Spring has sprung!
Our Science mini-unit on Seasonal Changes in Spring has kept us hopping, and we have been keeping our eyes "peeled" for these signs of spring!
We've been looking for what people do, how animals change, and what plants and trees are up to come this warmer season!
Let's share the signs of Spring we've found!
Here is how our photo hunt works.
First, give your child a camera (your phone would be excellent!) and have him or her take a picture showing a sign of Spring!
Then, to share your photo and/or comment on our "wall":
(1) Double-click on our Signs of Spring wall below.
(2) A box will appear. Type in a comment. Upload a picture. Ta da!
(3) Marvel at all of the signs of Spring our students have found!
Thank you for NOT mentioning first or last names on our blog, as well as any other identifying / sensitive information.
What signs of Spring can you and your child find?
Friday, 21 April 2017
Thursday, 13 April 2017
The Cross: A Symbol of Love
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit, Amen."
Brother Joe visited us this week, action bible in hand, to share the story of Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection.
Then we tackled a special, yet challenging activity. We created beautiful burned matchstick crosses. Don't worry, the matches we worked with were already lit, cooled and very safe to touch, of course! We patiently helped one another count out matches, glue, and check and re-check the intricate pattern. This took lots of patience and collaboration!
After leaving the crosses overnight to dry, we were able to cut them out. Here are a few of the Lenten Matchstick Crosses!
Be sure to stop by our hallway bulletin board to see all of the finished crosses!
May you have a blessed Easter weekend!
May you have a blessed Easter weekend!
Friday, 7 April 2017
Learning is Exhausting!
Last day and boy, were we thrilled to spend one more day learning together at Zoo School!
First thing on our schedule? As a group we had to fairly agree upon a new animal to observe, sketch, and label, and then compare to our original animal.
Back in the classroom, we met Aiden, a crested gecko! This funky little reptile has sticky feet for climbing and lacks eyelids ... any guesses on how he keeps his eyeballs moist? (hint - it involves his tongue!)
Then Teacher Courtney surprised us. We got 45 minutes of free time to explore the zoo!!!!!
Then Teacher Courtney tasked us with a very important job ... making animal enrichments! At times, animals can become a bit bored, just like us. An enrichment is something that is novel for the animal!
We decorated two "holey" tubes, adding a bit of sweet smelling extracts to make the tubes more interesting! One was for the meerkats and the other for the squirrel monkeys!
The meerkats' enrichment was filled with crickets and the squirrel monkeys' filled with meal worms! Both animals LOVED what we made! SO fun to watch!
Today we also met many beautiful animals.
We met Twilah, the three-banded armadillo! She is a little nocturnal beauty who can curl completely into a ball! Mrs. Beliveau LOVED her!!!
We also met Summer the barn owl! He is an excellent hunter, because of his spectacular eye sight and hearing! One ear is higher and the other lower, allowing Summer to create a 3D map using sound! In fact, barn owls have the best recorded hearing out of any animal in the world!
We ran into a Eurasian Owl as we walked back ... impromptu animal encounters rock at the zoo!
Zoo School was truly amazing, and we came home absolutely exhausted every day! Yes, all of the walking was tiring and we also got a tonne of fresh air, but a huge part of WHY we were so tuckered was because of HOW we learned.
Each day we asked questions, and then puzzled over the answers! We wondered, we were curious, we thought critically, we predicted, and we hypothesized. Inquiry drove our week!
As we prepare to return to our classroom, we are so thankful for the opportunity we had to learn at Zoo School!
First thing on our schedule? As a group we had to fairly agree upon a new animal to observe, sketch, and label, and then compare to our original animal.
 |
| Comparing the seals to the meerkats |
 |
| Comparing wallabys to snowy owls - as a bonus, we saw the baby wallaby in mama's pouch! |
 |
| Comparing the lemurs to the snow leopard |
Back in the classroom, we met Aiden, a crested gecko! This funky little reptile has sticky feet for climbing and lacks eyelids ... any guesses on how he keeps his eyeballs moist? (hint - it involves his tongue!)
Then Teacher Courtney surprised us. We got 45 minutes of free time to explore the zoo!!!!!
Then Teacher Courtney tasked us with a very important job ... making animal enrichments! At times, animals can become a bit bored, just like us. An enrichment is something that is novel for the animal!
