Embedded Files
"It's Maple Syrup Time."
- Moxy Fruvous "It's Maple Syrup Time" (song)
"It's Maple Syrup Time."
- Moxy Fruvous "It's Maple Syrup Time" (song)
First: Tap the Trees
Next: Boil, Boil, Boil
Finally: Taste Test!
🍁'Tis the Season!🍁
Who knew this year, with only 4 wee-trees tapped, that we would get so much sap!?! Hands down, the most enriching maple syrup learning year yet! We are so thankful for the opportunity to learn from the land right here at Wilkinson and get to taste the gifts from the Earth right from the tree, after being boiled a bit, then a taste of it after a bit more boiling, then sampling a final product! Yum!
🍁'Tis the Season!🍁
Who knew this year, with only 4 wee-trees tapped, that we would get so much sap!?! Hands down, the most enriching maple syrup learning year yet! We are so thankful for the opportunity to learn from the land right here at Wilkinson and get to taste the gifts from the Earth right from the tree, after being boiled a bit, then a taste of it after a bit more boiling, then sampling a final product! Yum!
Tap to Sap, Stories, Samples, and Syrup!
We enjoyed weeks of learning about maple syrup, starting with an Anishinaabe story about how Nanabozho is responsible for why maple trees make sap instead of syrup. We learned that it takes a lot of work, strength, and gratitude to turn the gift of the maples into syrup! We learned about the tools used to tap the maples, how to do it, how the sap is 'left overs' from the food that the tree made last year (to feed the tree in the spring until the tree can make it's own food again), where maples grow, and we kept our eyes on the buckets to make sure Ms. Kathleen emptied then when they were full! All of her boiling enabled us to have a real taste test: sap straight from the tree (#1), sap that had been partially boiled (#2), another sample of one that had been boiled even longer (#3), and finally, a little taste of final maple syrup (#4)! It was a taste-test of the process and it was sticky, sweet, and delicious! Miigwech to the maples for all they taught us! Here is a highlight reel Ms. Kathleen posted on Instagram that you can watch here.
Tap to Sap, Stories, Samples, and Syrup!
We enjoyed weeks of learning about maple syrup, starting with an Anishinaabe story about how Nanabozho is responsible for why maple trees make sap instead of syrup. We learned that it takes a lot of work, strength, and gratitude to turn the gift of the maples into syrup! We learned about the tools used to tap the maples, how to do it, how the sap is 'left overs' from the food that the tree made last year (to feed the tree in the spring until the tree can make it's own food again), where maples grow, and we kept our eyes on the buckets to make sure Ms. Kathleen emptied then when they were full! All of her boiling enabled us to have a real taste test: sap straight from the tree (#1), sap that had been partially boiled (#2), another sample of one that had been boiled even longer (#3), and finally, a little taste of final maple syrup (#4)! It was a taste-test of the process and it was sticky, sweet, and delicious! Miigwech to the maples for all they taught us! Here is a highlight reel Ms. Kathleen posted on Instagram that you can watch here.
Some questions to ask your child:
- what taste number did you prefer: 1, 2, 3, or 4?
(1=sap, 4=syrup)
- why did Nanabozho pour water into the maples?
- what do you know about maple syrup?
Some questions to ask your child:
- what taste number did you prefer: 1, 2, 3, or 4?
(1=sap, 4=syrup)
- why did Nanabozho pour water into the maples?
- what do you know about maple syrup?
"Over the snow, the world is hushed and white ... under the snow is a secret kingdom."
- Kate Messner, Over and Under the Snow
"Over the snow, the world is hushed and white ... under the snow is a secret kingdom."
- Kate Messner, Over and Under the Snow
Over and Under the Snow
Well, it was certainly a snowy and blowy day, so we used this excellent book to learn more about animals in the winter. We acted them out, we learned the word sub-niv-ean and also went on an "over-under adventure" of our very own! We wanted to know what's above us in our school (a preview to where the grade 1 classes are and what they look like) and to what is below us in the basement (the big kids washrooms)! We made the best of Outdoor Ed on a day that we couldn't be outside!
Over and Under the Snow
Well, it was certainly a snowy and blowy day, so we used this excellent book to learn more about animals in the winter. We acted them out, we learned the word sub-niv-ean and also went on an "over-under adventure" of our very own! We wanted to know what's above us in our school (a preview to where the grade 1 classes are and what they look like) and to what is below us in the basement (the big kids washrooms)! We made the best of Outdoor Ed on a day that we couldn't be outside!
