Embedded Files
Room 1 - Let's have FUN!
🐟"We all have a responsibility to protect endangered species, both for their sake and for the sake of our own future generations."
- Loretta Lynch
🐟"We all have a responsibility to protect endangered species, both for their sake and for the sake of our own future generations."
- Loretta Lynch
Red Side Dace (endangered species)
This story introduced us to Rory, a minnow species called a Redside Dace who lives locally in cool, clear, freshwater rivers and streams. He loves his home with his family and friends, but has to move because humans start building along the river bank, soon filling the water with garbage. Rory and other Redside Dace had to leave the area. After a visit back, he meets a young human who thinks it's not too late to reclaim his original home. We learned so much about this local minnow who we care so much more about now! Just ask us, we like to talk about Rory and other Redside Dace!
Red Side Dace (endangered species)
This story introduced us to Rory, a minnow species called a Redside Dace who lives locally in cool, clear, freshwater rivers and streams. He loves his home with his family and friends, but has to move because humans start building along the river bank, soon filling the water with garbage. Rory and other Redside Dace had to leave the area. After a visit back, he meets a young human who thinks it's not too late to reclaim his original home. We learned so much about this local minnow who we care so much more about now! Just ask us, we like to talk about Rory and other Redside Dace!
Spark conversation with your child:
- what is a river bed, river bank, and mouth of a river?
- most minnows eat water based food (plants, water insects), but not redside dace! what do they eat? (flying insects)
- what things to redside dace need in their habitat (where they live)? (plants/shade, cool clear water, deep pools of water)
- what do redside dace look like?
- we have three main rivers in Toronto that have smaller creeks and streams that feed into them, let's review the names of the rivers! (Humber River, Don River, Rouge River)
We learned that there are a few things we can do to help the Redside Dace:
1. pick up garbage / keep yours off the ground
2. plant plants (especially near water!)
3. teach others about the situation...
Keep your eye out for an informative public art installment around Wilkinson to help others know all about our friend, the Redside Dace.
Riddle:
What runs, but never gets tired?
What has a bed, but does not sleep?
What has a bank, but no money?
What has a mouth, but does not speak?
Riddle:
What runs, but never gets tired?
What has a bed, but does not sleep?
What has a bank, but no money?
What has a mouth, but does not speak?
Endangered!
We are enjoying spending time learning about Redside Dace. We have done art, dancing to "Peace Like a River" (that you can listen to here); move around like redside dace in search of shade and bugs ("bug alert!") until garbage sent us away; been helpful humans who clean up the area and plant more plants; and figured out a river riddle! There are so many more things to learn about! Here are some fun links to explore together to learn more:
Video of Redside Dace swimming
Map of Redside Dace areas
Activities and Fun
Videos with more information (four episodes)
TVO - Leo's Fishheads learn about Redside Dace (10 minutes)
Endangered!
We are enjoying spending time learning about Redside Dace. We have done art, dancing to "Peace Like a River" (that you can listen to here); move around like redside dace in search of shade and bugs ("bug alert!") until garbage sent us away; been helpful humans who clean up the area and plant more plants; and figured out a river riddle! There are so many more things to learn about! Here are some fun links to explore together to learn more:
Video of Redside Dace swimming
Map of Redside Dace areas
Activities and Fun
Videos with more information (four episodes)
TVO - Leo's Fishheads learn about Redside Dace (10 minutes)
🌷"When one flower blooms, spring awakens everywhere."
- John O'Donohue
🌷"When one flower blooms, spring awakens everywhere."
- John O'Donohue
Spring Smells and Sights
There is just so much happening in the Learning Garden in front of our eyes! This poem reminded us about the cedar tea we got to try in the fall and how yummy it smelled. So ... this poem really spoke to us. Mixing our fall tea with "a touch of April" involved going in search of what April is offering for plants in the Learning Garden!
Spring Smells and Sights
There is just so much happening in the Learning Garden in front of our eyes! This poem reminded us about the cedar tea we got to try in the fall and how yummy it smelled. So ... this poem really spoke to us. Mixing our fall tea with "a touch of April" involved going in search of what April is offering for plants in the Learning Garden!
Some questions to ask your child:
- what were some of the signs of spring you saw?
- did you Learning Garden tea smell good?
