Issue #9  May 24, 2020

We are missing our class photos this year.  My hope is that we can find a way to make them up at least for the children whose last year is this year.  I am open to ideas to make that work.  I have seen a few of you around town and as exciting as that always is, right now it is a moment filled with intense gratitude.  Seeing faces I love is something I took too much for granted, this time has taught me once again how precious our time is together.  Whether it has been through a screen or in person, thank you for the smiles!

Lupine Painting by Teacher Brenda

Did you know?  Most species of lupines also have a large white dot on each small flower directing these insects to the nectar source. As the flowers fade, the spots turn magenta, letting insects know that the nectar and pollen are depleted. The insects benefit from saving energy on a fruitless quest and the flower benefits from keeping old and stale pollen from weakening the gene pool.

Arachnid "Bugs"

contributed by Teacher Sarah

Nature Connection and Crafternoons- Plantain Salve

contributed by Teacher Tracy

Each Spring, we harvest this common medicinal "weed" from our locations.  Narrow Leaf Plantain, not to be confused with the banana, is a weed full of healing power.  It is a medicinal edible, but is extremely benenficial for all kinds of skin ailments from bleeding to insect and rattlesnake bites, to rashes and even as a bandage.  There are so many uses for this stuff, it is impossible to list it for everything.  No wonder mother nature decided it should grow everywhere!

After picking the leaves, we allow the children to cut them up into tiny pieces and then we soak them in a glass jar with just enough olive oil and steep it in the sun for several days.  Then you can mix it with melted beeswax in equal amounts, a drop or two of tea tree oil and really any other essential oil that pleases you and you have your own homemade salve.  I use mine for everything from hang nails to chapped lips.

Parenting Tips

contributed by Teacher Philipp

How to set boundaries as a parent or teacher

This topic is a huge part of education and countless books have been written about it. The following words do not intend to cover the topic in its entirety but rather to share some quick practical ideas. 

Our children need boundaries to learn from us, to understand the big unknown world around them, and to feel safe. Boundaries, limits, and consequences are guidelines for children. They are almost like a manual for them to understand how to cope with the world and the people around them. This makes consequences and boundaries an essential and healthy part of education.

Fortunately, each child is different and consequently each one seeks and needs different individual boundaries. As a result, there is no such thing as a „general manual of boundaries,“ which could be applied to every individual child all the time. 

Nevertheless, there are some general ideas about how to set and hold boundaries:

1. Be aware of the difference between punishment and consequence

2. Try to understand the behavior of your child and the true needs behind it

3. Implementing a boundary through problem solving / play / active listening 

4. Choose your battles wisely

5. Aks yourself who is owning the problem? Does your child or you have the need for a boundary?

6. Not too many reminders for the implemented boundary

7. Respond right away if you want to set a boundary

8. Communicate the boundary by using simple words and being on the eye-level of your child

9. Once you set a boundary you want to stick to it and hold it

10. Flexibility when implementing a boundary

In conclusion, when setting boundaries in an appropriate way, we help our children navigate the world and feel safe while doing so.

Moment of Zen

contributed by Teacher Juliette