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part."
- Pierre de Coubertin
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part."
- Pierre de Coubertin
Winter Olympics
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games gave us a great opportunity to learn, dance, play, collaborate, and celebrate together for a few weeks! And we did just that! We danced for the Opening Ceremony (mostly the first 45 seconds of this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCqUESCoB1w), moved our bodies as the different sports in time with the music, and participated in our own mini-winter olympics in teams with cheering and chuckles. Thank you, Olympics, for including us in this global celebration!
Winter Olympics
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games gave us a great opportunity to learn, dance, play, collaborate, and celebrate together for a few weeks! And we did just that! We danced for the Opening Ceremony (mostly the first 45 seconds of this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCqUESCoB1w), moved our bodies as the different sports in time with the music, and participated in our own mini-winter olympics in teams with cheering and chuckles. Thank you, Olympics, for including us in this global celebration!
Some questions to ask your child:
- can you show me some of the Opening Ceremony dance moves? (use link for music to jog memory)
- what team were you on? what colour?
- what were some of the events your team did (curling, bobsled, biathlon)?
Some questions to ask your child:
- can you show me some of the Opening Ceremony dance moves? (use link for music to jog memory)
- what team were you on? what colour?
- what were some of the events your team did (curling, bobsled, biathlon)?
You know what's great about sledding? More sledding!
- all kids everywhere
You know what's great about sledding? More sledding!
- all kids everywhere
Slip Sledding Away
Oh, it is just so much fun when there is enough snow to go sledding - and enough snow we have! Room 1 super-kindies has a super wonderful time!
Slip Sledding Away
Oh, it is just so much fun when there is enough snow to go sledding - and enough snow we have! Room 1 super-kindies has a super wonderful time!
Some questions to ask your child:
- what is the best part about sledding at school?
Some questions to ask your child:
- what is the best part about sledding at school?
"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold."
- Aristotle
"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold."
- Aristotle
Cold Fun!
The OPAL yard is instant fun - just add snow to colder temperatures to keep us moving and exploring! To check out highlights of winter fun in Outdoor Ed, feel free to check out Ms. Kathleen's Instagram posts here. These awesome kindie movers got together to build, expand, improve, and explore all sorts of ways to get around without touching the ground! Obstacles keep us moving, thinking, growing, and collaborating. Winter fun at it's finest.
Cold Fun!
The OPAL yard is instant fun - just add snow to colder temperatures to keep us moving and exploring! To check out highlights of winter fun in Outdoor Ed, feel free to check out Ms. Kathleen's Instagram posts here. These awesome kindie movers got together to build, expand, improve, and explore all sorts of ways to get around without touching the ground! Obstacles keep us moving, thinking, growing, and collaborating. Winter fun at it's finest.
Some questions to ask your child:
- what are some of your favourite things to build with in the OPAL yard?
Some questions to ask your child:
- what are some of your favourite things to build with in the OPAL yard?
"A place where children can play and learn, and grow up in peace and wonder."
-Nelson Mandela
"A place where children can play and learn, and grow up in peace and wonder."
-Nelson Mandela
The WOW Program
The Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) brought their Watershed on Wheels (WOW) program right to Wilkinson's school yard! Bianca led fun and interactive activities about animals in our habitat. A perfect supplement for what we have been learning with Ms. Kathleen!
Some questions to ask your child:
- what was the name of the squirrel?
- did you find the popsicle sticks you buried?
The WOW Program
The Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) brought their Watershed on Wheels (WOW) program right to Wilkinson's school yard! Bianca led fun and interactive activities about animals in our habitat. A perfect supplement for what we have been learning with Ms. Kathleen!
Some questions to ask your child:
- what was the name of the squirrel?
- did you find the popsicle sticks you buried?
"In nature nothing exists alone."
-Rachel Carson
"In nature nothing exists alone."
-Rachel Carson
Animal Dancers and Water Seekers
We checked out animals that live in the Great Lakes area with photos, chatted about how they might need and use clean water, and we got to dance like them all around Room 8 (it was raining A LOT)! Then we went in search of evidence of water as we walked to the Kindie Yard. There were so many places where water belongs and exists! Nibi is everywhere!
