March in the Turtle Pond

As March came to life at the Turtle Pond, the Turtles embraced the changing season with curiosity, creativity, and growing independence. From snowy outdoor adventures to meaningful cultural experiences, the children explored, discovered, and connected with the world around them in so many thoughtful ways.

Sensory Exploration
The Turtles engaged in a variety of sensory experiences throughout the month. We explored a St. Patrick’s Day inspired sensory bin filled with green loose parts, where the children searched for golden coins while scooping and exploring different materials. This supported fine motor development, focus, and imaginative play.

Coloured ice cubes were also brought outdoors as an invitation for open ended play. Safe for tasting, the ice sparked curiosity and creativity. Some Turtles slid them down the courtyard slope, others gathered and protected them, and a few experimented by throwing them. This encouraged sensory exploration, creativity, and independent thinking.

Hands On Discovery
One highlight was our sticky road ball slope, inspired by the children’s interest in sliding outdoors. The Turtles explored how objects moved on different surfaces, comparing sticky and non sticky textures. This introduced early concepts of friction while supporting problem solving, observation skills, and scientific thinking.

To build on their interest in sticking and peeling, inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar, educators introduced a related activity. This supported fine motor development, sensory exploration, and strengthened connections between stories and play.

Social Development and Boundaries
The Turtles participated in an animal rescue activity with a twist. Along with rescuing animals, the focus was on learning boundaries, waiting for their turn, watching their peers, and practicing patience. This experience helped build self regulation, social awareness, and respect for others, supporting our ongoing work around safety and boundaries in our urban forest school.

Cultural Learning and Gratitude
During our visit from Grandmother Tree, the Turtles explored the Seven Sacred Teachings. They prepared a meaningful gift to show gratitude, a clay turtle along with a card decorated with four ribbons and a thank you note. This experience encouraged respect for nature, cultural awareness, and emotional development through practicing gratitude. Thank you Grandmother Tree for sharing your knowledge with the Turtles! 

Outdoor Play and Physical Development
With the beautiful snowy days, the Turtles had many opportunities to move their bodies and release energy. They climbed, fell, got back up, and tried again, showing persistence and resilience. Through this outdoor play, they strengthened their gross motor skills, confidence, and connection to nature, embracing all that this unpredictable spring weather brought.

What a meaningful and joy-filled month it has been. As we said goodbye to March, we carry forward the children’s curiosity, resilience, and sense of wonder. We are excited that  April is here, as the signs of spring begin to bloom around us, bringing new life, fresh discoveries, and endless opportunities for exploration and growth at the Turtle Pond.