- how did you experience the magnolia tree? (smell it, touch the fuzzy buds, pick up fallen flowers, etc.)
Spring is sprouting and our Bodies are dancing!
Every day in the Learning Garden feels like a new adventure! We went in search of signs of springs including: checking out Joe's tree (serviceberry) buds then finding it's older relative; sniffing and adoring the sweet blueish/purple flowers I mistakenly called 'blue bells' (they are blue-eyed glass); finding thorns on the wild rose plants (be careful!); smelling the new sweetgrass sprouts and pulling out some of the dry blades that are de-com-posing from last year; investigating how many mulberry trees there are; sniffing and admiring the magnolia tree; and more...like learning about garlic mustartd! Then, we made our own 'spring tea' to sniff and appreciate! We got a cup and got down on the ground to find things we could add to our cup (without pulling living things!) to make it look and smell good - like a tea! We passed our cups around the circle to share the sweet smell and sights of spring and making our toast "to spring!" We returned all we had collected to the Learning Garden. Then we danced it out, like we like to do to this fun song! We ♥️ spring!
Spring is sprouting and our Bodies are dancing!
Every day in the Learning Garden feels like a new adventure! We went in search of signs of springs including: checking out Joe's tree (serviceberry) buds then finding it's older relative; sniffing and adoring the sweet blueish/purple flowers I mistakenly called 'blue bells' (they are blue-eyed glass); finding thorns on the wild rose plants (be careful!); smelling the new sweetgrass sprouts and pulling out some of the dry blades that are de-com-posing from last year; investigating how many mulberry trees there are; sniffing and admiring the magnolia tree; and more...like learning about garlic mustartd! Then, we made our own 'spring tea' to sniff and appreciate! We got a cup and got down on the ground to find things we could add to our cup (without pulling living things!) to make it look and smell good - like a tea! We passed our cups around the circle to share the sweet smell and sights of spring and making our toast "to spring!" We returned all we had collected to the Learning Garden. Then we danced it out, like we like to do to this fun song! We ♥️ spring!
🎵"For just a few weeks, it's maple syrup time."
- Moxy Fruvous (original: Pete Seeger)
🎵"For just a few weeks, it's maple syrup time."
- Moxy Fruvous (original: Pete Seeger)
The Birch, the Maple, and Nanaboozhoo
This wonderful story comes from Anishinaabe mythology and is sourced from Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to do is Ask: Anishinaabe Botanical Teachings. It's the story of how Nanaboozhoo (trickster figure) was hungry and learned about the gifts the birch and maple trees provide the Anishinaabe. The lessons included: the importance of hard work, appreciating the balance between receiving and responsibility, and that it's unkind to laugh at the hardship of others. Oh, and don't eat too much maple syrup at once. ha.
The Birch, the Maple, and Nanaboozhoo
This wonderful story comes from Anishinaabe mythology and is sourced from Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to do is Ask: Anishinaabe Botanical Teachings. It's the story of how Nanaboozhoo (trickster figure) was hungry and learned about the gifts the birch and maple trees provide the Anishinaabe. The lessons included: the importance of hard work, appreciating the balance between receiving and responsibility, and that it's unkind to laugh at the hardship of others. Oh, and don't eat too much maple syrup at once. ha.
Some questions to spark conversation with your child:
- what is makakoon? (birch bark baskets)
- what gifts does wiigwaasi-mitig (birch tree) give? (canoes, wiigiwaam (home) roof, baskets, fire starter, sap)
- how does Nanaboozho change the ininaatig (sugar maple tree) gift? (adds water to the syrup in the tree to turn it into sap)
- where are there sugar maples growing at Wilkinson? (Kindergarten yard)
Anishinaabe words for maple sap:
'ninaatigwaaboo' maple tree water
'wiishkabbaaboo' sweet water
'ziisbaakwadaaboo' sugar water
Anishinaabe words for maple sap:
'ninaatigwaaboo' maple tree water
'wiishkabbaaboo' sweet water
'ziisbaakwadaaboo' sugar water
Syrup Season is the Best Season!
Over the course of a few weeks, we enjoyed so many aspects of maple syrup season, right here at Wilkinson! There was dancing to the best seasonal song (you can enjoy here); tasting sap straight from the tree; learning about how maples have 'opposite branches' and finding two other plants in the Learning Garden that does too (ash and dogwood); enjoying the story; and, the best part - Ms. Kathleen's homemade maple candy sample! Yum! She showed photos of how her stove became sticky in the process. Ha. You can find the recipe she used here (no nuts): https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/142723/pure-maple-candy/
Syrup Season is the Best Season!
