The Garden School Tattler

For those of you who are reading this this morning, we are on a two hour delay. That means I'll be at school about 8:45 to open and feed the animals. School will open at 9:00.

Snow days are exciting for kids. For a child, there is a real mystery and innocence about snow, and it's a real pleasure just to see the snow fall. I remember as a child growing up in coastal California that we never got to see snow. The only time we got to see it snow was when we were traveling in the mountains. One year we were going "up to the snow" and we were in a blizzard crossing Donner Pass. It was very exciting to watch my enormous father inching his body under the car to fasten the chains which, of course, fell of in five seconds. Remember, in California they measure snow in feet not inches.

These are blessed days. It's been cold but not so cold the kids can't go out a couple of times a week. Then it's indoor play the rest of the week. We've noticed that on this schedule, there are no colds, no runny noses, no "drip." We're delighted.

We enjoyed Japan Day and the kids really loved International Feast. Many of them visited the buffet table several times. The favorite was the Nigerian Chicken Soup. Thanks to Zoey's friend for bringing it. Thanks to all the parents who brought the delicious dishes. It was a pleasure to have you for lunch.

Sharing is an important part of learning to go to school. Learning what I must share and what is mine alone builds character. The ability to say, "No, that's mine, and you can't share it," and understand the difference between selfishness and self preservation is a key to living well. We don't share many personal things we've used like tissues, and gum, and forks and underwear, but we do share ideas, laughter, jokes, good times and our selves.

I bought a solitaire game last week. It's a one child game, and the children are learning that it's a watch for many, do for one game. It's been a very good lesson that my hands don't always have to touch what you are doing.

This is our kick off week for the geography of countries. We've looked at where the poles are and the equator, and we've looked at North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia as areas, and now we'll fly from one place to another to study particular countries. I can see it in the eyes of the older children that they understand space and difference.

We will offer a waffle breakfast early today, and follow it up with a late lunch of soup, bread and fruit for those of you who want to know how we do this. Nutrition is very important to us.

Drive carefully today, and we'll see you about 9:00.