Hazelwood Early Learning Centre
1278 Conferation Drive V3C 6L9 Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada

As the seasons change, the Cedars and Saplings class have been out looking closely for the signs of Spring. Our time spent outdoors is enriched using tools such as real binoculars, looking for the source of a birdsong heard in the trees.

The Cedars program take a turn and help with preparing the gardens for planting. Some of these children have been attending Hazelwood since they were Seedlings, this job is a familiar one for them and they use large muscles and loads of enthusiasm as they work!

Garden Prep It is that time for the educators and children to prepare our garden boxes for planting. This year we felt it was time for an overhaul of new soil. The children brought shovels from home, parents donated wheelbarrows, the big truck arrived, and everyone did their part to transfer the beautiful, clean and rich soil to the garden boxes: Control of body... Physically active Family and community All persons have value Nature and the planet Responsibility Zest for living Let the planting, nurturing and harvesting begin!

Control of body Safe and respected Problem solving Rules Build, create and design... The Cedars and Seedlings are once again exploring the use of hand tools; hammers, saws, screwdrivers. As skills develop, simple power tools will be introduced; small power sander, power drill and a few other surprises. Children are capable! With this as an understanding and belief, the children demonstrate their abilities and desire to challenge themselves.

https://www.facebook.com///a.60712339586/10160052874299587

Spring has arrived! How do children learn about nature and respect for our planet? Simple, by being in nature with the time and space to explore, investigate and extend what they already know. During HELC school age camp, the children observed some feathered friends busy in the pond. They were serenaded by a beautiful hummingbird close to the school. We decided to bring out the binoculars to have a closer look. The children observed robins pecking at the ground. Some birds h...ad berries and sticks in their mouths. Others kept flying away just as we got them in our sights. We practiced being still and keeping our voices low. As part of this interest the educators invited the children to collect nesting materials and build a bird just like the birds do. The children eagerly collected moss, twigs, bark, cotton, and grass with their ideas already forming. Once we got to the forest the groups of children explored their ideas and attempted their strategies. They thought about creating soft areas for the eggs and chicks, perches, patios and "bug traps" for a quick meal. Others thought about predators and built walls around their nests to keep them safe. A child commented, " How come it feels like this would be easier for the birds to do? Oh maybe they pollinate and use honey in the nest to glue it". This started an intriguing discussion amongst the group and created a new found appreciation for the life of birds! We wonder what extended learning and experiences might be provoked through this invitation?

ROCKS! The Seedlings program has been focused on an inquiry into rocks. Recently, the award winning book "Ishi" was introduced to the children. Patricia found this heartwarming book and was excited to share it with the team of educators. Ishi is a special rock with an optimistic outlook. Hazelwood strives to focus on social/emotional learning and development. Ishi teaches compassion for self and others. Educators extended the learning by creating an invitation to play and ex...plore including "Ishi" rocks and the book. On this day, Angelo extended his play and learning by introducing Ishi to the wooden play house. Ishi bathes, uses the toilet and spends time with family. This extension to family has spilled over into many areas of play. The children are currently fascinated with babies. The bridge from Ishi to families to babies is fascinating. Today educator Sali shared some dialogue that should provide a lovely chuckle: Child A "My Mom ate so much food she grew a baby in her tummy" Child B " No, that's not right. Mom's have the eggs and Dad's have the stuff and it makes the baby". Further to rocks, the children have been using magnifying glasses, clipboards and marking tools to have a closer look, reflect and draw their interpretations along with counting invitations. Enjoy some snapshots of the Seedlings at work and play!

We wish to share with you the heartwrenching news of a former educator at Hazelwood. Katheryn was part of our team several years ago. She was pregnant with Zoey and looking forward to being a first time parent. Sadly Katheryn's health took a very challenging turn which brings us to the request to support her on this very difficult phase of her life. The community has rallied around Katheryn and Zoey, any little bit our community can do to help would be appreciated more than anything. The Maple Ridge News also published a story last week :)

The perfect weather for frosty bubbles! On this day the children observe the first frost of the season and with it an opportunity to blow frosty bubbles. Educators pose the question: Can we make frozen bubbles? This boy is completely engaged in the experience, commenting on how long the bubbles last before they pop. We can't wait to see what happens when it snows next week!

THE SIMPLE THINGS......... When things seem challenging and stressful, a short trip up to the centre often provokes those warm and fuzzy feelings of joy and sweetness. Our educators creativity always amazes me! Tonight while dropping off supplies, I happened upon this invitation to play. The structure itself is not new as Jessie built it last year, however, the extensions and responsiveness to the children's current interest in bears, mushrooms and fungi is clearly evident as... are the little creative flares here and there. The pictures do not do it justice. Sadly parents are not permitted in the school, however, I hope this gives you a small glimpse into one of our classrooms this week. Patricia

The Cedar class are taking on the slack line. A new addition to our outdoor gear, the children are up for the challenge. This is a new skill for most, which takes some practice and getting used to. Slack lining is an effective form of exercise that aids the children in learning to balance, focus and build confidence in their bodies.

As we are recently spending more time inside, the Seedlings continue to work with natural materials. Lately, the children have been collecting leaves and sticking them on to contact paper to create a nature collage. Take a look for our creation in our window!

On a rainy day at Castle Park, the Seedlings experienced using chalk on the wet concrete. They discovered that the chalk spread out like paint. The Seedlings experimented with using their hands and nature materials in the chalk paint.

With the heavy rains this Autumn the children at Hazel Trembath have shown a particular interest in exploring puddles and water sources. Educators further this curiosity by offering pipettes and plastic bags for them to gather water and view it closely. This experience reflects learning outcomes from the Early Learning Framework: - fine motor skill development - nature and the planet... - explore, think and reason - explore the world See more

The Seedlings have many opportunities to explore art outdoors. One day whilst visiting Our 'Little Free Library' the Seedlings noticed a colourful flower garden. In response to this observation Educators brought along clipboards and markers to the next visit. The children were invited to look closely at the colours and shapes of the garden and represent with colourful markers. We refer this as reflective drawing and is offered in all of our programming. Enjoy!

Remembrance Day has passed, however the messages live on. The Castle Park group has been reflecting on what the word peace means to them in their lives: -"peaceful is when you are relaxed and chillaxed" -"I feel peace when it's bright and sunny and calm" -"peaceful is having "calming bodies"... - "feels like you are in dream" - "the colours pink and purple made her feel peaceful." - "peaceful when I am reading my books and it's really quiet". - "Peace is like hope, I feel happy when I am peaceful" From this, each child created something that reflected their feelings.

During the morning we stumbled upon what appears to be a lost dog. Please help him find his home! If anyone recognizes this dog or knows the owner it was seen by the upper parking lot close to the forest at 11:00am.

A day to Remember.