Art Prompt: Collage

On February 2, 2023 By aprilzajkoIn Art Center, Art ClassesLeave a comment

COLLAGE ~ this month we are going to dive into one of my favorite art processes, COLLAGE! Collage is an art technique where we combine painted papers, clippings, photos, recycled papers, or small objects onto a surface to create a one of a kind piece of artwork. We think about how we combine colors, textures, and materials to add visual appeal to our piece. We can work flat or we go work three-dimensionally depending on what we want to create. For me, it’s all about enjoying the PROCESS of selecting and combining materials.

Three prompts to getting you collaging this month:

“Explore Children’s Books featuring Collage”

“Collage Buffet”

“Card Making with Collage”

“Explore Children’s Books featuring Collage” – warm up to the idea of collaging by admiring collages in children’s books. Take some time in your classroom (or personal book collection) to gather up some children’s books that feature collage. Pour yourself a cup of hot tea and spend time noticing the layers, admiring the layout, and savoring the colors that the artist used to create the collages in their books. You might notice details that you never noticed before, despite the fact that you have read that book a gazillion times. My favorite collage artist is Eric Carle and revisiting his books is a favorite way for me to get inspired. Eric Carle’s process begins with making beautiful painted papers in different colors, adding details like patterns and polka dots, and scratching into the paint to give different textured effects. He would keep his different colors and textures in different bins and use those for creating is amazing works of art. (To learn more about his process you can find videos of him on YouTube creating his works of art -or- treat yourself and visit his museum in Massachusetts.)

I also adore Lois Ehlert, especially her nature collages and loose parts in her books Leaf Man and Snowballs! We will do “Land Art” or “Nature Collage” as one of our prompts this summer!

Collage Buffet” – Even before making a collage, take a bit of time to set up a “Collage Buffet” for yourself by putting a variety of complementary colors together with a variety of different materials. In each partition of the chip and dip container put a new material and keep filling up the container until you have a well rounded selection of materials. Admire your collection and think about creations that you might make. For me, I enjoy the gathering process and often do that part the day before collaging. Then on the day I am going to collage, I appreciate being able to sit down with a variety of materials to dive into my creativity.

“Card Making with Collage ” – receiving a handmade card is such a wonderful feeling. Think of someone you love that you know would appreciate a homemade card. Think about colors, images, or art materials that come to mind when you picture that person. Perhaps print out a special photo of you and that special person to add to the card. Sit down and create a card for them. Don’t allow perfection to stop you, and even if you think it looks too childlike, send or deliver the card to them. I promise…heartfelt cards are treasured for years to come. I have some ideas in a blog post about setting up a card making station that might inspire you to bring this into your classroom as well!

Last month we explored, “Art Prompt: Painted Papers”. Did you make a bunch of papers and wonder what to do with them all?! Here is my portable go to way to sort and store my stash of painted paper and scraps for collaging. It’s easy to keep organized and helps me to control how much paper that I keep.
(Full disclosure ~ hoarding painted papers is a weakness. I have two of these boxes ~ one at home and one at school because you never know when the urge to create with hit!)

I’d love to hear who your favorite collage artists are! I’d also love to see your process and collages this months too! Send me an email or tag me on social!

With gratitude,

April

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Art Prompt Project 2023

On January 11, 2023January 11, 2023 By aprilzajkoIn Art Classes, Staff Wellness, Trainings with April's Teaching Tree, Wellness1 Comment

{drumroll please} I am so excited to invite you to join me for my virtual ART PROMPT Project 2023

I believe that as WE explore different art materials, mediums, textures, sensory materials, loose parts and art processes our connection with our own personal art practices are fortified and our playful sides are ignited!

Maybe your last art class was way back in middle school, or maybe you haven’t picked up a paint brush in decades. Or maybe you are already doing art pretty regularly but are always up for new ideas. My ART PROMPT Project 2023 series is for ANYONE who wants a little nudge to explore their creativity...no art experience is necessary.

I believe that we can move past perfection, and remember that our purpose in making art is to find our JOY!

When we carve out time for our OWN creativity, we awaken and remember the simple joy of creating. Experiencing “process art” (not worrying about outcome) will you feel FREE in other areas of your life.

ART PROMPT Project 2023 will be sent at the beginning of each month. If you are already on my email list the prompt will be delivered to your inbox. The first one will go out Thursday, Jan. 12th, 2023 where we will be exploring Painted Papers!

