Today we made our 2013 stepping stone.  Each child had a chance to stir the cement mixture.  A large group activity such as this one helps children practice being patient as they wait they turn.  It also promotes meaningful conversation.  One child shared, “My daddy is a mason.  He works with cement.”  We poured the mixture into a round mold.  Then, each child and teacher placed a marble into the cement.  There are 16 marbles to represent the 16 children in the ‘Ulu class this year.  When it dries a little more, we will be etching each child’s name onto the stone.  The stepping stone will be placed in our backyard.  This 2013 stepping stone will be the third one in our backyard.