Animal Dancers and Water Seekers
We checked out animals that live in the Great Lakes area with photos, chatted about how they might need and use clean water, and we got to dance like them all around Room 8 (it was raining A LOT)! Then we went in search of evidence of water as we walked to the Kindie Yard. There were so many places where water belongs and exists! Nibi is everywhere!
Some questions to ask your child:
- where are some places at Wilkinson that we can find water?
- how might water help the plants and animals around Wilkinson?
Some questions to ask your child:
- where are some places at Wilkinson that we can find water?
- how might water help the plants and animals around Wilkinson?
"All the water that will ever be is right now."
-National Geographic
"All the water that will ever be is right now."
-National Geographic
Water is where? Everywhere!
We re-read Nibi Emosaawdang (The Water Walker) and shared our thoughts about water with our partners and as a class. Then, we set off on our own water adventure! Where can we find evidence of water? Where is water supposed to be and where is it surprising to see? We found so many places including evidence of water from water cans, drains, up in trees, wet soil and more!
Water is where? Everywhere!
We re-read Nibi Emosaawdang (The Water Walker) and shared our thoughts about water with our partners and as a class. Then, we set off on our own water adventure! Where can we find evidence of water? Where is water supposed to be and where is it surprising to see? We found so many places including evidence of water from water cans, drains, up in trees, wet soil and more!
Some questions to ask your child:
- where can you find proof that there is water around Wilkinson?
Some questions to ask your child:
- where can you find proof that there is water around Wilkinson?
"Nibi Bimaadiziwin."
-"Water is Life" in Anishinaabemowin
"Nibi Bimaadiziwin."
-"Water is Life" in Anishinaabemowin
Water Walker
Nibi Emosaawdang (The Water Walker) is an award-winning book (written in Anishinaabemowin and English) that tells the inspirational story of Nokomis (Grandmother) Josephine-ba Mandamin and her love for Nibi (water). She walks to raise awareness of the need to protect Nibi for future and for all life on the planet. She led a walk around ALL the Great Lakes inviting us to take up our responsibility to protect water - the giver of life, and to protect the planet.
Water Walker
Nibi Emosaawdang (The Water Walker) is an award-winning book (written in Anishinaabemowin and English) that tells the inspirational story of Nokomis (Grandmother) Josephine-ba Mandamin and her love for Nibi (water). She walks to raise awareness of the need to protect Nibi for future and for all life on the planet. She led a walk around ALL the Great Lakes inviting us to take up our responsibility to protect water - the giver of life, and to protect the planet.
Biinaagami = pure, clean water
We started with a riddle to direct us to our new learning - water:
I can be hard as rock.
I can be light as air.
I can be splashy like a puddle.
We learned so much: the water cycle; the word "water" in all the languages we knew as a group; Ms. Kathleen taught us sign language and the Anishinaabe word for water (nibi); and we listened to the Water Walker story. Did you know that they walked every spring for SEVEN years to do that? After learning about the Water Walkers - Ms. Kathleen suggested that we could be water walkers to protect water by walking around the Great Lakes too - all during Outdoor Education! That's when we went on our adventure to experience Biinaagami - the Canadian Geographic giant floor map that our school got to use for 2 weeks! (https://www.biinaagami.org/map and https://cangeoeducation.ca/en/maps/biinaagami/). After we walked the Great Lakes water system, we solved more riddles to learn about some plants and animals that live in this area too - then we got to act them out! We had a GREAT time!
Biinaagami = pure, clean water
We started with a riddle to direct us to our new learning - water:
I can be hard as rock.
I can be light as air.
I can be splashy like a puddle.
We learned so much: the water cycle; the word "water" in all the languages we knew as a group; Ms. Kathleen taught us sign language and the Anishinaabe word for water (nibi); and we listened to the Water Walker story. Did you know that they walked every spring for SEVEN years to do that? After learning about the Water Walkers - Ms. Kathleen suggested that we could be water walkers to protect water by walking around the Great Lakes too - all during Outdoor Education! That's when we went on our adventure to experience Biinaagami - the Canadian Geographic giant floor map that our school got to use for 2 weeks! (https://www.biinaagami.org/map and https://cangeoeducation.ca/en/maps/biinaagami/). After we walked the Great Lakes water system, we solved more riddles to learn about some plants and animals that live in this area too - then we got to act them out! We had a GREAT time!