We decorated two "holey" tubes, adding a bit of sweet smelling extracts to make the tubes more interesting! One was for the meerkats and the other for the squirrel monkeys!
The meerkats' enrichment was filled with crickets and the squirrel monkeys' filled with meal worms! Both animals LOVED what we made! SO fun to watch!
 |
| Squirrel monkey enrichment |
 |
| Meerkat enrichment |
Today we also met many beautiful animals.
We met Twilah, the three-banded armadillo! She is a little nocturnal beauty who can curl completely into a ball! Mrs. Beliveau LOVED her!!!
We also met Summer the barn owl! He is an excellent hunter, because of his spectacular eye sight and hearing! One ear is higher and the other lower, allowing Summer to create a 3D map using sound! In fact, barn owls have the best recorded hearing out of any animal in the world!
We ran into a Eurasian Owl as we walked back ... impromptu animal encounters rock at the zoo!
Zoo School was truly amazing, and we came home absolutely exhausted every day! Yes, all of the walking was tiring and we also got a tonne of fresh air, but a huge part of WHY we were so tuckered was because of HOW we learned.
Each day we asked questions, and then puzzled over the answers! We wondered, we were curious, we thought critically, we predicted, and we hypothesized. Inquiry drove our week!
As we prepare to return to our classroom, we are so thankful for the opportunity we had to learn at Zoo School!
Thursday, 6 April 2017
We Touched Poop!!!
Big day! We touched poop!
But let's rewind a little! Yes, today was poop-filled, but more importantly, we were able to meet an amazing animal ... Lucy the Asian Elephant!
This morning Teacher Courtney shared something serious. Elephants are endangered. Some people choose to kill elephants for their tusks. Each day 96 elephants are killed in Africa for their ivory.
We learned that, rather than buy ivory, people could make better and more caring choices. Elephant fans could instead buy a painting done by an elephant, write notes on "poo poo" paper made from elephant dung, or even buy carvings made from the taiga nut, which looks similar to ivory and also provides meaningful work to individuals in South America.
We journaled ways we can make choices to help animals, every single day!
Then we explored the similarities and differences between an African and an Asian elephant.
Then we HELD ELEPHANT POOP! We held it!! Big day!!!!
Then it happened. We finally met Lucy!!!! We asked questions, danced the Macarena for her, and gave her a maple-extract popsicle! Ask your child what she did with it!
We welcomed in Dean, aka. "Zoo Royalty", who has been working with the Edmonton Valley Zoo for over 30 years and has tremendous knowledge and infinite experience!
Dean taught us how the zoo safely captures animals for their medical checkups and treatments! We saw Dean demo hoop nets, control poles, and even some blow dart pipes (which aren't typically used but are oh, so super cool!).
Dean, you are so passionate about animal care! Thank you for your visit!
We had a quick lunch, and then headed out to observe our chosen animals! We were even able to write stories about them today!
After lunch we saw the zoo's compost area, where animal bedding, waste and much more go! Bacteria helps the waste beak down into dirt. Can you believe it? Lucy was down there exploring! What a gal!
Today was a blast! How it is Thursday already?!?
But let's rewind a little! Yes, today was poop-filled, but more importantly, we were able to meet an amazing animal ... Lucy the Asian Elephant!
This morning Teacher Courtney shared something serious. Elephants are endangered. Some people choose to kill elephants for their tusks. Each day 96 elephants are killed in Africa for their ivory.
 |
| An ivory decoration and a tusk |
We learned that, rather than buy ivory, people could make better and more caring choices. Elephant fans could instead buy a painting done by an elephant, write notes on "poo poo" paper made from elephant dung, or even buy carvings made from the taiga nut, which looks similar to ivory and also provides meaningful work to individuals in South America.
We journaled ways we can make choices to help animals, every single day!
 |
| (1) No Litter / Pick up garbage (2) Throwing paper in the recycling (3) Do not chop down trees (4) Don't buy ivory |
Then we explored the similarities and differences between an African and an Asian elephant.
Then it happened. We finally met Lucy!!!! We asked questions, danced the Macarena for her, and gave her a maple-extract popsicle! Ask your child what she did with it!
 |
| Can you see the caramel-coloured popsicle chunks in the two right pics? |
We welcomed in Dean, aka. "Zoo Royalty", who has been working with the Edmonton Valley Zoo for over 30 years and has tremendous knowledge and infinite experience!