Over the course of a few weeks, we enjoyed so many aspects of maple syrup season, right here at Wilkinson! There was dancing to the best seasonal song (you can enjoy here); tasting sap straight from the tree; learning about how maples have 'opposite branches' and finding two other plants in the Learning Garden that does too (ash and dogwood); enjoying the story; and, the best part - Ms. Kathleen's homemade maple candy sample! Yum! She showed photos of how her stove became sticky in the process. Ha. You can find the recipe she used here (no nuts): https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/142723/pure-maple-candy/
Animals Adapting to Winter (Watershed on Wheels)
Animals Adapting to Winter (Watershed on Wheels)
Watershed on Wheels
Sometimes it's just nice to have a special visitor come to Wilkinson! In came Raja one day from the TRCA (Toronto Region Conservation Area) to play with us outside in the snow. We learned so much about animals and their adaptations!
Watershed on Wheels
Sometimes it's just nice to have a special visitor come to Wilkinson! In came Raja one day from the TRCA (Toronto Region Conservation Area) to play with us outside in the snow. We learned so much about animals and their adaptations!
Some questions to ask your child:
- were you able to find your hidden squirrel food (popsicle sticks)?
- what was the name of Raja's squirrel puppet?
Teamwork makes the Dream Work (and the snow move)!
Teamwork makes the Dream Work (and the snow move)!
Sno-pening the Gate
We have snow! Like, a lot, a lot of snow... and with nowhere to go! The Kindergarten yard was down to one functioning gate (read: only one could open!). So, some keen kiddos in Room 1 took matters into their own hands ... and shovels, and diggers, and yogurt containers .... Now we have two gates that open and close!
Sno-pening the Gate
We have snow! Like, a lot, a lot of snow... and with nowhere to go! The Kindergarten yard was down to one functioning gate (read: only one could open!). So, some keen kiddos in Room 1 took matters into their own hands ... and shovels, and diggers, and yogurt containers .... Now we have two gates that open and close!
"When Kim's father comes in and shouts 'Boot weather!' Kim can step into her favourite boots and go anywhere she likes-"
- Judity Vigna (opening page of Boot Weather)
"When Kim's father comes in and shouts 'Boot weather!' Kim can step into her favourite boots and go anywhere she likes-"
- Judity Vigna (opening page of Boot Weather)
Boot Weather
This children's book is a such a delight - an oldie but a goodie! When Kim heads outside into her snowy backyard, she imagines herself in many adventurous situations and has herself a wonderful time!
Boot Weather
This children's book is a such a delight - an oldie but a goodie! When Kim heads outside into her snowy backyard, she imagines herself in many adventurous situations and has herself a wonderful time!
Some questions to ask your child:
- what is the name of your horse that you untied at the stable and took for a ride through the snow?
- what was the magic trick you did for Ms. Kathleen? (disappearing and reappearing)
- what did you repair when you were a construction worker?
- how high did you jump when you blew out of the cannon?
Snow-filled Adventures
We had a simply wonderful time out in the snow being in all the places and doing all of the wonderful things you can do with your imaginations when it is "boot weather!" We started in the Learning Garden, by reading this delightful story, then putting on our own magical boots that took us up hills like a mountain goat, down hills on fast magical sleds. Then we bounded out of the Learning Garden like astronauts exploring the moon! We snuck past a polar bear on our way to our construction site. We left there by blowing out of a cannon and landing in a tunnel we crawled through to find treasures. We skated to our ranch where our horses were tied. We took good care of them and took them for a ride. We were ski jumpers, magicians, ninjas, spies and so many more adventures - all right here in Wilkinsons backyard! We ❤️BOOT WEATHER!
Snow-filled Adventures
We had a simply wonderful time out in the snow being in all the places and doing all of the wonderful things you can do with your imaginations when it is "boot weather!" We started in the Learning Garden, by reading this delightful story, then putting on our own magical boots that took us up hills like a mountain goat, down hills on fast magical sleds. Then we bounded out of the Learning Garden like astronauts exploring the moon! We snuck past a polar bear on our way to our construction site. We left there by blowing out of a cannon and landing in a tunnel we crawled through to find treasures. We skated to our ranch where our horses were tied. We took good care of them and took them for a ride. We were ski jumpers, magicians, ninjas, spies and so many more adventures - all right here in Wilkinsons backyard! We ❤️BOOT WEATHER!
