Signs of Spring in Our Own Backyard

The boys and girls have been noticing that even though the temperatures and the snow do not seem to be cooperating, spring is in the air…and all around us.  Take a look at what they've found.

Two large forsythia bushes have buds which are bulging with springtime hope.

Several clumps of daffodil foliage have the children quite intrigued. 

We wonder what we might find next?

Feed the Birds

There has been considerable interest in birds these past few weeks as all of us have noticed big, fat robins hopping all around our playground, looking for worms to eat. This prompted a lot of interest and discussion in bird feeders.
Initially, we took some seed that had been purchased
earlier in the year and set it out in obvious locations for the birds to feast upon.

Later in the week, students had an opportunity to make their own feeders by coating pinecones in Crisco and then rolling them in bird seed. Afterwards, they hung their feeders around the playground. It looked a bit like Christmas in late March. 

April Calendars

Classroom calendars are now available for downloading. See the hyperlink to the right of this screen.

Spring Lamb Field Trip April 24th

The ELP students are going on a field trip on the morning of April 24th to St. John's Conservation Area to view the spring lambs. Be on the lookout for permission forms in the 'Downloads' section on the right of your screen. If you are unable to download the form, please request a paper copy from either Mr. Pickett or Ms. Campbell.

More Fun with Dinosaurs

Stepping back in time, students were able to take simple materials which were set out for them and create play experiences for themselves and their friends. 

Classroom paleontologists tried their hand at digging for bones in our Dinosaur Bone Sensory Bin.

Our dinosaur study took on a mathematical spin as students were provided with a copy of a footprint of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Students took 'bones' and measured the length and the perimeter of the footprint. Later in the week, the children were asked to surrender their own shoes for a moment at the learning carpet as we used them to measure the area of the T-Rex footprint.

Who could pass up an opportunity to watch a volcano erupt? Not us! The children took several days to construct and paint a model volcano. With mounting anticipation and great excitement, the volcano was put to the test. Look closely and see if you can see the red lava.

Great fun and learning was had by all!

Learning Through Dinosaurs

Late in the month of February, the students of Parnall School were treated to a morning assembly pertaining to Dinosaurs. A guest palaeontologist shared some basic information about these intriguing reptiles of the past. Following the assembly, the children arrived back in the classroom all a buzz about what they had heard and seen. Thus began our investigation into the world of dinosaurs.

A variety of books, both fictional and non-fiction, were read over the course of three weeks. 

Learning was recorded on anchor charts and displayed around the classroom.

We enjoyed a number of literacy activities linked to the poem I am a Paleontologist.

Various games and mathematical activities were made available for students to enjoy during play-based learning time.

We had great fun creating dinosaurs in our art area.

 

Students were invited to a drawing provocation where they could draw and colour different types of dinosaurs.

Check back in a few days for further adventures in learning with dinosaurs.

Pancake Tuesday

 March 4, 2014

On Tuesday morning, March 4th, the ELKP classes all celebrated Pancake Tuesday in the gymnasium. Parent volunteers and teachers all came together to prepare a delicious feast for the children. The menu consisted of pancakes, maple syrup, fruit juice and fresh fruit. Following the meal, the children were invited to create colourful murals placed around the room. A lovely time was had by all.