Earth Day

 A Letter written to Mother Earth
 

Last week, I read one of my favorite picture books, Dear Children of the Earth, to the students in my class.  It is a beautiful story written as a letter from the Earth to those of us who have the privilege of being inhabitants on this amazing planet.  After we read the story, students took the time to write letters back to "Mother Earth."  The writing above is one such letter.  This Monday, April 22nd, is the official Earth Day.  My students and I will be celebrating the day by making recycled paper and taking time to clean up our school grounds.  Last week we planted annual flower seeds under lights, in the hope of planting them as the spring unfolds.  Happy Earth Day!  Take some time to celebrate this amazing little home of ours in the universe on Monday and everyday you have a chance!     

Signs of Spring

 

We looked for signs of spring today and started a book of observations.  We plan to visit the outdoor learning center on a regular basis this spring as we watch the season unfold.  We are even adding temperature and other bits of weather information (our science unit from last quarter).  Observation is an important science skill and basic thinking skill.  This is the perfect time to be observing a seasonal transition.  We are all excited to be heading toward warmer weather! 

Spring

The Weed Garden Grows!

"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow." --Proverbs

 

 

I went for a short walk on our paths through the woods and peered into the wetlands and poked in the gardens looking desperately for signs of spring.  It was a cold and windy day and the signs of new life were somewhat subtle and subdued to my anxious to be done with winter self.  I did hear the sounds of a few spring peepers croaking and a variety of birds singing, sure signs of winter's close.  And there were sprouts of green life poking through here and there, especially in our weed garden and in the swampy, mucky areas.  I think it is time to study the signs of spring and the changes over time in the quiet little pathways of our backyard.  My students and I will be observing, charting and delighting in the turning of this long winter into the greening of a new spring, for it is sure to follow.