Nature's good tidings

“What happens when you’re stuck inside all day? How do you feel? Compare it to how you feel if you go outside to the park or outside to play. Kids need that joy. They need those memories on an everyday basis.”

This interesting analysis about Is Outdoor Child's Play Doomed to Extinction? takes a look at several factors about children's lives.  I love the balance we have at Parker of children's free exploration outdoors and their focused study of science and the natural world. 

It reminds me of a quote from John Muir about climbing the mountains to get their good tidings:

"Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

Happiness in a puddle

Life is great after a rainstorm when the rivers are flowing in Mudville.  This ever-expanding feat of student engineering brings joy to the hearts of Parker kids at recess.  (We did have to draw the line at a water hole being dug in the soccer field...)

Happy Earth Day!

When the kids own it

Children are SO motivated when they have ownership of their learning! You can see it in these photos of students building and programming their own robot, reading me their latest book, putting together an autobiography, and making a spaghetti lunch for the school.  You may have seen Caine's Arcade - if not, watch and you will smile.



Contrast all these with students' fear and trepidation during annual state testing that starts in 3rd grade: Kids' brains, nerves put to the test in the Times Union.

A wonderful night of theater

From Shakespeare's puppets and the Silly Symposium to Macbeth,  Much Ado About Nothing and Julius Caesar, Parker halls were ringing with Elizabethan English, humor, drama, surprise and mayhem last night.  Our ears were serenaded, our eyes treated, our intellects sharpened, and our humor tickled.  Thank you students, teachers, Seano and the Erics for an inspiring night of theater!

Break a leg!

 Rehearsing for the big night!

Get yourself outside

A new study shows that preschool age children aren't getting outdoors enough - or at all!  Here are two articles noting this sad trend.  Nearly Half of Preschoolers Are Not Getting Outside  and  Too Few Kids Getting Outdoors with Mom and Dad. 

Muddy Boots Club at Parker bucks the trend - as well as recess and outdoor time in all weather.  Read Pre K teacher, Michele's blog about our little ones' adventures in nature: Pre K Planet Parker. 

5K Trail Run

Water station

The 5 K Trail Run and Kids Fun Run went without a hitch.  Thanks to all the volunteers and runners who made it great!

Spaghetti dinner for Troy charities

Parker 7th graders prepared and served spaghetti dinners at Christ Church Methodist on Friday night.  All the money they helped to raise goes to charities in Troy.  Here is a link to the T.U. coverage.   Carb-loading before the 5 K on Saturday!