We started (as we often do) with some coloring during readaloud. Today it was Little Fox in the Snow by Jonathan London, illustrated by Daniel Miyares. This is a neat, poetic book that does “day in the life of an animal” better
Nature Study: Four Senses Nature Walk
Last week we had a fun exploratory nature walk — we stopped several times and checked our 4 senses (we left out “taste” since we established no one in our group is a wild mushroom or berry expert). In addition to stopping
Nature Study: Hibernation
We introduced the theme of hibernation by reading Philip C. Stead’s Bear Has a Story to Tell. The group did some coloring while I read, and afterwards we discussed the picture: the animals it showed, how they were coping with winter, and
Nature Study: Collecting & Owl Pellet
This week, as all weeks, we had a rough plan but the best part was unscripted! The plan was for a nature walk where the kids collected at least 20 items into their own individual bags, then later sorted their items based
Nature Study: Birdsong
We began with a brief discussion of the Mohawk people, and then read a Mohawk story: Sacred Song of the Hermit Thrush, by Tehanetorens. It’s the story of how each bird got its song, the hermit thrush winning the loveliest
Nature Study: When Winter Comes
The Neutrons and I talked about animals they might see on a local nature walk and about what happens to these animals during the wintertime. We discussed migration, hibernation, and adaptation, and evaluated how each of the animals we listed
Nature Study: Kingfishers
To introduce today’s theme of migration, we talked about this poor bird and what it demonstrated. Looking at a globe, we discussed where such storks migrate and what reasons they might have for doing so. Next (while coloring in an image of a kingfisher)
Nature Study: Soil, a.k.a. Dirt
Today the Neutrons discussed soil (otherwise known as dirt). We read a book about the different layers of soil and were excited to discuss what “animal matter” might mean. Then we walked a portion of a new-to-us trail and dug
Nature Study: Magnifying Glasses and Binoculars
This week the Neutrons explored the woods and practiced using magnifying glasses and binoculars. Those tools were hits, and the kids did a great job asking for turns and sharing. Proud of them! In the woods we quieted our voices
Nature Study: Investigating Leaves
The Neutrons last week investigated leaves on a nature walk and pavilion activity. First we looked at a book about some different types of leaves in our area, we touched and studied samples I brought from my neighborhood, and discussed