Some questions to ask your child:
- how do you say "water" in Anishinaabe? (nibi)
- tell me about the GIANT map you walked on
- what animals/plants did you act like on the giant map?
(i.e. turtle, maple tree, cedar, redside dace, mosquito, beaver)
- why is water important to you?
- can you say 'water' in sign language?
Some questions to ask your child:
- how do you say "water" in Anishinaabe? (nibi)
- tell me about the GIANT map you walked on
- what animals/plants did you act like on the giant map?
(i.e. turtle, maple tree, cedar, redside dace, mosquito, beaver)
- why is water important to you?
- can you say 'water' in sign language?
"Look deep into nature, and then you will start to understand everything better."
- Albert Einstein
"Look deep into nature, and then you will start to understand everything better."
- Albert Einstein
Golden Rod & Asters
We listened to a neat story about two friends (one with golden hair, the other with blue/purple eyes) who wished to make everyone happy and stay together forever. It is believed that every autumn when we see gold and purple together (golden rod and asters), that these two friends had found a way to stay side by side, making people happy. 💛💜
We also listened to the words of Robin Wall Kimmerer reminding us to see the beauty of these plants not only for humans, but for bees the land and all of our relations.
Golden Rod & Asters
We listened to a neat story about two friends (one with golden hair, the other with blue/purple eyes) who wished to make everyone happy and stay together forever. It is believed that every autumn when we see gold and purple together (golden rod and asters), that these two friends had found a way to stay side by side, making people happy. 💛💜
We also listened to the words of Robin Wall Kimmerer reminding us to see the beauty of these plants not only for humans, but for bees the land and all of our relations.
Connecting with Orange Shirt Day
We started with a riddle:
I dash and dart from tree to tree.
My tail is is a fluffy letter C.
I chatter, I scamper, I never stay still.
I also have an acorn loving skill!
In Anishinaabemowin, squirrel is "ajidaamo". We learned we have a plant called ajidaamowano (squirrel tail) in the Learning Garden - so, we went in search of it and found golden rod!
We learned the stories and after hearing about Robin Wall Kimmerer's experience studying botany (plants) at University where her curiosities and beliefs were not accepted, we related that to the long standing experience of many Indigenous students at school, specifically Residential Schools. We did lots of sniffing, exploring, and playing.
Connecting with Orange Shirt Day
We started with a riddle:
I dash and dart from tree to tree.
My tail is is a fluffy letter C.
I chatter, I scamper, I never stay still.
I also have an acorn loving skill!
In Anishinaabemowin, squirrel is "ajidaamo". We learned we have a plant called ajidaamowano (squirrel tail) in the Learning Garden - so, we went in search of it and found golden rod!
We learned the stories and after hearing about Robin Wall Kimmerer's experience studying botany (plants) at University where her curiosities and beliefs were not accepted, we related that to the long standing experience of many Indigenous students at school, specifically Residential Schools. We did lots of sniffing, exploring, and playing.
Some questions to ask your child:
- what is ajidaamo? (squirrel)
- what plant is known as squirrel tail? (golden rod)
- how are golden rod and asters "friends"? (together, attract bees)
- can you show your arm like a squirrels tai?.
Some questions to ask your child:
- what is ajidaamo? (squirrel)
- what plant is known as squirrel tail? (golden rod)
- how are golden rod and asters "friends"? (together, attract bees)
- can you show your arm like a squirrels tai?.
"The land is the real teacher. All we need as students is mindfulness."
- Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
"The land is the real teacher. All we need as students is mindfulness."
- Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Skywoman Falling
This shared telling of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe story where Skywoman falls from Skyworld to Earth. Caught by geese, she is given land on the back of a turtle by animals who provide mud from the depths of the water. Skywoman sings and dances on what becomes Turtle Island. She plants seeds from the Tree of Life and helps establish a relationship of reciprocity and respect between humans and nature.
Skywoman Falling
This shared telling of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe story where Skywoman falls from Skyworld to Earth. Caught by geese, she is given land on the back of a turtle by animals who provide mud from the depths of the water. Skywoman sings and dances on what becomes Turtle Island. She plants seeds from the Tree of Life and helps establish a relationship of reciprocity and respect between humans and nature.
