April brought soft breezes, fresh colors, and a sense of wonder to Acorn School. Each class had its own rhythm this month, filled with creativity, discovery, and joyful connection.
Here’s a look at what the children explored and experienced together during this beautiful spring season.
Sprouts, Bugs, and Backyard Magic
At the beginning of the month, the children planted chia seeds and have been eagerly tracking their growth. Many even gave little progress updates during class. They also made “bee watering stations” to place in their yards, offering a safe and gentle place for pollinators to stop and sip. This led to many backyard adventures, with the children on the lookout for ladybugs, roly-polies, and other tiny friends.
A few of these curious critters even made surprise appearances during circle time, sparking giggles and wonder. It’s been a joyful month of connection with nature and growing care for the little lives around us.
“April’s themes were so fun and the classes were lovely.” - Ms. Olivia
Hands and Hearts at Work
Exploration took shape through printmaking in many forms. The children began by using fresh petals and blades of grass to make natural pigment prints, then turned humble potatoes into stamps to dip in colorful acrylics.
Later, they created ethereal cyanotypes using found leaves, petals, and stems from the farm—each print a blend of nature and sunlight. These prints will be gathered into hand-bound booklets, a sweet keepsake filled with their creativity. The entire process was guided in Spanish, with new vocabulary folded into each project like a gentle rhythm. It was a time of beautiful messes, expressive hands, and joyful conversation.
"The children let their imaginations flow beautifully, and we had so much fun together." - Ms. Pati
Whimsy and Wonder with Mary Poppins
Our little Owls enjoyed a delightful dive into the imaginative world of Mary Poppins this month, reading together and letting their hearts soar with the magic of the story. They carefully copied lines of poetry by Eugene Field, helping to strengthen their connection to beautiful language.
They also studied art pieces by Henry Ossawa Tanner and created their own thoughtful interpretations — each piece as expressive and heartfelt as the next. They even took peaceful walks to visit farm animals, pausing to notice the changing season. A new favorite this month was tulsi rose tea, which the children tried with curiosity and calm delight.
“For nature study we read sweet stories from the Burgess Animal Book and took walks to visit the farm animals! “ Ms. Emily
A Colorful and Cozy Circle
Color mixing took center stage as the children explored wet-on-wet watercolor painting, discovering the magic that happens when red meets yellow, or blue swirls into green. Their brushes danced on soaked paper, blending pigments into soft, dreamy landscapes. At the same time, they worked with clay and beeswax—pinching, shaping, and rolling with growing strength and skill. These tactile experiences nurtured fine motor development and invited calm focus.
Circle time felt extra special with “Ellie the Earth,” a soft and cuddly plushie who joined in songs and cuddles as we celebrated Earth Day together. Each moment felt grounded, creative, and full of wonder.
“It’s been a month full of creativity and magical moments.” - Ms. Sofia
Earth Day Festival & River Day Outing
River Day at Sheep’s Crossing
We gathered at Sheep’s Crossing in the Tonto National Forest for a day of fresh air and togetherness. Families wandered the riverbanks, splashed in the cool water, and rested under the spring sun—a peaceful, simple day to soak in the season.
Earth Day Festival & Class Picture Day
Our Earth Day Festival was a special celebration filled with crafts, songs, and a sweet storytime. The children played games and enjoyed delicious homemade donuts, lovingly prepared by Ms. Pati. We also held our Spring Picture Day, and the talented Katelyn captured precious portraits of our Acorn children. Thank you to everyone who arrived early and helped make it such a smooth and beautiful morning.
