what is made with trees?

Today, we will be exploring all the things that are made from trees.  Room 109 will be going outside to observe the changes in the trees.  It is amazing how much they change day to day.

:)
Melissa

another busy day

Today, rooms 108 and 211 will go outside to observe the seasonal changes in the trees.  This will begin our study into how trees are different from one another.

Room 110 will be inside today.  They will be responsible for watering the classrooms extensive garden.

Room 210 will begin their study into trees through a group discussion labeling the parts of a tree and then there will be an activity center available for the children to draw their own, scientific drawing of a tree.

It is anther day that I am grateful for the sun, warming us on this beautiful day.

:)
Melissa

A little about today

Yesterday, when we were outside, we noticed that different trees have very different buds.  Today, rooms 107, 109, 110 and 210 will be exploring this further.  By sketching and taking pictures, we will document all the differences to bring back into the classroom.  I will gather resources about trees.  Why do different trees have different buds?

:)
Melissa

Earth Day

Today is the day we show our planet that we love it!  At Fraser Mustard, many classes will celebrate Earth Day by participating in 20 minutes of community clean up.  Imagine a world with no more trash!!

Thanks to the rain for giving water to all of the plants as they wake up from their winters sleep.

:)
Melissa

a little about today

Our first day together will be a busy one.  We will read Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message.  Then we will share what we are thankful for.  We will write what we wonder about our compost experiment, paint and make collages.  Gardening Centre is always an option.  at the end of our time together, we will learn our outdoor time theme song called Adventure Time.

It is gong to be great!!

:)

Melissa

the last block begins

Starting on Friday, I will begin to work with rooms 107, 108, 109, 110, 210, and 211.  I look forward to working with them to create an understanding of the natural world and also the need to care for and respect the environment.  We will also learn the indigenous teachings of humility, courage, wisdom, truth, honesty, love and respect.  We will spend lots of time outdoors so make sure your child is dressed for the weather.

:)
Melissa

4 ways to help your child appreciate the outdoors Parents can help their kids become healthier and happier by making sure they spend time in nature.

4 ways to help your child appreciate the outdoors

Parents can help their kids become healthier and happier by making sure they spend time in nature.

By: Chanie Kirschner

Mon, Mar 30, 2015 at 05:25 PM

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Young children can often find sources of wonder as close as the backyard. (Photo: KPG_Payless/Shutterstock)

Nowadays, with screen time at all-time high and kids spending much of their free time indoors, growing our kids’ appreciation for nature is more important than ever.

 

Children who spend more time outside are just plain healthier. And if we want them to care about the environment and do their part to preserve the world, they first have to experience it — even fall in love with it.

 

I remember spending hours at a time outside: building the main street of a town out of dirt and rocks in our front yard, jumping in the puddles in the driveway after a rainstorm and lying in the grass staring at the clouds moving by. Not so today.

 

One study suggests that even the books our kids read lack the same connection to nature that they used to. Especially in the winter, kids can easily go days without spending more than five minutes outside.

 

So how do we foster our kids’ love and appreciation for the outdoors? Read on for some tips.

 

Garden with your kids.

Here in Florida, gardening is a year-round sport. Although I’d sometimes rather be inside in my air-conditioned house sipping coffee, my kids love any excuse to get down and dirty. Kid-sized gloves and shovels make the process even more fun (and save me from having to clean dirt out from under everyone’s fingernails afterward). If your ground isn't quite ready yet, why not grab some seeds, a planter and soil to get your kids into an indoor garden? You can go to your local nursery for recommendations on the best plants to grow indoors. Be sure to bring your kids with you to get them involved, and invested, in the process.

 

Make outdoor time an integral part of family vacations.

Next time you all have a day off from school, why not go on a family hike instead of seeing the latest flick? If you’re motivated, take the family on a camping trip instead of a regular hotel. It’s less expensive and you don’t have to worry about bed bugs (though other critters might be a different story). You can even do a campout in your own backyard, a great idea if your kids are still too little for the real deal. While you’re at it, you can work on their outdoor survival skills.

 

Recognize teachable moments.

Every time you’re outside with your kids — on the way to the grocery store, getting the mail or even just heading to the car — be sure to talk about being outside (and not something negative like “I hate this weather”). Comment on the shape of the clouds, the caterpillar making his way up the mailbox pole or the snow looking like a white blanket on your lawn. If you can get into the habit of doing this, it’ll help your kids be more cognizant and appreciative of the simple beauty of the world around them.

 

Play outside every day.

This one is probably the most important. You don’t have to take your kids all the way to a park. The backyard or front stoop will do just fine, or even just go for a walk. If you’ve got a toddler, let him lead the way (as long as it’s not into oncoming traffic). Toddlers have an innate sense of wonder at the world around them. Watch them stoop down to look more closely at ants building an anthill on the sidewalk or a caterpillar on a leaf. Bend down and peer with them. You’ll be surprised at just how many details they notice.

 

Just like plants, kids need sunlight and fresh air to grow. For every moment they’re spending outside, your kids are growing healthier bodies, positive habits and clearer, calmer minds.

 

Read more: http://www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/stories/4-ways-to-help-your-child-appreciate-the-outdoors#ixzz3WBAKfIcV