Nature

Spring field trips provided outings to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve & the Batiquitos Lagoon.

1st/2nd grade hiked Torrey Pine's Guy Fleming trail and visited the historic Nature Center. Known as an "usual landscape" since the 1500's, Spanish sailors noted the landmark as Punta de los Arboles or Wooded Point.

The following week the children enjoyed 6 miles of trails surrounding the Batiquitos Lagoon. Nestled between Carlsbad and Encinitas, the lagoon is one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the southern California coast. Dotted with mature groves of eucalyptus trees, the young explorers found a rope swing providing a spectacular coastal view and the opportunity to soar.

The Serious Work of a Child

Creative play is the central activity in the life of a healthy young child. It allows him or her to weave together and digest life experiences and make them their own. A child’s love of learning is intimately linked with a zest for play.

Many school children no longer have the freedom to explore nature. Physical education and recess are often eliminated; informal games are an activity of a by-gone era as children are herded into organized sports.

Sanderling respects, promotes and encourages creative play - it a central component of the curriculum. Additionally, at home play-dates are a cherished after school activity. The children explore, create, interact and learn beyond the walls of the physical school. While we, enjoying their innocence, watch them blossom and flourish.

East Meets West

Ms. Maxine's Rose Nursery/Kindergarten class celebrated China's most important traditional holiday, the Chinese New Year, on February 23rd with a joyful school-wide procession. The children donned red clothing to ward off bad fortune, while a fierce dragon danced through the halls evicting evil spirits. Post-fanfare, it was back to class for won ton soup-making.