May 2010
6 posts
Book Report: Explorations
Not too long ago, I was browsing a favorite local bookseller and came upon a fabulous find: HOW TO BE AN EXPLORER OF THE WORLD BY KERI SMITH (I’m not yelling at you; The whole book is in caps.) Within it are 59 “Explorations” to undertake indoors and out. From simple endeavors, like documenting lettering you find out in the world, to more involved projects, like creating...
Urban Gardening
When I first began my venture of edible gardening with a classroom full of kindergartners, I knew it was going to be a challenge to accommodate all of them with two 6’ x 3’ raised beds. There was the added issue to consider of asking five year olds to respectfully share space as well. Square foot gardening seemed to be the best way to address these concerns. Thus far, I am pleased...
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Scavenger Hunt
Think back to the last walk or hike you went on. What did you see? Chances are, if you had companions, you were less aware of your surroundings than you could have been.
I was inspired to post an exercise I find useful with kids and adults alike while doing field sign transects in Nova Scotia. I was reminded of the skill it takes to notice and identify signs in nature and how useful it is to...
April 2010
1 post
Climate Change Expedition
The expedition is complete! Poop, Traps, Voles and more! Kids and adults alike are invited to peruse the adventure here.
March 2010
11 posts
Worm Bins
My students and I built worm bins for our garden beds today.
The worms will produce casting rich compost with wonderful nutrients for our garden beds. You can buy worm bins, but they are exceptionally easy to make. It was also a great project for my young students to tackle. I want them to care for the garden and understand what the scientific process of growing food really is. Engaging them in...
Toolkit
I am a big fan of having toolkits on hand to be my quick and easy grab bags of ideas when I’m in too much of a time crunch to plan ahead. Investigating the outdoors with your kids doesn’t actually require pre-planning, but when you have 20+ kids in tow, you can really use a plan to keep things in check. And even if you only have one kid in tow, a toolkit can help make the...
Earthwatch Expedition in Nova Scotia →
Field Investigation
This experience at Olympic Park Institute has been fantastic. I am so priviledged to be with such an intelligent, interesting group of educators, taking part in such a memorable weekend. If I told you that I went on 2 hikes today, visited an 80-foot waterfall, went canoeing on a gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains, and was treated to 3 delicious meals, would you believe I was working?...
Location: Olympic National Park
I just arrived at the Olympic Park Institute today. It’s a beautiful area on a lake in the mountains. The cabins are akin to those at a stereotypical summer camp complete with bunkbeds. I ate dinner with other teachers attending the workshop, in the dining house where composting is separated by type of organic makeup. When they say they support the environment, they do it to the fullest!...
Gone Batty
My class began research on bats today. My students voted to study bats following our research on white-tailed deer, two mammals I will be studying in Nova Scotia. We began by discussing things we already know about bats and then listing questions we have. We then identified the parts of a brown bat. I learned some new things. First, bats are not as unappealing to look at as I once thought. ...
Tip: Indoor Salad Bar
Kidsgardening.org has a great article on how to grow greens indoors for cheap and with quick gratification (eat-worthy within 30 days!). We will be germinating seeds in the classroom soon for transfer into our new garden beds. Next year, I’ll feel more confident to start the growing process even sooner. If you try this out or have tips of your own, let me know!
Grow your own Salad Indoors
Work & Play
Our first work party to build raised garden beds in the schoolyard Wildlife Habitat is scheduled for the last weekend in March. We have enlisted the help of an eagle scout troop and adult members of the school garden club will also be in attendance. I realize now that there was a bit of poor planning on my part, as I’ll actually be moving on the same days. It will be an exhausting weekend, but...
Location: Home Base
I am currently at home base, teaching 5 and 6 year olds to write stories, read books, put numbers together and take them apart…and above all else, care about themselves and others. We are working on an expedition this school year, called “Reducing our Carbon Footprints”, but I think a more appropriate title would be “Taking Care of the Earth”. We have been studying...
Start at GO
I’m starting this blog because I’ve recently recognized that my teaching journey has evolved and I want to document it. My teaching has always been fueled by my love of learning. Now it is also fueled by my love of the earth, of travel, and of agents of change. Here’s where I plan to document my quest to teach and get dirty while doing it. Welcome!