The subject line will start with Art Prompt: so look in your inbox for an email from April’s Teaching Tree with the subject line = Art Prompt: I know inboxes get full but it will be fun to be part of this YEARLONG journey! Several people have already responded and said they were excited to have a monthly nudge to remind them to make art!

If this project sounds exciting…I’d love to hear what art materials you hope we explore in our monthly prompts. Do you already have a personal art practice? What holds you back? ~ HIT REPLY and tell me!

Not on the April’s Teaching Tree email list? Send me an email or DM me your Name and Email and I will add you!

“I’ve seen women insist on cleaning everything in the house before they could sit down to write… and you know it’s a funny thing about house cleaning… it never comes to an end. Perfect way to stop a woman. A woman must be careful to not allow over-responsibility (or over-respectability) to steal her necessary creative rests, riffs, and raptures. She simply must put her foot down and say no to half of what she believes she “should” be doing. Art is not meant to be created in stolen moments only.” ― Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women Who Run with Wolves

With gratitude,

April

Winter Solstice & Embracing Winter

On December 21, 2022December 21, 2022 By aprilzajkoIn Celebrations, Winter, Wonders of WinterLeave a comment

Winter solstice signals the official beginning of winter, the coldest season here in the Northern Hemisphere. By taking time to mark and celebrate this day by pausing and thinking about the start of winter, we can be intentional about how we approach the darker and colder days ahead. Today is officially the Winter Solstice, and I will celebrate by having some friends over for a bonfire and solstice celebration. Carving out this time prior to the busyness of the holiday season is a wonderful way to reconnect with friends and to set intentions for the coming year.

Winter Solstice Bonfire Celebration ~ this is the invitation that I give to my small circle that I invite)

Winter Solstice Gathering Bonfire in the forest at my house with potluck dinner ~ arrive by 4pm ~ so you will be able to see your way down our paths to our fire circle in our forest.

We will do a releasing ceremony ~ letting go of what we no longer need. You can write this down ahead of time or use some wood to write on here. You can choose to share with the group or just release it silently.

Those who want to choose a word as their intention for the coming year, can name their word. We can breathe life into it by sharing with our group your intention word and vision for how to bring that word to life this coming year.

We will feast with a potluck ~ let me know what you’d like to bring so we have a well rounded meal.

Things to bring ~ flashlight, dress in layers, boots since we have 1 ft of snow, and food to share. I have some rustic seating, but if you are more comfortable, feel free to bring your own more comfy chair!

Releasing Ceremony details:

Using paint pens and sharpie markers we write down what we want to let go of in this season. In the photo above taken last year, we used driftwood as our canvas. We each took quiet time to create words or symbols to represent what no long serves us. The quiet reflective time is meant to tap into our own creative process and to really feel what we are ready to release. The wood is then placed into the fire to burn & release into the ethers. There is synergy when we do this in community with others, as they too are doing this inner work.

Winter Solstice Celebrations & Ways to Embrace Winter

Maybe a bonfire isn’t your thing. Well, there are many ways to celebrate the arrival of winter. So whether you do one today or spread the ideas out over the next couple of weeks, you may find a more gentle connection to embrace winter.

> Light a candle and bring in natural items that symbolize the winter season for you. Create a special display around your candle with pine boughs or pinecones, or lay out many of the natural items you’ve collected over the last year as a reminder of your connection to nature.

> Foot baths ~ make a simple blend of epsom salts, baking soda, and a few drops of an essential oil that you enjoy. As you soak your feet, feel grounded and renewed.

> Journal and reflect on the last year

> Winter book stack ~ earlier evenings means carving out time for reading. Having a stack of books that I am eager to read helps me turn off the devices and cozy up for reading time.

> Cook a hearty soup with root vegetables. Nourishing and grounded foods help us feel warmth in our bellies and soul.

> Make time for tea with warming spices like ginger, cardamom, or cinnamon. Explore a variety of teas and find one that uplifts you.

> Celebrate the quiet ~ freshly fallen snow creates a sound buffer that is as much a delight for the ears as it is for the eyes. Go for a winter walk and notice the quiet.

> Star gazing ~ earlier sunset in winter allows ample time to enjoy the night sky.

> Sunrise ~ scout out a location where you can see the sun rise out of the horizon. Dress in layers and arrive a few minutes before sunrise so you can settle in with your mug of hot cocoa and watch the sun rise up out of the horizon. The time of sunrise changes each day, so be sure to check on the time so you don’t miss it.

