friend Nina

school pictures

Eve the artist

latest from Eve's teacher

Today, out on the playground Eve built a structure out of the milk crates. I asked her to tell me about it, first she showed me her pool, the blue circle next to it, she said, "it's so deep I have dolphins to help me swim."


Then she told me about her structure, "It's a computer to tell me what if there's something wrong."

Jeremy came by and she asked him to join her in the pool.

-Wendy  

superhero fairies visit Dad's work

latest from Ella's teachers

"Ella had a fantastic time exploring leaves in the Willow Room. These shared experiences, where the children explore at their own pace, are great first steps in building friendships. Ella needs to feel comfortable before she really starts to have fun, and she seemed in her element in the leaves.


As they tossed the leaves up in the air they were all giggling and laughing. They are able to feel the leaves in their hands and as they fall on their head, hear the sounds they make as they step on them, and breathe in the smell as they stir the pile up. All of the early experiences help to create a base from which to build further knowledge as Ella explores more of her environment."  

Go Blue

"I want to discover the world around me"

I took Eve to her first Michigan football game yesterday, and she loved it.  She has been singing "Hail to the Victors" constantly.  As we were leaving, I pointed out the nice view of Ann Arbor from the stadium balcony, and she said: "I want you to take me to all the places we've both never been, so I can discover the world around me."

fall colors

more from Ella's teacher

"On Wednesday Ella ran a small restaurant in the Willow Room.  She served Nathan pizza and tacos, and even poured a drink for him.  Ella has started to branch out and interact with more children in the room.  She very much likes to have the interactions on her terms, and serving Nathan allowed her to control the flow of the play.  It has been great to see Ella become more comfortable in school, and as her comfort increases, so will her confidence in interacting with more of the children."

another teacher report on Ella

The swings have been a popular spot this week as more children try to figure out how to pump their legs to move on their own. Ella even joined the group at one point. If the swings were busy they had to be patient and wait for their turn. Sometimes children want to push each other, and other times they only want a teacher to push. The all had to work together and explain what was okay and what was not okay for them.


It was great to see Ella spend more time with other children from the Willow Room this week. It shows that she is really becoming more comfortable in the room and with the other children. Sometimes she asks for Eve, but now she is starting to actively seek out children in the room to play with.  

getting ready for Halloween

another report from Eve's teacher

While outside on the playground, Eve and Nina made homes and "Leaf soup" for their "dogs".  Oliver, George and William were the dogs.  Eve used many large blocks to build a home for the dogs.  They also used large circles for a roof and cage.  Nina used leaves and added them to a pot.  She stirred the pot on the "stove" until it was just right for the dogs. 

berry picking

California visit (August 18-27)