Sorrel & Cedar Early Learning and Care

Snapshots from this morning’s inquiries 😊

The pure joy of discovering a new way to use your favorite toy, what a bright little guy! ❤️ I never would have considered using the cars as a building material -- that's why it's a good thing our curriculum is child directed!

Reading a story with one of my little buddies. Some of the best moments here are the small, unhurried ones ❤️

We prioritize the process over the product at Sorrel & Cedar. We aren't just making crafts; we are fostering the independence, focus, and creativity that form the foundation for lifelong learning.

"Tasha, I make train track!"

Track laid, bridge over the water, train rolling through ... his whole face lit up showing it off 🚂❤️

Little ones don't need to be told to nurture, it's natural, something they practice over and over, on whoever needs feeding, whoever needs a nap, whoever's had a hard day. Watching a child "mother" their toys is watching love in its most unguarded form -- care, offered because it's true to who they already are.

This is the work I get to witness here every day ... small, beautiful moments of belonging and connection.

There's a lot happening in imaginative play like this, even though it may look simple from the outside -- focus, creativity, expression, and a sense that this space is theirs to shape ❤️

Today the kiddos met Rusty (our new hen) properly for the first time. She's still learning to feel safe in her new home, so my eldest (who's already built a real bond with her) held her gently while the group took turns petting her, soft hands, quiet voices, lots of patience.

We saw a little bit of everything in one small moment: courage in reaching out to something new, respect in slowing down for a nervous animal, wisdom in reading what Rusty needed, and love in how gently everyone treated her. We talked about how we understood being scared in a new place, because we've felt that way before too.

Rusty doesn't have to be brave yet. She just has to keep meeting us, a little at a time.

(With gratitude to Anishinaabe knowledge keepers for the Seven Grandfather Teachings that shape so much of how we think about care here at Sorrel & Cedar.)

The gray stormy skies have us stuck indoors this afternoon, but we’ve turned the playroom into our own little world of adventure. There is nothing quite like a cozy afternoon spent with friends!