Snowbody knows the thrill of winter until they sled down a snow-covered hll!
Snowbody knows the thrill of winter until they sled down a snow-covered hll!
'Tis the Season to be Sledding!
One never knows how long it will last, so we made the most of it and had a blast! With a few rules under our belts for safety and a few bonus tips - we were off! Now, if you need us, and there's snow ... you know where to find us!
'Tis the Season to be Sledding!
One never knows how long it will last, so we made the most of it and had a blast! With a few rules under our belts for safety and a few bonus tips - we were off! Now, if you need us, and there's snow ... you know where to find us!
Here are some questions you can ask your child:
- when you sled down the hill and might bump into someone or something you ______?
- remember, please don't walk UP the hill where people sled ______!
- what is a tip for having the best ride down the wee-Wilkinson sledding hill?
"Fill your life with colour!"
- anonymous (but great thought)
"Fill your life with colour!"
- anonymous (but great thought)
Snow Prints and Colourful Fun
We have snow! It's not much, but there was some! We found colourful ice hidden all over the Learning Garden. There were so many and they were so much fun to find! Then, we created colourful mini-masterpieces with and left them behind as decorations for the next people to see. Winter is fun and can be colourful too!
Snow Prints and Colourful Fun
We have snow! It's not much, but there was some! We found colourful ice hidden all over the Learning Garden. There were so many and they were so much fun to find! Then, we created colourful mini-masterpieces with and left them behind as decorations for the next people to see. Winter is fun and can be colourful too!
Here are some questions you can ask your child:
- did you find colourful ice cubes?
- how did you decorate with them?
"To leave the world a better place than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up someone else's trash."
- Bill Nye the science guy
"To leave the world a better place than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up someone else's trash."
- Bill Nye the science guy
Hand Strength, Coordination, and Clean Up
When we play in the OPAL yard, we sometimes have the opportunity to pitch in and make the world a better place, picking up one piece of trash at a time...
Hand Strength, Coordination, and Clean Up
When we play in the OPAL yard, we sometimes have the opportunity to pitch in and make the world a better place, picking up one piece of trash at a time...
"It's not what we do for children, but what they are taught they can do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings."
- Ann Landers
"It's not what we do for children, but what they are taught they can do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings."
- Ann Landers
Deciduous vs Coniferous
We can learn big science words like:
de-cid-u-ous and
co-nif-er-ous!
We like to use them...and know what they mean too. We also like to find these trees and give them some love!
Deciduous vs Coniferous
We can learn big science words like:
de-cid-u-ous and
co-nif-er-ous!
We like to use them...and know what they mean too. We also like to find these trees and give them some love!
Here are some questions you can ask your child:
- what do you like to do on the balance beams
- which trees have cones? (deciduous or coniferous)
Beams of Intrigue
Sometimes we 'hit the road' and explore fresh new spaces together. We've been to the balance beams twice so far this year and it is amazing to watch their personal growth and body awareness improve with each visit! With that growth and improvement comes confidence too - we are even moving our bodies in snowsuits outside! We solve problems, we ask questions, we push ourselves ... and we do it independently in a safe environment. We ❤️the balance beams!
Beams of Intrigue
Sometimes we 'hit the road' and explore fresh new spaces together. We've been to the balance beams twice so far this year and it is amazing to watch their personal growth and body awareness improve with each visit! With that growth and improvement comes confidence too - we are even moving our bodies in snowsuits outside! We solve problems, we ask questions, we push ourselves ... and we do it independently in a safe environment. We ❤️the balance beams!
"I am doing what I can."
- Dukdukdiya from Flight of the Hummingbird
"I am doing what I can."
- Dukdukdiya from Flight of the Hummingbird
The Little Hummingbird
This children's book is a revised edition of Flight of the Hummingbird which is based on a South American Indigenous story about a courageous hummingbird that goes beyond expectations in her attempt to save a forest from fire by "doing what I can." The book also teaches about the cultural history of hummingbirds and includes an inspiring environmental message from Wangari Maathai. The artwork is by Haida artist, Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas.
