Re: Digest for MCECL@googlegroups.com - 9 Messages in 2 Topics
Kathleen Garness
ToniB <ant...@msn.com> May 17 07:58AM -0700 ^
Although, I so appreciate the size and natural setting
of our current playground. I would be up for any simple and
inexpensive ideas of other ideas to add to our surroundings. I've
tried bird feeders and bird houses, but the birds don't seem to want
to be around the kids. Any other idea
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -
Margaret Mead
Kathleen Garness
One of the main activities our children look forward to every year is
raising monarch butterfly caterpillars. We have a butterfly garden in
one area of our outdoor space and are now a certified monarch
butterfly waystation: (http://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations/) This
nationwide program is part of the University of Kansas. We track the
journey of the butterflies north to our waystation and then back
south to their overwintering spots in Michoacan, Mexico. We even
participated in and international correpondence programs with one of
the schools in Mexico one year!
You can build geography, ecology, art and biology units for all
levels using this as a base. Even the very youngest children thrill
to watch the newly-emerged butterflies sail into the sky on their
first flight. Some children are afraid of anything that flies.
Watching the little eggs hatch, washing the milkweed and feeding it
to them, and seeing them flit around the garden helps relieve some of
what Louv calls 'eco-phobia.' : )
Kathy
Begin forwarded message:
> ToniB <ant...@msn.com> May 17 07:58AM -0700 ^
>
> Although, I so appreciate the size and natural setting
> of our current playground. I would be up for any simple and
> inexpensive ideas of other ideas to add to our surroundings. I've
> tried bird feeders and bird houses, but the birds don't seem to want
> to be around the kids. Any other ideas?
"Neve
R. Isbell
setting---but we are always looking for new ideas that will make the
area even better.
An interesting addition to a playground area is a outdoor stage. If
you have an flat area you can add benches made out of tree logs around
an open space that the children can use in preformances and dramatic
play. If you have a small hill, the setting area can be built into
the incline. This theater inspires plays, language, music
productions, and the imagination. By taking some additional props,
such as a few yards of different fabric, a collection of hats, or
other open-ended materials you can encourage other themes and ideas in
their theater play.
R. Isbell
a long period of time. This clearly demonstrates that young children
have longer attention spans when they are interested in what is
happening. You have extended this high interest experience even
further by participating in correspondence with schools in Mexico.
This study could also be enriched through the use of the creative
arts. Some examples might include providing beautiful flowing music
to which the children could imagine flying, creating a group mural of
butterflies on sheer fabric, or a mobile that could be suspended from
the ceiling with fishing line. There are so many creative
possibilities for you and the children to grow and learn.
Martha
natural world is critical if they are to grow up to be capable,
competent stewards of the earth. I believe it’s also important for
teachers to have a working knowledge of earth sciences and a genuine
appreciation of nature in order to teach children about the natural
world and inspire respectful regard for our planet. There is a world-
wide movement to better connect children and families with nature that
is taking hold in my local community. As part of this effort, a list
of nature related websites is being compiled, which I’ve attached in
case these resources would be of interest/use to others. If this list
doesn't attach, I'll try again.
>
> - Show quoted text -
Kate
interesting to change from the colorful playscapes to a more natural
playground. I would like to add some of the natural musical
instruments, a stage like Rebecca stated, different logs or stepping
stones, a natural bike path so that the children do not lose the wood
like atmosphere living in a city setting. I feel like children lose
the natural environment because of so many barriers in their lives it
would be nice to give them natural. I think that changing the outdoor
environment weekly with different stories that can be brought outside,
different indoor materials should be utilized on the playground.
R. Isbell
sand, mud, leaves, branches, and stones.They are responsive to the
child's movement and interest. We have also found that the addition of
wagons for the children to pack and pull the new materials outdoors
helped the children feel more invovled and responsible. For so many
years the outdoor spaces were a vast wasteland----it is so exciting
that we are beginning to view the outdoor area as a place where much
learning can occur. If we want children to care for their enviornment
we have to provide these meaningful experiences with nature in the
early years. We can also move many of these natural elements into the
classroom for talking about, exploration and enjoyment.
R. Isbell
Today is my last day to lead our discussion. I hope you will continue
to study and learn about wonderful environments for young children.
If you would like to talk further about any of our topics email me at
isb...@etsu.edu
It has been great for me to hear your wonderful ideas and the many
ways you are working to create special places for young children.
Rebecca Isbell