The second last day

Today, rooms 107 and 108 will head over to RV Burgess Park to explore.  I love having a green space so close to our school but I am sad whenever we go there because of all the litter.  It shocks me.  There are many garbage and recycling bins on site.  Let's hope there is less litter today than yesterday.

Rooms 210 and 110 will go outside in the learning yard.  We have planted many plants and we will water them.  If you want to water the plants in the summer, feel free to do so.  The school grounds are community property and if we all work together, the butterfly garden and planters will flourish and grow into something beautiful instead of something sparse, like they are now.

Room 211 will stay inside and help to care for and move the plants in the classroom so they can be ready for the holiday.  We will put as many as we can outside.

SO much to do, so little time.

:)
Melissa

today's activities

We have another busy day in room 101.  Rooms 107 and 210 will be going to RV Burgess Park.  Room 109 will be going to the learning yard.  Rooms 110 and 211 will be staying inside.  As the year draws to a close, I feel privileged to have been able to work with all the wonderful children and adults at Fraser Mustard.  I know I will have a great summer but always look forward to returning refreshed and eager to learn along with the children.

:)
Melissa

Fake Friday

Tomorrow, I will be absent so today we will have our thank you circle that we usually have on Fridays.  We say what we are thankful for.  Today, I will be thankful for the trees.  Last night, a tree in the learning yard had it's trunk broken in half.  It is so sad that people can treat nature with such disrespect.  I am thankful for the trees, for the shade and warmth they bring us.  Also for the clean air they create and food they provide.

I hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.

:)
Melissa

A Little About Today!

Today, rooms 110 and 109 will go outside, water all our plants and connect with the natural elements in the learning yard.

Inside, room 107 will water the inside plants.  Also, rooms 107, 108 and 211 will select classroom activities: insect exploration, painting, art, gardening, books, nature art or hermit crabs...just to name a few.

I hope you can get outside today and enjoy the sun.  Today, I thank the birds for singing their beautiful songs for all to enjoy.

:)
Melissa

Adventure Time

Today is another outdoor day, assuming it isn't raining.  We get busy outside gardening and digging and critter finding and bird watching.....so many fun experiences filled with learning opportunities.

Going outside today is room 107, 108, 210 and 211.

I say thank you to the rain for making all living things grow but also ask to hold off on the rain until after school.

:)
Melissa

Adventure Time

Today, I will head outside with rooms 108, 107, 109, and 211.  As we approach the end of the year, I like to go outside without a plan and in mind and support the students as they plan their own outdoor time.  The foggy weather today is very interesting...I hope it lasts until we get outside.

:)
Melissa

Can you spot the Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor)?

The Big Idea

This year, the main big idea we worked on is demonstrating an understanding of the natural world and the need to care for and respect the environment.  Children who love nature turn into adults who protect nature and develop environmentally friendly habits, like reducing their waste.

Remember, at Fraser Mustard, we recycle ink cartridges, cell phones and fabric.  Send in these items with your child so we can recycle them with our partners in the community.  Together, we can make a difference, create less waste and reduce the need for land fills.

Today, I say thank you to the sun for helping the plants to grow.

:)
Melissa

Butterfly Garden

The staff and students of Fraser Mustard have worked hard to create a butterfly and hummingbird garden in the learning yard.  We have planted seeds and plants that will attract butterflies and birds, including milkweed to attract the Monarch butterflies.  Ask your child to show you the garden, it will soon be very beautiful.

Thank you to the rain for helping all living things grow.
:)
Melissa

Toronto has Everything We Need

http://tpl100.ca/61#/reason-61

Check out this link to the Toronto Public Library.  It is 100 reason's to use the library.  Did you know you can borrow a laptop from the library?  

Thank you to our wonderful city for still having surprises for me.


:)
Melissa

The Salmon Release

I am very excited to release the salmon into the wild tomorrow.  We have learned so much about salmon while we watched them grow.  The forecast is for sunny weather and a high of 18.  Sounds like perfect weather for a day outside.  If your child is coming on the trip, I know they will have lots to tell you when they get home tomorrow.

:)
Melissa