Happy Holidays!

Dear GROW Friends,

We are one day away from winter break. Who's excited about taking a break from school until January 5? I am! 🙋

Actually, I feel several emotions - have you ever felt that way? I'm excited about winter break, because I get to sleep later. I have more free time to read, go for walks, and do other fun things. But, I do miss seeing my friends at the Nasher. I am lucky because I really like my job, the people I work with, and the place where I work. 

In case you also miss the Nasher, here is a video about a few sculptures by an artist named Phyllida Barlow. 

After you watch the video, think about Phyllida Barlow's small sculptures made of everyday materials. What can you find in your house that would make a great sculpture material? Look for items like empty cereal or other boxes, grocery bags, empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls, and aluminum foil. Also, the recycle bin is a great place to look for sculpture materials! Make sure you check with a parent or grown-up before you start making your sculpture.

Have a wonderful holiday break, stay warm, and I can't wait to see you in 2021.

Hugs,

Ms. Melissa

Fall Leaves

Dear GROW Friends,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We spent the week playing in the front yard (we have a huge leaf pile!), walking our dog Jojo, and going on a few adventures.

leaf pile!

Jojo

We saw lots of cool animals and fed a giraffe at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center!

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love watching the leaves turn different colors as they fall from the trees. 

What leaf colors have you noticed lately? I've seen reds, oranges, yellows, browns, and greens. My favorites are red leaves of any shade - red that is bright like the sunset, red that is so dark it is almost maroon, and everything in between. 

I also love the beautiful yellow leaves on the ground in the picture with my dog, Jojo. The leaves are from a gingko tree in my neighbor's front yard. I collected a few of them to bring home and keep on my desk. Looking at their pretty yellow shapes throughout the day makes me happy!

Where can you find leaves? In your front or backyard, in a park or playground, maybe near your school? 

Check out this fun nature drawing activity below. You'll need the following materials:

• parchment or other plain paper
• crayons - old crayons without their wrapper work best
• tape
• Sharpie or other marker (optional)
• a hard surface - table, folder, etc.

At the end of the activity, you can return the leaves to nature. If you'd like to keep your leaves as a souvenir, make your own Nature Keeper using the video below. You can include your nature drawing too!

Hugs, 

Ms. Melissa