> Full Moon Snowshoe ~ there is something magical about snowshoeing by the light of the moon. Our next full moon is 1/6/2023, but even if you plan 2-3 days before or after the full moon there will be ample moonlight to guide you on a clear night. (The other full moons this winter are on Feb. 5 & March 7, so you can plan ahead with friends to do this a couple of times.)

I would love to hear your ideas as well…what activities or celebrations are special for you in winter?

With gratitude,

April

Life Lesson ~ Embrace Being a Tortoise

On September 13, 2022 By aprilzajkoIn Life Lesson, Reflections, Social Emotional, Wellness1 Comment

Proud of showing up and finishing the ***Groton Forest Trail Run 10K*** ~ Sept. 10, 2022

This week I was wavering in deciding whether or not to even show up. I was registered for the Groton Forest Trail Run 10K. I know my pace and I knew it would be hard. The three friends I had planned to race with all decided not to race. It was going to be a sunny and warm, but I also knew the humidity would slow me down. I had made a commitment to myself to participate but my summer training plans had gotten derailed so I felt like I had some great reason to skip it. I contemplated it all week and finally the day before I decided to commit to just showing up and finishing, regardless of my time. So the morning of the race, I wrote this reflection on my favorite Aesop fable. I definitely believe that there is a powerful life lesson on embracing being a tortoise!

“The Tortoise and the Hare” is one my favorite stories to share with children. This Aesop Fable resonates with my work as an early childhood educator, my life as a busy mom, and my fitness routine on my mountain bike and hiking mountains. When we let ourselves get into self limiting we can feel like we are too slow or barely keeping up. The lesson of “The Tortoise and the Hare” is a perfect reminder to live an intentional life and to shift our thinking!

Tortoise is in her own race, calm, steady, moving at her own pace, and not worried what others think. She shows up, does her best, and doesn’t allow competition to steal her joy.

Hare on the other hand, mocked Tortoise for being so slow and even had the audacity to take a nap mid-race. Hare wanted to boast and brag, and for Tortoise to see just how slow her pace was.

When Tortoise came upon Hare napping in the grass, she just continued on her merry way.

And it wasn’t until Tortoise was nearly to the finish line that Hare woke up. Despite his frenzied rush, going as fast as he could, pushing his legs to their maximum, wanting to prove to the others that he was still fastest even with the nap..but he just couldn’t get to the finish line before Tortoise.

At the finish line there was also a Community ~ other animals there to cheer and celebrate. In my version of this tale, I know that Tortoise was humble and kind. She had no interest in boasting and instead savored being in the company of others. She encouraged others do their own thing and to continue to work on being their best selves. She knew it had nothing to do with that finish line. That it wasn’t about the time or how many minutes it took to finish the race. It wasn’t about the data on her fit bit or the number on any scale for that matter. Rather it had everything to do with being present and enjoying the journey.

The lesson to me? Calm and consistent wins the race. Yes, there are likely others who seem ahead of you in life. Yes someone may have already achieved what you are still working hard to make happen. Yes, hare is a better runner but being frenzied isn’t how you want to feel. When you focus on doing your best and no longer allow the pressure of someone else’s judgement then no one can stop you. You find JOY in the journey!

How do you want to feel? Really think about this. You might be bombarded with the message that life is about winning, beating out others, and proving your worth. Can you step aside from those belief and tap into HOW you want to feel instead?
Frenzied and boastful?
Calm and consistent?

For me, I am going to enjoy the journey. Calm and consistent. Yes, I’ll eventually see you at the finish line! Probably with a stash of pretty leaves in my pocket that I gathered or a photo of a cool mushroom that I stopped to admire. But that’s the beauty of the loving your journey ~ you have the confidence to pause and savor the little moments!

Which direction are you headed? I want to encourage you to begin that thing you’ve been wanting to do! Whether it’s a race, a new business, or a writing that book…Calm and Consistent and Community will get you there! And I will be right over here cheering you on!

Rooted and ready,

April

Setting Up a Quiet Space Outdoors

On September 13, 2022December 1, 2022 By aprilzajkoIn Sensory, Social Emotional, Trauma Informed, WellnessLeave a comment

Often we see quiet spaces or calm down spaces indoors in early education programs, but what could it look like if created a similar space outdoors? I believe children benefit from having a similar structure in their learning environments, both indoors and in their outdoor classroom. Here are some tips to get you started!

