Journal 2025 - 2026
October and November began to feel colder, yet up until the end of October we were still able to harvest vegetables from our garden, and the grass remained green. As the trees began to change color, we took time to observe, explore, and enjoy the seasonal transition, deepening the children’s awareness of nature’s rhythms.
Autumn offered rich opportunities for creative work, and we spent time making art with leaves, exploring their colors, shapes, and textures. We also practiced guided meditations using water and fire, creating moments of calm, focus, and reflection. Whenever possible, we took the opportunity to eat lunch outdoors, enjoying the warmth and colors of the season.
October felt colorful, calm, and gently warm—both in nature and in atmosphere.
December is the month when we truly feel the darkness of winter. With limited daylight, we leaned into activities centred around light, warmth, and togetherness. Fire and candles became important elements, helping us explore light in meaningful and calming ways.
We took the opportunity to make candle lamps, gather around the fire to sing, and practise our Christmas songs. Cooking together added warmth and joy to the days, as we made pancakes and hot chocolate outdoors.
One of the highlights of the month was Christmas carpentry, where children created Christmas decorations, and some made handmade gifts for their parents. December was a cosy, creative, and heartfelt month, filled with light in the darkest time of the year.
January began with challenging winter conditions that required flexibility and adaptation. When outdoor areas were unsafe, we explored the town by bus in small groups, focusing on the journey and observation of our surroundings. The experience concluded with each department creating town maps. As conditions improved, snow play offered opportunities for movement, cooperation, and sensory exploration. We built a snow castle, sledged, and gathered around a fire to cook popcorn.
Pedagogical reflection:
By responding to weather and environment rather than fixed plans, children experienced learning as flexible, meaningful, and rooted in real-life situations.
February continued with changing winter conditions, requiring ongoing adaptation to snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. Improved conditions in the outdoor house (Úti kjarni) allowed us to introduce carpentry, while rain created opportunities for mud and water play. Children explored water flow using pipes and logs and regularly went on walks outside the playground.
With materials provided by a parent, we built a small winter tent, encouraging cooperation and creative problem-solving. Outdoor cooking remained an important part of the month, with banana and chocolate grilled over the fire. Children also cared for plants in a newly created green area, and older children developed carpentry skills by making toys and a bow and arrow.
Guided meditation using fire, water, and candles
Calm reflection outdoors
Exploring darkness, light, and shadows
Quiet moments in nature
Resting and slowing down outdoor
Eating lunch outdoors
Experiencing meals together in different weather conditions
Building winter shelters and tents
Creating water flows using pipes and logs
Snow, ice, and mud play
Cooperative activities and problem-solving /Developing flexibility and cooperation outdoors
Observing seasonal, weather, and environmental changes
Exploring the local environment
Town exploration
Bus journeys
Mapping activities
Experiencing changing seasons and weather
Exploring new places and environments
Tool Box
Fire-making and outdoor cooking
Making pancakes outdoors
Grilling bananas with chocolate
Preparing hot chocolate, warm food, and drinks
Singing, storytelling and gathering around the fire
Carpentry and woodworking projects (making toys, making bows and arrows, creating handmade gifts)
Making candle lamps
Building with logs and other natural materials
Nature-based and seasonal art
Creating art with natural materials
Exploring leaves, colors, shapes, and textures
Face painting
Creative activities inspired by seasonal changes