The Little Hummingbird
This children's book is a revised edition of Flight of the Hummingbird which is based on a South American Indigenous story about a courageous hummingbird that goes beyond expectations in her attempt to save a forest from fire by "doing what I can." The book also teaches about the cultural history of hummingbirds and includes an inspiring environmental message from Wangari Maathai. The artwork is by Haida artist, Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas.
Some questions to ask your child:
- what is the Haida word for hummingbird? (dukdukdiya)
- what do you know about hummingbirds?
Super Story
We shared what we knew about hummingbirds and learned so much more! They flap their wings 50 times a second! That's 500 times in 10 seconds. We tried, and none of us could flap our wings more than 25 times or so in 10 seconds! Did you know that they are the only bird that can fly backwards? They can stay still in the air. We flapped just like them: forward! backward! still! We watched a few cars drive past on Donlands and realized that hummingbirds fly faster than the cars were moving! Pretty sure we all appreciate hummingbirds even more now. We also moved our bodies around to the story...we were frightened animals huddling together, we moved our bodies like a bird, tiger, bear, rabbit, owl and more. We were a fire and the hummingbird who collected water from the stream, one drop at a time on that fire. It was a wonderful December day in the Learning Garden enjoying a memorable book with so much joy and connections...
Super Story
We shared what we knew about hummingbirds and learned so much more! They flap their wings 50 times a second! That's 500 times in 10 seconds. We tried, and none of us could flap our wings more than 25 times or so in 10 seconds! Did you know that they are the only bird that can fly backwards? They can stay still in the air. We flapped just like them: forward! backward! still! We watched a few cars drive past on Donlands and realized that hummingbirds fly faster than the cars were moving! Pretty sure we all appreciate hummingbirds even more now. We also moved our bodies around to the story...we were frightened animals huddling together, we moved our bodies like a bird, tiger, bear, rabbit, owl and more. We were a fire and the hummingbird who collected water from the stream, one drop at a time on that fire. It was a wonderful December day in the Learning Garden enjoying a memorable book with so much joy and connections...
"The outdoors offers limitless potential to young children. It becomes a place where they can go to relax their mind, to be inspired and to deep dive into the world of imagination. It's a place where they can design, create and explore. The possibilities are endless."
- Angela Hanscom
"The outdoors offers limitless potential to young children. It becomes a place where they can go to relax their mind, to be inspired and to deep dive into the world of imagination. It's a place where they can design, create and explore. The possibilities are endless."
- Angela Hanscom
OPAL Yard
We have come to the time of the year when Ms. Kathleen brings us into the "OPAL yard"...
Outdoor Play And Learning yard! It was unexpected timing that this was when the Kindergarten playground was closed for construction so the kindies are using the OPAL yard for their 'recess' as well... BUT, when they do spend time in the OPAL yard for Outdoor Education, they have the space, parts, and encouragement to truly explore, create, design, and play. There is a great deal of exploratory learning that happens here through inquiry based play!
OPAL Yard
We have come to the time of the year when Ms. Kathleen brings us into the "OPAL yard"...
Outdoor Play And Learning yard! It was unexpected timing that this was when the Kindergarten playground was closed for construction so the kindies are using the OPAL yard for their 'recess' as well... BUT, when they do spend time in the OPAL yard for Outdoor Education, they have the space, parts, and encouragement to truly explore, create, design, and play. There is a great deal of exploratory learning that happens here through inquiry based play!
Here are some questions you can ask your child:
- what do you like to use the milk crates for?
- do you like using the rolling spindles? (large, circular wooden spools)
"Nature is a tool to get Children to experience not just the wider world but themselves."
- Stephen Moss
"Nature is a tool to get Children to experience not just the wider world but themselves."
- Stephen Moss
Up in the Garden and
Down in the Dirt
This story showcases the wonder that exists around plants, under leaves, and down in Earth. The story follows a grandparent and child through a year of planning, planting, harvesting, and learning from the land in and around their garden. The relationship of harmony between what exists above and below the ground highlights the complexities and joys of engaging with the land where you live.
