Karate (first few lessons)

Windsor has partnered with a karate school and many of the children (4 years and older) have started their lessons. Rather than focusing on "fighting," the lessons are really about instilling respect not just for others, but for one self.

The children are building their concentration, discipline, listening skills, and focus.

They are challenging their bodies and improving coordination, endurance, strength, etc.

And it's just a whole lot of FUN with their friends!

Check out the videos and feel free to contact me if you'd like to sit in and watch.

the swamp:


focus, boys!


kicking:



-SS

Mermaid Performance

Our Mermaid performer did a magic show, hula dancing and face painting.

Happy Birthday, Siona!

-S(ahil)S

Parent workshop: Co-Parenting After Divorce

You are invited to join us for a free, two evening series on Co-Parenting After Divorce, here at the Mountain View Public Library, Tuesdays June 22 & 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Breaking through the common obstacles, Julie McDonald, life coach and divorce survivor/thriver, introduces powerful tools to achieve cooperative co-parenting.  Taught in two sessions that include small group sharing and exercises, you will learn the essentials and benefits of co-parenting.

·                                  

Session One, 6/22, will review the definition and elements of effective co-parenting, common obstacles and techniques to establish cooperation. 

·                                  

Session Two, 6/29, will share the fundamentals of an effective parenting plan and practical help in establishing healthy communication.

Register online at: http://libraryxo.org/b  

Special Guests - Ballet Dancers

We had some special guests come it to teach us about ballet dancing. Two dancers from Western Ballet Company stopped by to show us some of their favorite dances, talk to us about ballet, and teach us a few dance moves.

Please see some short videos of the dances, below, and the fun we got to have learning about ballet.







-SS

Guest Reader: Grandma Bonnie

We had a very special visitor all the way from Texas: Bonnie, grandmother of Liam and Mateo. Bonnie has been an elementary school librarian for over twenty years! This is quite evident... she is one amazing storyteller.

With lots of eye contact, changes in tone, facial expressions, and actions, she had the children completely engaged during our goodbye circle.

All of us--children and teachers alike--sat back and enjoyed ourselves.

On behalf of everyone at Windsor. thank you, Hughes family, for sharing your treasure of a grandmother!


-SS

Springtime Exploration

nature walks: stopping to smell the roses :)

 The individual part of the children's garden (above): Each child painted a pot, planted seeds, and watched them grow. Each child watered his/her plant as needed. In the process, amongst other things, they learned responsibility and the plant cycle. 

The group part of the children's garden involved lovingly tending to a vegetable garden. The children will have a chance to eat organic produce right from the garden--we plan to use the vegetables the children grow for cooking projects and in their meals.

The children made bird food to hang from the trees, then went birdwatching several times to see what birds, and other critters :), would come to eat the food they had made.

Goodbye, Spring!

-SS

Community Helpers: Visting the hair salon

Another business across the street that we visited...

Jafar, owner of the Hair Galleria, and his wonderful staff, gave us a tour.

(click on photo collage to enlarge it)