(Do you have pictures of your outdoor quiet space? I’d love it if you share them so I can add a variety of pictures to this blog post!)

Tips on creating your Outdoor Quiet Space:

Establish a space in your program as a “quiet” place and teach that this is a place a child can go when they need to relax, reset, and calm down.
In one program they had designated spots outdoors as “Quiet Zones”. They used rope and triangle cloth flags to indicate these spaces (see picture above). This could be an easy way to create multiple areas and children could even help with the creation of flags so they had some feeling of ownership or belonging to the space.
I often establish a bean pole trellis (see picture below) that is easy to create and affordable. I just set up five bamboo poles that are 6 feet tall. Tie the top and create a trench around the base to plant bean seeds. This is a small enough space that creates some privacy and feels cozy. This same structure could be covered with cloth for similar privacy earlier in the season or when the plants have died off.
Another affordable space would be to build a simple fort structure. My son built the photo below for an outdoor program in my area. He built a solid main structure and the children added pine branches, other sticks, and leaf debris to create privacy.
Maybe the space is mobile ~ What about establishing a special “Quiet Chair” ~ perhaps tucked away in the garden or in an area of the Outdoor Classroom that tends to be less busy. Having a folding chair makes it mobile and could give children the options of moving their space or having multiple spaces.
Reinforce that this is a safe and cozy space that helps us feel calm and safe and that children can choose to go to this space to play alone for a while
Offer calm down materials, which outdoors might look like a bin that you bring out from storage with a few board books, a non-breakable sensory jar, and various loose parts to explore.
Post a visual of the calm down technique you use in your program. To make this work outdoors, I laminate the visual and post it on the storage bin so it’s protected from the elements. In my preschool classroom I use the Tucker Turtle Technique. (see resources below)
Create a durable mini version of books that you use to teach social emotional skills. Lamination can help them last longer and you still may need to replace them yearly.
Introduce the space during outdoor circle time and model how it is used. For our indoor “Tucker Turtle’s House” we only allow one child to be in the space, but I find this harder to manage outdoors. I would decide with your teaching team if it’s an ‘alone space’ or if a pair can be in there together.
I tell a lot of social emotional stories with my turtle puppet. There are many life lessons that we can
Reinforce with simple tales of how turtles see things differently. Moving at their own pace, taking time to tuck & breathe, resting when they need to, have calm and confidence to race a speedy Hare, and the list goes on.
Work with small groups to practice using the space and revisit it often so children remember why the quiet space is there.
Reinforce the quiet place when you see them experiencing strong emotions or if a child seems like they need to regroup
Reinforce to staff that this space is NOT used as a punishment.
What if your group is on the go? Instead of a designated spot for the quiet space, maybe have a piece of cloth or small portion of yoga mat that serves as a spot that children can go to be alone.
Our space indoors is a wooden cube, and using more durable materials I can imagine creating something similar outdoors though I have not yet created that myself. (If you have, I’d love to have additional pictures to add to this post!)

Affordable & easy quiet space ~ bean pole trellis!

Simple fort structure & kids add pine branches or leaf debris

Related Resources:

“The Quiet Chair” ~ tucked away in the garden

Resources for teaching “Tucker Turtle” from the Pyramid Model / Challenging Behavior

https://challengingbehavior.org/?s=tucker+turtle

Check out Susan Cain’s Ted Talk and Book – “Quiet: The Power of Introverts”

Read more thoughts on my blog post ~ “Private & Quiet Spaces”

Private and Quiet Spaces

Daily Routines for Teacher Wellness

On September 6, 2022 By aprilzajkoIn Staff Wellness, WellnessLeave a comment

One of the keys to taking charge of your own personal wellness is to take ownership of your daily routines.

This week I invite you to start small with ONE healthy habit. Something that is achievable and you know that you can stick with. Maybe drinking water or going for a ten minute walk. No matter how small that habit will help build momentum to other healthy habits.

Then BRAINSTORM a list of different routines to try out throughout your day. Experiment and try out simple and easy morning & evening routines until you find something that feels right. This is not meant to be regimented and rigid, but rather more like an experiment to see what feels best for you! Start with small healthy habits and achievable actions.

