MARCH 2024 • ISSUE 2
GEM A NEWSLETTER FROM GILLISPIE’S LEARNING VILLAGE IN LA JOLLA
THE MAGIC OF MUD
IN THIS ISSUE
DR. MINDY COATES SMITH, DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD
Our many rainy days have produced epic opportunities for mud play in the Early Childhood Outdoor Classroom! Remember the joy of creating mud pies, jumping in puddles, and digging for worms? Our EC friends have been experiencing those joys, but it’s so much more than just fun. Messy, muddy play offers enormous benefits to young children in their growth and development. Mud is one of nature’s simplest elements, and its simplicity encourages creative thinking and allows children to play at their developmental level. Teachers have made sure that they can freely create and get messy without fear of making mistakes. I have seen children fully engage with their environment, creating a memorable experience that they will likely draw upon for years. Research shows that dirt contains elements that stimulate the immune system and increase levels of serotonin in our brains which not only make us happier but also improve cognitive function. PN
SPECIALTY SPOTLIGHT GENERATION AI’S TECHPOWERED LEARNING p. 3 INNOVATION CORNER GRADE 6 UNRAVELS MYSTERY USING FORENSICS p. 5 HAPPY HAPPENINGS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING AROUND A CAMPFIRE IN JUNIPER p. 6 ICARE A LEGACY OF KINDNESS P. 7 OUR COMMUNITY EC CREATES ART FOR BOOTS & BLING p. 8