Exploring on Earth Day
Today is Earth Day. I asked the children if they knew what the earth is this morning and many of them did. Elijah even stated that “ it’s a planet that we live on.” We looked at our globe and figured out where we live and we also look to see where Melanie’s dad is visiting right now . We talked about what recycling means and even watched a 7 minute video of a real recycling station.
By 845 we were out the door and ready to explore. Our intention was to pick up trash in honor of earth day but we did so much more.
Almost immediately we found a trash bin that had holes for trash and for recycling to reinforce what we had just learned .
Honestly , I guess the city is in full force getting ready for the Dogwood Festival so there was very little trash to be found anywhere. That’s a good thing.
We rolled down the hill and at the bottom of the hill we saw a white tree. Now what is that ? We walked further and saw more- they are everywhere. Dogwoods !! The tree is called a dogwood tree and that is why we have the dogwood festival. Of course we had to take a pic or two.
As we walked we met people as a group we all said 0good morning.” During walks around town is a great time to teach safety and social etiquette. We met a much older gentleman coming out of the chiropractor‘s office and he explained to us that his wife works at the ABC school in Gentry . I said “Oh ! I bet they love her. “ He said “ yes and she needs them .” It touched my heart. I understand.
And then of course another photo op . If somebody will please re-create this when they are seniors I’d love it.
As we walked past one of the hair salons we found someone we know .
The shop owner gave us all suckers .
We went past the downtown bakery we saw ( and smelt) all of the Earth Day yummies but they were closed. Sadness .
As we walk through downtown the excitement grew as the children saw the workers putting up tents and setting up stages. What do you think is going to happen on that stage? “ Oh I don’t know I think people are going to come out dressed as dogs.” 🐕 🤷🏻♀️
As we walked we saw some numbers on the ground. That was interesting. We finally made it to the park and we played at the park for about an hour. ( Just so you know they had the festival side gated off with the orange mesh fencing. We went through the end of it and one of the girls said… “We’re breaking the law.” 😳 Not quite but good thinking sister .
The children enjoyed playing in the park. We used to go to the park a lot and I miss those days .
On the way home we did stop back by the bakery and got a cake pop. Of course, everyone enjoyed them.
We also found another globe! I LOVE when life sets me up to succeed and validates teachable moments.
It was a really good day
Last night, I almost fell into my old ways looking at Earth Day crafts. Do you know the old ones like taking a coffee filter and putting blue and green marker on it and then spraying it with water and letting them run to look like the earth What does that teach us about the earth? I was also tempted to do the hand print one.where the children paint the paper plate blue and then they put a green handprint on top to make it look like the earthI was also tempted to do the hand print one.where the children paint the paper plate blue and then they put a green handprint on top to make it look like the earth. Again, what does that teach us about the earth?
I know you guys appreciate that we learned so much while we were out today but just in case you just see it as fun and no learning I’ll give you a few examples .
From The Arkansas development in early learning standards :
SE1. Takes greater initiative in social interactions and begins to show interest in familiar adults feelings preferences and well-being’sTakes greater initiative in social interactions and begins to show interest in familiar adults feelings preferences and well-being’s
CD1: demonstrates interest in explore new experiences or materials with increasing willingness to participate in new activities or experiences, even if the child receives them is challenging
Gross motor : ALL OF IT 😜
LD3: With support and reminders use a social rules of language with increasing consistency and ability to apply roles in both familiar and unfamiliar settings. 
EL3: Shows understanding that print carries a message and can represent spoken language – they absolutely knew that the sign out front said bakery. 😬
I could go on and on but you get the idea. Learning takes place everywhere and becomes deeper with an engaged teacher. Teaching on the go for the win. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
As you all know I cling to the philosophy that started in the schools in Reggio,Italy that are more child directed. In those schools they do what is called a walkabout. People in their towns are very accustomed to seeing groups of children walk around exploring and learning about their community. I want that for us
You know it’s a good day when everyone leaves down after a late lunch and from one of the rooms and hear two children say “ thanks for everything.” 😭😭😭😭😭
Happy Earth Day Y’all.