled smoothies - Yum!
 
The Jumpy Jump (Moon walk) has been getting a lot of use this week.  Ms. Sylvie has taught the children the names of the major muscles and the children have been using those muscles and calling out the appropriate name when jumping.
 
A great way to beat the heat while still enjoying the outdoors, is our shaded nature trail.  Additional pathways have been made and the children are looking forward to hiking the trails next week, along with some tasty surprises and special guests.

We enjoyed another week of Super Hero adventures! An Officer from Barrow Animal Control arrived on Monday to teach the kids about how they help keep us safe. The children saw the tools that they use to catch and rescue animals and checked out their vehicle. Even cute animals can be dangerous so we all learned some important safety tips.
 
Firefighter Scott caused great excitement when he arrived with his Dalmatian, Jake.
Jake taught the kids how to "Stop..Drop..and Roll." (What a smart dog!) Afterwards the children took turns spraying water with the hose and seeing the truck. The day ended in cheers as the truck pulled away with flashing lights and blaring sirens.
 
Sergeant Lynch and another police man came to visit OPMS also. They generously allowed the kids to climb into their cars and use the spot lights and sirens. Community Laws were discussed and the students were declared junior chiefs as they received badges.
 
A big THANK YOU to the numerous real life heroes that keep us happy, healthy and safe!

We have all been loving our first week of camp! The weather has been great and the kids have had many outside adventures which include catching crickets, observing lizards, holding bunnies and caring for the sheep and chickens. The “jumpy-jump”(moon walk) is a favorite activity for the kids especially when a popsicle is enjoyed afterwards to cool off.
 
On Monday the kids learned about Law enforcement. (Sergeant Lynch was called away to respond to an emergency but has promised to revisit next week.) Having our visitor unable to stay did not dampen  the kids spirits for many other activities were enjoyed, The children made edible stop lights after learning to recognize various community signs. One child  said that ‘ a yellow light means go faster so you wont get the red light” (Don’t worry. He won’t be driving still for at least another 12 years.)  Red light-green light was played along with Police Whistle. Ask your child how to play. 
 
Special Super Heroes this week have been numerous. On Tuesday we had a MOTHER come visit with her daughter. The kids learned how to care for a 3 month old and had the opportunity to hold the baby. Mrs. Hershberger demonstrated how to change a diaper and feed a bottle. Afterwards many games were played including races while holding water balloon babies. ( Many kids got wet while running   never been so fun!)
 
On Wednesday a dentist came to teach the kids about tooth care. The children played a game in which they helped floss away the plaque while others practiced their tooth brushing technique by brushing rocks. The dentist visitor is a favorite of children at this age that are growing teeth and loosing teeth! Toothbrush souvenirs were given to all.
 
On Thursday Eddy Mays came to school to teach the children sign language. Many new signs were learned and the kids watched a special presentation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears performed with sign language.
 
Friday included special guest, Mr. Brady, a gentleman with a hearing impairment. He spent the morning with the children and the children were thrilled to show off their newly learned way of communicating. He gave them a lesson on lip reading and taught more signs. Many questions were answered and the students said goodbye at the end of the visit feeling knowing they had made a new friend.