Land-Based Learning: Observation Skills & Plants

Today, we went out on the land on a Community Walk. We went on our walk to spend time in nature to observe. We had an activity to complete: use our observation skills to find things in nature that we're grateful for. 

Some examples were: Find something that can be used to build with; Find something that makes you smile; Find something that looks soft to touch. As we walked along the river pathway, we used our observation skills to find objects that fit the scavenger hunt list and we checked them off. 

We also went to "commune with the land." (Henry) Today, the land was trying to tell me: 

"Look at all these things I have to find." ~ Henry

"I am angry and sad because there is garbage so the mouse and fish cannot live." ~ Renat

"See what I have and explore me." ~ Asma

"Find different things on me. I have so many beautiful plants; come find them!" ~ Olivia

"I have a lot of beautiful stuff: plants and animals. Come see them." ~ Mary Jane

Then, we were given a surprise gift! We happened upon two people taking cuttings from poplar trees and re-planting them so new ones would grow. They cut a bit off the tree to see if the tree is dead or not. If it is green under the bark, they know it is alive. The green part of the tree is chlorophyll. They were putting wire around these new trees because to stop beavers from eating them before they had grown enough.

One thing I liked or learned from today's walk was: 

"I liked that we had a scavenger hunt." ~ Olivia

"I liked that we got a chance to see nature well and learn about it." ~ Asma

"I liked that we were able to go outside." ~ Henry

"I liked seeing a mouse under the snow." ~ EA

"I liked how we could sit with the snow and talk about the walk.
 ~ Mary Jane

"I liked playing at the playground. The slide was fast and there were icicles." ~ ZA

"We went everyone together so we can talk and see." ~ Renat

 "I liked that we got to go with the other class." ~ Melody

"I learned that you can tell if a tree is still alive if you strip it and it's green inside." ~ Greta

"I learned that you can plant trees in the snow and they will still grow." ~ Ms Elder