A Fond Farewell to the Butterflies of 2011

I'm  not sure why we believed that butterflies live for only a few days. Over the years, while working with the children, we've discovered that some species of butterflies, such as the Monarch, actually migrate south just like birds. But how do these wispy winged creatures cross an ocean and arrive safely in balmy Mexico?
 As the butterflies prepare for their migration south, this group of girls take the opportunity to make these lovely wings!

What is that Sound?

We are surrounded by sounds; music, the wind as it moves through objects, the crunching of autumn leaves, the buzzing of a bee. Most times we are too busy to pay attention. But every once in a while a child stops to listen and then we listen too. Just as a seashell holds the sound of the crashing ocean waves so too do these tubes carry sounds of nature to the ears of listening children.

Austin brings the tube to his ear and listens, "I hear the ocean!"

Joshua takes the tube and listens as well. "No, it's a bee. A bee from the flower."

Joseph and Joshua  position the tube between them and lift. Joshua places the tube close to his ear and Joseph makes a sound.

Joshua then leaves the tube and moves to the zucchini plant in the garden. He leans close to the zucchini flower and  listens for a sound but hears nothing.

He retrieves the tube and places in near the zucchini. Perhaps that will help him hear a sound. He listens. "I hear the bees!"





The Big Tall Building with Lots of People

Leo arrived at school with a wonderful experience to share. "I saw a tall, tall, tall building with lots of windows in it. People were going in out. I want to make one."

While outdoors, his teacher offered him a variety of materials to make a representation of "the tall, tall building." The rope was not precut into the strands you see in the photos. Leo was able to unravel it to suit his needs

Autumn arrives, array'd in splendid mein;

Vines, cluster'd full, add to the beauteous scene,

And fruit-trees cloth'd profusely laden, nod,

Complaint bowing to the fertile sod."

- Farmer's Almanac, 1818

Clay Has No Master

Clay can be a difficult task master as it demands much from its students in the way of dexterity, skill and precision. Nicholas rose to occasion and used all his previous knowledge of clay to make this sculpture. Some work is done for the simple pleasures found in accomplishment.

Distorted Images

A set of four Plexi glass mirrors were given to the children.Since the mirrors were pliable the teachers were able to bend them to create distorted images. The children were fascinated with their reflections. A cube was also created and this of course allowed the children see "hundreds of me!"

There are Many Ways to Mark the Changing of the Season

It may be a little too early to start talking about autumn but it is just around the corner. Some leaves are actually changing colors. Have you noticed the slight dip in temperature at night?  And it's dark by 8:30. Oh well what can you do.  That's Canada for you!