Wetlands are bustling with life and our students have been able to observe some interesting life forms on our excursions to the local pond. Plenty of frogs and tadpoles have been observed at the water’s edge along with minnows and water bugs. Last week the sighting of a heron catching its breakfast and a turtle sunning itself on rock, gave our students the opportunity to see just how abundant with life a small pond can be.  

This week we begin to discuss life in rivers.  The children will be making comparisons about which kinds of vegetation and what types of animals are common to both ecosystems. Our four year-old students will be painting a river scene in the classroom. All classes will then make creations that will decorate our river.  

Follow the River, by Lydia DaBcovich and My River, by Shari Halpren are two children’s picture books that will provide the children with information about rivers. The Connecticut River, in particular, will be our focus. Another literature connection will be used in the classroom when student’s read Ferryboat, by Jane and Giulio Maestro. If you want to cross the river in Chester, the story begins; you have to take the ferry. During the month of June we will plan an outing to the Deep River Landing to observe the river.

Sunflowers are growing at varying degrees in the classroom. Hopefully each student will be bringing home a sprout. In the science center, a sunflower house has been set up inspired by another children’s story Sunflower House, by Eve Bunting. The children are enjoying playing in and around the house just as the children do in the book.

Have a great week,
Linda