Sacred Medicines in the Learning Garden
We enjoyed the Skywoman Falling story then learned about the Anishinaabe 4 sacred medicines, their name in Anishinaabemowin, and more about them. We explored the Learning Garden in search of the three sacred medicines that grow there, We got to touch, smell, and even add 'perfume' to ourselves (without harming the plants). This is what we learned about these three plants in our Learning Garden:
Sweetgrass / Wiingaashk: believed to be the first plant believed to grow on Turtle Island as the hair of Mother Earth! Braiding it shows care and respect. It reminds us that the Earth is alive and to be treated gently. 🌏
Cedar / Giizhik: believed to be given by the Creator to honour the love of a Grandmother who gave all her strength to care for her people: branches for wigwams/canoes, boughs for beds, fragrance for healing. "Grandmother is still caring for us." 💪🏾
Sage / Bashkodejiibik: believed to be sent by Creator to clear sadness and worries with cleansing power. When burned in ceremony, the smoke carries away heavy thoughts and brings calm - a medicine of strength for the protection of people's hearts. ♥️
Sacred Medicines in the Learning Garden
We enjoyed the Skywoman Falling story then learned about the Anishinaabe 4 sacred medicines, their name in Anishinaabemowin, and more about them. We explored the Learning Garden in search of the three sacred medicines that grow there, We got to touch, smell, and even add 'perfume' to ourselves (without harming the plants). This is what we learned about these three plants in our Learning Garden:
Sweetgrass / Wiingaashk: believed to be the first plant believed to grow on Turtle Island as the hair of Mother Earth! Braiding it shows care and respect. It reminds us that the Earth is alive and to be treated gently. 🌏
Cedar / Giizhik: believed to be given by the Creator to honour the love of a Grandmother who gave all her strength to care for her people: branches for wigwams/canoes, boughs for beds, fragrance for healing. "Grandmother is still caring for us." 💪🏾
Sage / Bashkodejiibik: believed to be sent by Creator to clear sadness and worries with cleansing power. When burned in ceremony, the smoke carries away heavy thoughts and brings calm - a medicine of strength for the protection of people's hearts. ♥️
Some questions to ask your child:
- what plants did you like the smell of?
- Skywoman fell like a seed - do you remember what seed? (maple seed)
- can you help me pronounce the plant names in Anishinaabemowin?
Some questions to ask your child:
- what plants did you like the smell of?
- Skywoman fell like a seed - do you remember what seed? (maple seed)
- can you help me pronounce the plant names in Anishinaabemowin?
"Love is a bridge between you and everything."
- Rumi
"Love is a bridge between you and everything."
- Rumi
Marvels of the Maple
This delightful story invites readers to see how their every day choices - welcoming someone new, listening carefully, or reaching out with kindess - can help connect people. It's a gentle reminder, perfect at the start of the school year, that small acts of care and inclusion build strong classrooms, communities, and learning spaces.
Marvels of the Maple
This delightful story invites readers to see how their every day choices - welcoming someone new, listening carefully, or reaching out with kindess - can help connect people. It's a gentle reminder, perfect at the start of the school year, that small acts of care and inclusion build strong classrooms, communities, and learning spaces.
Learning Garden, Learning Kindness
We got to know each other by meeting the Learning Garden and how to be a good visitor. Ms. Kathleen showed us what a visitor to our homes would be like that was not good and we compared it to how to be a good visitor in the Learning Garden. We learned how to show thanks for this space after we learn in it. We enjoyed this lovely book and had a chance to explore the Learning Garden too while finding natural supplies to try to build a bridge with!
Learning Garden, Learning Kindness
We got to know each other by meeting the Learning Garden and how to be a good visitor. Ms. Kathleen showed us what a visitor to our homes would be like that was not good and we compared it to how to be a good visitor in the Learning Garden. We learned how to show thanks for this space after we learn in it. We enjoyed this lovely book and had a chance to explore the Learning Garden too while finding natural supplies to try to build a bridge with!
Some questions to ask your child:
- what is the 'furniture' in the Learning Garden we do not stand on? (sitting logs, trees)
- how do we say thank you after being in the Learning Garden? (blow a kiss)
- what do you say when Ms. Kathleen says "Room 4"? (Let's Do More!)
- what was your bridge made of?
Some questions to ask your child:
- what is the 'furniture' in the Learning Garden we do not stand on? (sitting logs, trees)
- how do we say thank you after being in the Learning Garden? (blow a kiss)
- what do you say when Ms. Kathleen says "Room 4"? (Let's Do More!)
- what was your bridge made of?
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