Dean taught us how the zoo safely captures animals for their medical checkups and treatments! We saw Dean demo hoop nets, control poles, and even some blow dart pipes (which aren't typically used but are oh, so super cool!).
Dean, you are so passionate about animal care! Thank you for your visit!
We had a quick lunch, and then headed out to observe our chosen animals! We were even able to write stories about them today!
After lunch we saw the zoo's compost area, where animal bedding, waste and much more go! Bacteria helps the waste beak down into dirt. Can you believe it? Lucy was down there exploring! What a gal!
Today was a blast! How it is Thursday already?!?
Wednesday, 5 April 2017
Our Week is Zoo-Riffic!!!
Today was short, but oh, so sweet!
The second we arrived at the zoo, we headed to the commissary! This kitchen feeds over 400 animals!
We learned about herbivores and carnivores, and also about piscivores (primarily eat fish), insectavores (primarily eat insects), and frugivores (primarily eat fruit)! So many neat animals to feed at the zoo!
Teacher Courtney showed us the meat cart for the carnivores. Theses animals get whole food which is already dead.
We entered the fridge, and peeked inside the freezer, too!
Courtney tiptoed us into the nocturnal area, which is currently closed to the public due to construction. We were super surprised to see the lights on! The enclosure was being cleaned and we were able to see the sloths, bats, porcupine, and kinkajou, in a rare moment of light!
Today, rather than sketch the animals we had chosen for the week, students had to decide fairly as a group which new animal they would observe today! This opportunity allowed us to compare and contrast the new animal with our previous one!
Teacher Courtney noticed how curious we were and gave us a chance to meet one of our classroom bunnies up close! This is Summer, a Flemish Giant. Can you believe he is only 10 months old!?!
After a speedy lunch, we had a chance to meet Frodo, the Central Asian Tortoise. We compared and contrasted tortoises and turtles, observing a turtle artifact alongside little bossy Frodo!
Sadly we had to hop on the bus an hour early, but we certainly made the most of our shorter day!
Guess who we meet tomorrow!?! Eeeeeek! This sweetie!
What a wonderful week of learning!!!
The second we arrived at the zoo, we headed to the commissary! This kitchen feeds over 400 animals!
We learned about herbivores and carnivores, and also about piscivores (primarily eat fish), insectavores (primarily eat insects), and frugivores (primarily eat fruit)! So many neat animals to feed at the zoo!
Teacher Courtney showed us the meat cart for the carnivores. Theses animals get whole food which is already dead.
We entered the fridge, and peeked inside the freezer, too!
Courtney tiptoed us into the nocturnal area, which is currently closed to the public due to construction. We were super surprised to see the lights on! The enclosure was being cleaned and we were able to see the sloths, bats, porcupine, and kinkajou, in a rare moment of light!
Today, rather than sketch the animals we had chosen for the week, students had to decide fairly as a group which new animal they would observe today! This opportunity allowed us to compare and contrast the new animal with our previous one!
 |
| Observing the red fox |
 |
| Observing the seals |
 |
| Observing the reindeer |
Teacher Courtney noticed how curious we were and gave us a chance to meet one of our classroom bunnies up close! This is Summer, a Flemish Giant. Can you believe he is only 10 months old!?!
After a speedy lunch, we had a chance to meet Frodo, the Central Asian Tortoise. We compared and contrasted tortoises and turtles, observing a turtle artifact alongside little bossy Frodo!
Sadly we had to hop on the bus an hour early, but we certainly made the most of our shorter day!
Guess who we meet tomorrow!?! Eeeeeek! This sweetie!
What a wonderful week of learning!!!
Tuesday, 4 April 2017
What a Zoo!
Today rocked! It was day 2 of our Zoo School week, and we were challenged, surprised, and excited so many times today!
We knew the rules and routines, so the second we arrived we headed out to observe our animal!
We were tasked with observing three things about our animal, drawing a few specific body parts, and then drawing a full labelled diagram. Off the groups went to observe the lemurs, meerkats, and snowy owls!
We spent time thinking about a nice gift to bring Lucy the elephant. What kind of popsicle would she like? We smelled three extracts, and through a vote decided on maple! The popsicle will freeze over two days and be ready near the end of the week!
