December/January 2024 Newsletter
Monthly Roundup
December was a quick month, but we were busy exploring our 9 acres together. With colder temperatures, we have been increasingly exploring off trail, while also revisiting our favorite spots, observing daily changes – such as animal tracks, holes that were dug overnight, ice, and the different soil textures. Because of our excellent outdoor gear, we have been able to continue exploring nature with almost no limitations, including splashing in the creek and a recent favorite – the mud pit!
The kids have also enjoyed observing (from a safe distance) the construction of the new schoolhouse, frequently stopping to ask Mr. Jake and Mr. Rob questions about the tools they are using, and why they’re being used.
Clay, chalk, sand, mud, and ice are our favorite winter elements to play with. It always amazes me the level of creativity and outside-of-the-box thinking that the kids have when exploring these elements. This is especially significant in the context of an increasingly indoor childhood, in which children are losing touch with how to play in nature. Not at Hidden Valley – these kids come outside, roll up their sleeves, and enthusiastically engage with the landscape around them. Through this engagement comes so much learning – not in the academic, memorization sense, but on an instinctual, organic level, because the learning is so relevant to their daily experiences and observations.
I also witness a lot of growth in self-confidence, with kids developing a can-do mentality through their daily exploration in all types of terrain and weather. Not only are their bodies becoming stronger (we can now walk all the way to the double magic creek and back!), but their minds are becoming more resilient (evident when they fall and get right back up saying “I’m alright!”).
The pond continues to be a space that captivates and excites the kids. The pond frequently ices over this time of year, so the kids have had a blast throwing sticks in the pond to see whether they break the ice or glide. When sticks and rocks glide on the pond, they make a beautiful echoing sound – breaking the silence while nature sleeps around us.
Overall, it’s been cold and quiet outside, as our animal friends have retreated into their wintry slumber, but the colder temperatures and the general silence outside has not dampened our excitement for adventuring outside in nature. To the contrary, we’ve been excited as ever to explore all the elements and terrains together. I can’t wait to see what February and March bring us!