Up in the Garden and
Down in the Dirt
This story showcases the wonder that exists around plants, under leaves, and down in Earth. The story follows a grandparent and child through a year of planning, planting, harvesting, and learning from the land in and around their garden. The relationship of harmony between what exists above and below the ground highlights the complexities and joys of engaging with the land where you live.
Here are some questions you can ask your child:
- bats are nocturnal , what does that mean?
- what are some things robins eat?
-why does a pill bug curl up?
- if you were to plant something in the Learning Garden to watch grow, what plant would it be?
- what did you build for ants in the Learning Garden with your great.big.imagination?
Active Engagement, Building Connections
Active Engagement, Building Connections
We enjoyed this book over the course of several Outdoor Education classes. The story encouraged us to explore the Learning Garden and led to an appreciation of all the natural wonders there! Each page led our imaginations and sense of exploration into gear!
Here are some fun highlights, we...
- choose which plant we would plant and where, then we watered it, and grew our bodies like it
- were snow that melted when the sun (Ms. Kathleen) started shining in the spring
- share what we think lives in the dirt here with our partners then spotted some in the book
- were chickens among the broken stalks of the sunchoke plants to spread de-com-posing plants
- were pill bugs, all roly-poly after a gentle poke
- were tunneling worms; spiders walking on puddles; and wet dogs shaking water after being 'soaked' by Ms. Kathleen
- went in search of leaves with signs of animal activity (e.g. chew marks, leaf galls, eggs) and found some!
- were flying robins searching for our next meal
- moved together like bats (never touching as we moved in many directions in a small space); flew like mosquitos then were eaten by a praying mantis; and slithered like snakes
- were spiders that made a web (out of classmates!) to catch a moth (another classmate!)
- found our own quiet place to 'read' a book
- shared our favourite soup (we also made a 'purple stew' ha!)
- curled up like an animal to 'hide' for winter
Finally, we use our great.big.imaginations to create fun spaces for tiny ants... if they lived like us. There were playgrounds, roads, hospitals, and more!
"A plant that has ensured the survival of people for thousands of years, cedar has become a powerful symbol of strength and revitalization."
- Alice Huang
"A plant that has ensured the survival of people for thousands of years, cedar has become a powerful symbol of strength and revitalization."
- Alice Huang
Creative Creations
We have learned about so many wonderful and beautiful plants growing in the Learning Garden. Many of them are preparing for the arrival of winter, releasing seeds, and starting the decomposing process. To honour and celebrate all we have learned and appreciate about these plants, we created our own art to pay homage to them. Then, we went and made leaf torches - the colours are so bright and amazing!
Creative Creations
We have learned about so many wonderful and beautiful plants growing in the Learning Garden. Many of them are preparing for the arrival of winter, releasing seeds, and starting the decomposing process. To honour and celebrate all we have learned and appreciate about these plants, we created our own art to pay homage to them. Then, we went and made leaf torches - the colours are so bright and amazing!
Here are some questions you can ask your child:
- what plants did you use?
- tell me about what you created and how?
"A plant that has ensured the survival of people for thousands of years, cedar has become a powerful symbol of strength and revitalization."
- Alice Huang
"A plant that has ensured the survival of people for thousands of years, cedar has become a powerful symbol of strength and revitalization."
- Alice Huang
Story of Cedar
It was a beautiful day to read an Anishinaabe story about how Cedar came into the world from this excellent book. We noticed cedar's flat leaves, crumpled cones, and could smell the oils. We liked hearing about Makwa (black bear), Amik (beaver), Nigig (otter), and the Thunderbird. We especially appreciate the rule of Creator that we learned: Go, live your best life and always help others.
Story of Cedar
It was a beautiful day to read an Anishinaabe story about how Cedar came into the world from this excellent book. We noticed cedar's flat leaves, crumpled cones, and could smell the oils. We liked hearing about Makwa (black bear), Amik (beaver), Nigig (otter), and the Thunderbird. We especially appreciate the rule of Creator that we learned: Go, live your best life and always help others.
Cedar Tea - Art - Dance
We gave ourselves some cedar and sage 'perfume' after we learned more about these Anishinaabe sacred medicinal plants. We captured the beauty of this tree with bark and leaf rubbings of Grandmother Cedar while we moved our bodies to the Cedar Song sung by Algonquin Elder Judi Montgomery that you can enjoy here. After, Ms. Kathleen shared the tea she made from the Learning Garden Cedar tree! We also read a great book called Stand Like a Cedar.
