This Saturday reInterpret was invited on a hike with the San Diego Association for the Education of Young Children (SDAEYC). Patti Shields from At Home In Nature Preschool led the group of teachers through a beautiful part of Tecolote Canyon (near the intersection of Genesee and Chateau). Patti uses this canyon as her outdoor preschool and learning environment for young children. Teachers collected natural elements like leaves, sticks and pods to use in their art at the end of the hike.

We suggested that the teachers use their pieces of nature to create mandalas, which is a Sanskrit word from the Indian culture meaning circle. It represents wholeness. The mandala appears in all aspects of life from the earth, sun and the moon to our circle of family, friends and community.

Under the oak trees of Tecolote Canyon the teachers expressed themselves in this beautiful way and were inspired to bring these feelings and opportunities back to their classrooms of children.