"In this classroom, relationships are fostered, families are respected, and children are honored.
In this classroom, nature's gifts are valued and children's thoughts are captured.
In this classroom, learning is alive and aesthetic beauty is appreciated." -Unknown

Friday, May 3, 2013

Earth Day and Taking Care of the Planet





 We made our own Earth by using popcorn kernels in a knee-high stocking and splatting it inside a cut out circle form. When it was dry we painted the kiddos' hands with skin-tone paint and had them place them on the Earth. 


We did a magical swirling Earth experiment: milk, food coloring (blue and green) and dish-washing soap. The kids were so excited when they saw the large swirls of movement. So fun!!


We discussed ideas of what we could do to help take care of the Earth. 


We weeded our garden box with help from our little friends. 


Each child brought a blooming flower from home and we planted them in our garden box. What a splash of colors!


We played with the big Earth ball and read Earth Day Birthday.


We began using our "nature packs": clear backpacks, colored pencils, paper on clipboard, and magnifying glasses. 




We did LOTS of still life art. 


We did experiments to show how roots and stems drink up water by placing daisies in colored water. The first photo is in individual colors. The second photo shows daisies with split stems that go into two primary colors.


We began experiments on growing and reusing natural materials. Pictured here is the base of a celery stlak and an avocado pit. 



We shared SO many AMAZING books this week. They are shown above. LOVE!


We still had more friends bringing in rocks and gems to share. 


Our caterpillars had changed into their chrysalis' and then into butterflies. We ended the week by going outside and releasing them. 


16 comments:

  1. Great post, Barbara! You had me at "kernels in a knee-high stocking". Now I'm thinking of all the great things we could do with kernels in a knee-high!

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    1. That's too funny, Jackie! Have you never done that before? Some people put paper on the ground and let the kids drop the paint covered knee-hi from up on the play structure, etc.

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  2. I love all the things you did! Great ideas! Thank you for sharing at our Pinteresting Party!

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  3. Thanks for adding this to the Outdoor Play Party, you have so many great ideas in one post!

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  4. So many great Earth Day (any day) activities! Thanks for sharing with us at Eco-Kids Tuesday!! Hope you join us again today!

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  5. Thanks, Hannah! These are kind of any day activities for us. The kiddos are really enjoying it all!

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  6. These are wonderful ideas. Can't wait to try some next year! Thanks for linking up at Tender Moments! -Angela @ Teaching Mama

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    1. Thanks, Angela. Thank you for providing a forum for sharing with others.

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  7. Thanks for linking up with Monday Kid Corner on The Jenny Evolution. I hope you're getting messy with the kids and having fun.

    Jennifer
    thejennyevolution.com

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    1. Thanks for providing a forum to share with others, Jennifer!

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  8. I think is great to help children to learn how to protect the Earth. Every little step counts!

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  9. Nice blog post!!! Not only they will learn to protect the earth but also they will learn about caring. I truly like to reading your post. Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a nice information.

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  10. I like your post. It is good to see you verbalize from the heart and clarity on this important subject can be easily observed... Marcia Backstrom Dolls

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