Cedar Tea - Art - Dance
We gave ourselves some cedar and sage 'perfume' after we learned more about these Anishinaabe sacred medicinal plants. We captured the beauty of this tree with bark and leaf rubbings of Grandmother Cedar while we moved our bodies to the Cedar Song sung by Algonquin Elder Judi Montgomery that you can enjoy here. After, Ms. Kathleen shared the tea she made from the Learning Garden Cedar tree! We also read a great book called Stand Like a Cedar.
Here are some questions you can ask your child:
- what animals are examples of upper air creatures, on land creatures, and below land creatures like we read about in the story?
- did you try the cedar tea? did you like it?
- how do you feel when you hear the Cedar Song?
- do you like the smell of cedar and sage?
"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul."
- Luther Burbank
"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul."
- Luther Burbank
The More you Know, the More you Grow...
We expanded our understanding of the plant lifecycle by discovering seeds! The seeds have different ways to spread (i.e. wind, animal scat), but ultimately all plants that are going to de-com-pose soon, need to be sure they've spread their seeds so more plants can grow next year!
The More you Know, the More you Grow...
We expanded our understanding of the plant lifecycle by discovering seeds! The seeds have different ways to spread (i.e. wind, animal scat), but ultimately all plants that are going to de-com-pose soon, need to be sure they've spread their seeds so more plants can grow next year!
We learned more interesting things about medicinal uses, food offerings, and Indigenous use of more plants including: bergamot; mulberry; red osier dogwood; compass plant!
We had a great time spreading mullien seeds, seeing how golden rod changes into seeds and comparing that to aster seeds, hanging under the mulberry tree, and locating the white berries on the red-osier dogwood (we may have 'barked' and the red bark on this dogwood - ha)!
Here are some questions you can ask your child:
- what did the mullien seeds look like? (small)
- what did the golden rod seeds look like? (white/fluffy)
- how are seeds from the red osier dogwood spread? (birds poop out the seeds from the berries!)
We played a fun game with actions representing the plants we know where someone turned their back, picked a plant, while the rest of the class quietly chose one too, when they turned around, they looked to see if they matched. If they did, they cheered and called out the name of the plant!
We played a fun game with actions representing the plants we know where someone turned their back, picked a plant, while the rest of the class quietly chose one too, when they turned around, they looked to see if they matched. If they did, they cheered and called out the name of the plant!
"The more you know, the more you grow."
- Shannon Anderson
"The more you know, the more you grow."
- Shannon Anderson
Beauty in Eye of Beholder
"That September pairing of purple and gold is that the beauty of one illuminates the radiance of the other."
"...there is energetic reciprocity between purple and yellow pigments, which Asters and Goldenrod knew well before we did."
-Robin Wall Kimmerer (Braiding Sweetgrass)
Beauty in Eye of Beholder
"That September pairing of purple and gold is that the beauty of one illuminates the radiance of the other."
"...there is energetic reciprocity between purple and yellow pigments, which Asters and Goldenrod knew well before we did."
-Robin Wall Kimmerer (Braiding Sweetgrass)
Learning Garden Teachings
We continued our search for plants to learn from in the Learning Garden after reviewing how everything in the garden contributes to the cycle of life there. ❤️
Learning Garden Teachings
We continued our search for plants to learn from in the Learning Garden after reviewing how everything in the garden contributes to the cycle of life there. ❤️
We learned more interesting things about medicinal uses, food offerings, and Indigenous use of more plants including: asters; milkweed; bergamot.
We found the 'friends' (golden rod and aster) growing together and enjoyed watching the insect activity that surrounded them. We know more about milkweed and can identify it by the way it's veins are organized (one centre vein and then a series of 'u' shaped veins from there); and took a big sniff of the bergamot learning that it has antiseptic properties (anti=no, septic=infection).
Here are some questions you can ask your child:
- did you see any bees working among the golden rod and asters?
- what butterfly eats milkweed? why are their wings orange?
- did you like the smell of the bergamot?
"Creativity is a scavenger hunt. It’s your obligation to pay attention to clues, to the thing that gives you that little tweak."
- Elizabeth Gilbert
"Creativity is a scavenger hunt. It’s your obligation to pay attention to clues, to the thing that gives you that little tweak."
