maslenitsa pix

We started out our day by playing some outside games and then burning the large, straw maslenitsa. While it burned, we circled around (and were supposed to be reciting a poem in Russian...but...). When it collapses, the people it collapses towards will have good luck. It collapsed directly away from me. Good thing I don't believe in luck. Here is the group (grades 1,2 and 4) with the bear and our games guide gathered around the remains of the maslenitsa.
We all went in and ate pancakes together! (Yeah, forgot to take pix...hoping another teacher did.) Then we went inside to make crafts (like the traditional doll that I forgot to take a picture of--come back tomorrow) and play games. In this game, the Papa bird, with the boy birds behind him in a train, flies through the windows which close when the music stops. What ever birds are caught inside become part of the circle.


There was a Mama bird train, too. We also played a game with the boys chasing girls through the circles. The windows open and close trying to protect the girl. In past years, we've sung songs and played other games. Our guide recognized me and commented on what an expert I was on traditional games and songs!

Then we headed out to the slides! There wasn't ice, but we still had a good time. Here are two of the three slides.

It was fun...

...at times painful...

but over all a fantastic experience! Look at the joy on my little SM's (yes, from all the esl stories) face.

We ended the day by climbing on a huge snow pile before our bus ride back to the city. This is my favorite field trip every single year.