Then we discovered how the zoo trains animals! We learned about target training, how to reward an animal for a desired behaviour, and how to select an appropriate reward for a given animal! We had a hoot using pom poms on sticks and clickers to "train" one another!
After lunch, we headed to the Arctic Shores area to learn about life in the arctic!
Then, a training session with Hula the harbor seal!
We tackled a rousing game of Mystery Artifact, working together to use our senses to identify several unknown animal items. We were presented with a tortoise shoe, a wallaby fur, a rhino skin, and a tiger fur! Great job, kids!
We ended with a few quiet minutes journaling about our top 4 moments of the day! So, so hard to choose!
We loved every second, and several friends even had to take a power nap on the way home ...
Tomorrow is going to ROCK!!!
We knew the rules and routines, so the second we arrived we headed out to observe our animal!
We were tasked with observing three things about our animal, drawing a few specific body parts, and then drawing a full labelled diagram. Off the groups went to observe the lemurs, meerkats, and snowy owls!
 |
| Observing the meerkats |
 |
| Sketching the lemurs |
 |
| Spending time with the snowy owls |
We spent time thinking about a nice gift to bring Lucy the elephant. What kind of popsicle would she like? We smelled three extracts, and through a vote decided on maple! The popsicle will freeze over two days and be ready near the end of the week!
Then we discovered how the zoo trains animals! We learned about target training, how to reward an animal for a desired behaviour, and how to select an appropriate reward for a given animal! We had a hoot using pom poms on sticks and clickers to "train" one another!
After lunch, we headed to the Arctic Shores area to learn about life in the arctic!
Then, a training session with Hula the harbor seal!
We tackled a rousing game of Mystery Artifact, working together to use our senses to identify several unknown animal items. We were presented with a tortoise shoe, a wallaby fur, a rhino skin, and a tiger fur! Great job, kids!
We ended with a few quiet minutes journaling about our top 4 moments of the day! So, so hard to choose!
 |
| Seals, owl sketching, clicker (training), & Arctic Shores slides |
We loved every second, and several friends even had to take a power nap on the way home ...
Tomorrow is going to ROCK!!!
Monday, 3 April 2017
Zoo-TASTIC!
Today was ZOO-TASTIC! It was our first day attending the Edmonton Valley Zoo's week long Zoo School adventure, and it was an absolute blast!
We arrived and got busy right away. Our teacher, Courtney, sent us out in our small groups to tackle some animal observations. Each group will observe their chosen animal for a few minutes each day throughout the week! Today we were challenged to write 3 "ing" words, describing what our animal was doing. We also drew and labelled their enclosures.
Back in our classroom, we met a non-venomous children's python! Many opportunities to think, wonder, and learn!
Some cute little rats live in an enclosure in our classroom, and Teacher Courtney gave us an opportunity to meet one cutie close up!
Bursting with energy, we were let loose to do an animal fact scavenger hunt!
Then it happened. We came face to face with the most dangerous animal at the zoo. We went "backstage" to meet all 300 pounds of Taiga, a majestic Amur Tiger!
The day finished off with some quiet journaling time, choosing our "top 4" moments of the day.
Back we go tomorrow for more learning, more challenges, and more adventures!
We arrived and got busy right away. Our teacher, Courtney, sent us out in our small groups to tackle some animal observations. Each group will observe their chosen animal for a few minutes each day throughout the week! Today we were challenged to write 3 "ing" words, describing what our animal was doing. We also drew and labelled their enclosures.
 |
| Observing the lemurs |
 |
| Observing the snowy owl |
 |
| The meerkats decided to observe us too! |
Back in our classroom, we met a non-venomous children's python! Many opportunities to think, wonder, and learn!
Some cute little rats live in an enclosure in our classroom, and Teacher Courtney gave us an opportunity to meet one cutie close up!
Bursting with energy, we were let loose to do an animal fact scavenger hunt!
Then it happened. We came face to face with the most dangerous animal at the zoo. We went "backstage" to meet all 300 pounds of Taiga, a majestic Amur Tiger!
 |
| "We're going WHERE?" |
The day finished off with some quiet journaling time, choosing our "top 4" moments of the day.
Back we go tomorrow for more learning, more challenges, and more adventures!
 |
| SO THANKFUL for today! |
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