- Elizabeth Gilbert
Honorable Harvest
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
In the spirit of contributing to the circle of life and caring for that circle, Ms. Kathleen followed the wisdom and knowledge shared in this book when harvesting a few leaves and flowers from the Learning Garden to be used for the Scavenger Hunt. This was shared with Wilkinson students to help shape their relationship with the natural world and our role in caring for living things that care for us.
Honorable Harvest
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
In the spirit of contributing to the circle of life and caring for that circle, Ms. Kathleen followed the wisdom and knowledge shared in this book when harvesting a few leaves and flowers from the Learning Garden to be used for the Scavenger Hunt. This was shared with Wilkinson students to help shape their relationship with the natural world and our role in caring for living things that care for us.
The Circle and A Search
We are learning about three big things plants do in the world to help take care of it: clean the air (make oxygen); store energy from the sun (provide food); look lovely (give us peaceful spaces). This is only part of the circular cycle though. We learned about how plants de-com-pose when they die (put nutrients in the soil) and continue to care for the world so more plants can grow - the cycle continues.
The Circle and A Search
We are learning about three big things plants do in the world to help take care of it: clean the air (make oxygen); store energy from the sun (provide food); look lovely (give us peaceful spaces). This is only part of the circular cycle though. We learned about how plants de-com-pose when they die (put nutrients in the soil) and continue to care for the world so more plants can grow - the cycle continues.
We sat in our own circle to learn all of this in Wilkinson's Learning Garden. Then, we went out with a partner on a scavenger hunt where we tried to find a match to the leaves or flowers Ms. Kathleen gave us on our board. This is a fun way to visually search for information, practice our teamwork skills, connect with the natural world, and helps to better retain what we learn.❤️
We sat in our own circle to learn all of this in Wilkinson's Learning Garden. Then, we went out with a partner on a scavenger hunt where we tried to find a match to the leaves or flowers Ms. Kathleen gave us on our board. This is a fun way to visually search for information, practice our teamwork skills, connect with the natural world, and helps to better retain what we learn.❤️
After the hunt, we learned neat things about a few plants including their medicinal uses, food offerings, and Indigenous uses. This week, we learned about: highbush cranberry; mullein; chicory; golden rod.
Here are some questions you can ask your child:
- where are the cranberry bushes?
- where is the fuzzy plant that is good for a sunburn? - is there really a plant that can make coffee without caffeine?
- are golden rod leaves like steps or twins?
"Sometimes a person needs a quiet place."
- Douglas Wood (A Quiet Place)
"Sometimes a person needs a quiet place."
- Douglas Wood (A Quiet Place)
A Quiet Place
This story is an ode to appreciating nature and exploring our own quiet place in our hectic city and often noisy world. It encourages us to use our imagination and wonder to inspire us to notice new things in a familiar place. Once you find your quiet place, you can imagine all sorts of things and make all kinds of discoveries!
A Quiet Place
This story is an ode to appreciating nature and exploring our own quiet place in our hectic city and often noisy world. It encourages us to use our imagination and wonder to inspire us to notice new things in a familiar place. Once you find your quiet place, you can imagine all sorts of things and make all kinds of discoveries!
Exploring Our Quiet in the Learning Garden
We were introduced to our own space of quiet nature here at Wilkinson - the Learning Garden! We are guests who are learning how to treat this wonderful space with consideration and care. One of the ways we did that was by exploring gently to find our own quiet place as inspired by our story and our imaginations! We found hidden treasures like a pirate in our quiet place and shared our findings with a classmate. We listened to nature sounds like coyotes (and howled like them too!). We made new discoveries, rode our horses, and even went 'fishing' in the Learning Garden. It's a lovely space for play, learning, and growth. ❤️
Exploring Our Quiet in the Learning Garden
We were introduced to our own space of quiet nature here at Wilkinson - the Learning Garden! We are guests who are learning how to treat this wonderful space with consideration and care. One of the ways we did that was by exploring gently to find our own quiet place as inspired by our story and our imaginations! We found hidden treasures like a pirate in our quiet place and shared our findings with a classmate. We listened to nature sounds like coyotes (and howled like them too!). We made new discoveries, rode our horses, and even went 'fishing' in the Learning Garden. It's a lovely space for play, learning, and growth. ❤️
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