Dear Cedar families, it’s hard to believe we are on the brink of April! With only two months left, time sure does fly by quickly. We hope that you all take some time to rest and enjoy the upcoming spring break.

Leaf

We gathered some leaves from our yard and observed their shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and smells. Following that, we reviewed the various parts of a tree and discussed the significant role leaves play in producing food for the tree. Plants absorb sunlight, water, minerals, and carbon dioxide to create sugar through photosynthesis. We experimented to observe how leaves respire and absorb water to better understand leaf functions. After submerging the leaves underwater with sunlight exposure, we noted only a few small bubbles around the leaves hours later. (Unfortunately, this experiment yielded limited success.) These bubbles are pores that allow water to escape as vapor.

Furthermore, we expressed gratitude towards trees for absorbing the carbon dioxide we produce and releasing fresh oxygen for us. We emphasized the importance of planting trees and maintaining their well-being.

Nowruz

Noushin presented the traditional custom of celebrating the Persian New Year to the class. Weeks ago, we had prepared lentils to grow in water. On the Thursday before the Persian New Year, there is the tradition of jumping over fire to burn away all the bad luck. Nowruz means “new day.” Noushin displayed many items such as candles, garlic, wheatgrass, an apple, coins, eggs, vinegar, poems, and hyacinth flowers. Each of these items symbolizes something positive for the year’s renewal. The holiday lasts for 13 days, and on the final day, people spend time with family and friends outdoors, sharing joy and laughter. They usually pack a picnic and dance. Additionally, they leave the wheatgrass in the river, symbolizing a fresh start to the year with a clear mind. Noushin cooked rice and gave us each a bag of cranberries to take home.

Kindness

We discussed the meaning of kindness and explored ways to demonstrate it. We concluded that kindness encompasses love, assistance, and the ability to bring happiness to others. Furthermore, we categorized kindness into various spheres, including interactions with family members, teachers, friends, animals, the environment, and ourselves.

In addition, we learned about the power of our words and how they can profoundly impact the feelings of others. Some words are gentle and supportive, akin to a soft cotton ball, while others can be harsh and hurtful, akin to rough sandpaper, causing emotional distress to those who receive them.

We thank Steven, Zinnia’s dad, for bringing chicks to the class and allowing us to learn about caring for animals with gentle and kind intentions.

We collected everyone’s kindness strips to make our Cedar kindness chain. How impressive and powerful it is as we put all of them together! (It’s not done yet, still more to come.)

We also made hot chocolate to warm up and nourish our bodies and minds on a windy and rainy day, which is equally as important as being kind to others🙂.

Art with Julianne

Here is the link from Julianne for the art in the past week.

Inside Time

Outside Time