Happy Earth Day from TOP!

Earth Day pictures.

We wanted to recognize Earth Day at The Outdoor Preschool-a subject near and dear to our hearts. We began with talk of the earth and a coloring exercise. While we colored in the map of the earth we talked about how there was more water than land on the earth. That was very surprising for many of the young people. While some kids created art, others were digging in the dirt-finding mole pathways and worms. Others climbed their favorite trees or made mud "rice and beans" and mud "chocolate". There were lots of laughs to be had when the teachers happily "ate" the mud from the "cafe".

Digging to find mole pathways.

The Mud Cafe.

During circle time we talked about how we could help the earth every day for Earth Day. There were lots of good suggestions of picking up garbage, recycling and planting plants.

Did you know that there was a spotting of a Great Horned Owlet in the woods at Farrel-McWhirter? Everyone was excited to go see if we could find the owl. After spending time looking at photos of owls our groups split up to go and find them. Farmer Tom had told Teacher Ann on Tuesday where he had seen the owlet so we had a good idea of where to look. Next to the place where we play "moles".

The yellow group first went to see how the baby chicks are growing and to see if there were eggs in the chicken house. (there were 3 hens sitting on eggs!) Then the children were to choose which was the way to get to the mole spot. At each fork in the trail, I let the kids choose a direction. They did very well finding their way there.

Kids said "We are racing!"

We came up on the mole spot very quietly, searching the trees for owls. We didn't see any-but the kids were very responsive to watching and observing. We will keep looking for the owls each week-hopefully we'll see the owlet or the parents.
Link to a photo of a Great Horned Owlet

Jake sorting plastic bugs.

FYI-Thank you to Edit-Nicholas's mom for volunteering to help out on May 10th!