Tag: california

The Owlets’ California Adventure

The Owlets have been busy learning all about California through a joyful, hands-on mini-inquiry inspired by curiosity, creativity, and discovery. Their exploration began in early January with a classroom art project focused on California poppies. After closely studying photos of the state flower and noticing its bright orange and yellow colors, the Owlets used liquid watercolors to create their own vibrant poppies. Although poppies typically bloom in the spring, they bloomed early in the Owlet classroom!

The inquiry officially began with the book Welcome to California, which introduced students to the basics of the state and continued to serve as a reference throughout the project. The Owlets eagerly shared places they have visited across California and quickly realized just how diverse the state’s landscapes are. To bring this learning to life, they worked together to create a large map of California, discovering coastal beaches, farmland, snowy mountains, forests, and deserts along the way.

In small groups, the Owlets used a variety of materials to represent where each landscape is located on the map. They also examined real photos shared by Owlet families and practiced matching each image to the correct region.

The Owlets also learned about California’s weather patterns and the animals that live in each region. They noticed that the desert is hot and home to animals that wouldn’t survive in cooler mountain climates. While studying the California state flag, they spotted the large brown grizzly bear and learned that grizzly bears no longer live in the state. This led to an exploration of animals that currently call California home, including black bears, foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, and quails. Students were especially excited to discover a few “hidden” quails right in their classroom.

The inquiry wrapped in elements of California history as well, including a discussion of the Gold Rush and how people once traveled to the state in search of gold. Through art, literature, mapping, and imaginative play, the Owlets have built a strong foundation of knowledge about California—its landscapes, animals, symbols, and history—while nurturing curiosity and a love of learning along the way.

#SaklanHandsOn

A Redwood Play Area – Designed for Explorers

At Saklan, we know that play is more than just fun — it’s where children test their limits, use their imaginations, and connect with each other. This year, we’re taking a big step forward in making our campus play spaces as inspiring as the learning that happens here every day.

With the help of Bay Area landscape architect Ron Lutsko, we are transforming our redwood grove into a natural play area designed for creativity and adventure. While we are still in the early phases of the design process, below are some of the elements we are considering.

  • Tree platforms that give the feel of small “treehouses”
  • Raised plank walks that wind between the trees
  • Log steppers and climbing features to challenge balance and coordination
  • A chalkboard tucked into the grove for drawing, writing, or group games

The design makes use of the existing redwoods, while adding new ones to create a Redwood Grove.  The design intends to weave new and natural play elements into the beauty of the grove. Children will be able to climb, balance, imagine, and create — all while being surrounded by nature.

This project is only possible because of our community’s generosity. At our 70th Anniversary Auction, Saklan families and friends raised over $115,000 through the Fund-A-Need. That collective gift is helping us reimagine what play can look like at Saklan.

The design is still evolving, and we’ll continue to gather feedback as we move forward. Our plan is to break ground later this year and open the new play area in the spring. When it opens, it will be more than just a playground — it will be a space where children can take risks, solve problems, and dream big. A place that feels both adventurous and nurturing, where Saklan students can grow together under the trees.

#HeadsCorner