Try to find a mid-day mini-routine that acts as a reset before post lunch slump comes. For me, 2pm is the time that I seem to want to grab a sugary treat or raid the staff room candy jar. I have found that if I take a couple of minutes to make a cup of tea that I am more energized and can finish out my work day on a happy note!

Explore & have fun with this process! For me, one routine is to make sure that I make time to be outdoors everyday. I find a quick walk on my trails in the forest, a little bit of time in the garden, or even sitting out on the patio noticing the birds helps me refocus, especially after a long day working with children. This time outdoors helps me to feel more connected to nature and to myself!

Tips for successful routines:
Explore what routines work best for you and prioritize those habits in your daily schedule.
Small, realistic, achievable goals.
Written Self Care Action Plans are more effective than thinking about or dreaming about what you might do. Write it down and make a commitment to YOU!
Consistency & preparation are key to making routines easy to implement
Accountability partners can help you meet with success!
Enjoy the process, gentle self awareness & positive self talk make a HUGE difference!
Set backs, stumbling blocks, life happens – just pick up and keep going!
Remember, your wellness is vital to your physical and mental health so take the time to invest in yourself!

April Zajko, M.Ed, is an experienced nature-based early childhood educator and serves as a professional development leader, college faculty member, and educational consultant. April brings straightforward practical knowledge, rooted in best practices, with humor and tales from the classroom. April is committed to supporting educators bring nature based approaches into their classrooms and early childhood programs. April moderates an active Facebook group called **“Nature Inspired Teacher”** where she supports educators who want to to dive deeper into this powerful way of supporting children.

Lantern of Self Care

On January 12, 2022 By aprilzajkoIn Early Childhood Education, Staff WellnessLeave a comment

By April Zajko, M.Ed.

We know that work we do in education is essential and has a tremendous impact on our communities and the families that we serve. We also know that being a caring, responsive, nurturing care provider can take a toll on our own wellness and health. The long hours and attentive care leaves us vulnerable to burnout during a normal year, but we can all agree that the last two years have been anything but normal.

Self care is of critical importance now more than ever in order to maintain our own personal health, to minimize illness, to continue to find joy in our work, and to keep our passion for working with children and families alive.

A powerful image and analogy that I use when teaching fellow educators about self care is an old camping lantern. We can only burn as bright as the fuel that we put into our own lantern and we each need different types and quantities of fuel. The foods that we eat, the water we drink, the time set aside to be with friends, the uninterrupted hours of sleep, the positive words we read, the mid-day pause to notice the joy of the children in our care ~ all of these serve as fuel for our inner lanterns.

The mobile nature of a camping lantern is that you get to shine wherever you go. Your impact on the world is greater when you shine your light on the issues that matter most to you. Wherever life takes me, and your lantern, you have the opportunity to spark hope, joy, and passion in the lives of those around you. Being in community with other like-minded individuals magnifies the impact of our lanterns. We can shine our light to help illuminate the path of others. When we figuratively or literally gather together our own lights are magnified and illuminate even more.

We do not want to be burning our candle at both ends. We can not completely deplete our fuel reserves and still do the important work that we do. Instead we need to set our boundaries, continue to refuel, and prioritize that our flame is never too depleted.

Right now in the education world (and many other professions) we are at a tipping point. We have a staffing crisis, we have a workforce that needs support for the work that we do, and we need to develop a stronger system that helps each of us shine in our own way as we support children. It isn’t that we are ‘burned out’ and if only we did yoga more frequently all our problems would be solved. Rather we need to take time to care deeply for ourselves AND to do the advocacy work to build the systems that truly will support us as professionals and will support families.

Other analogies of self care such as putting on your oxygen mask makes it seem like refueling is limited. Instead, the image of a lantern and knowing that we each need different kinds of fuel is more robust in view. We can learn how to refuel ourselves and at the same time help empower others to learn how they too can refuel. When we do this important work in community then we can illuminate the path forward.

Reflection questions ~ take time this week to think about your own lantern and the reserves of fuel that you have.

Are you running on empty?
Is your light burning low and you need to refuel?
What actions will help your refuel?
What parts of your day feel draining?
Who do you spend time with that lights you up?
Who depletes your energy? And can you shift how much time you spend with that person?
Are your volunteer opportunities fueling or depleting you? Can you shift how much time you spend volunteering?
What part of your home helps you recharge? Could you make changes to improve that space (declutter, rearrange furniture, add coziness..)
Journal about specific ways that you can carve out time in order to care for yourself so you can shine bright.