Timberwolf Trail - Week 19- 2018-19 Edition

Snowstorm?  Check.

Bitter cold? Check.

Nature fun and bird learning?? Double check!!

Old Man Winter has arrived and he is in a  grumpy mood.  Based on the forecast, he is going to be even grumpier next week so we were glad to take advantage of as much outside time as possible before next week's polar vortex sets in.

When we weren't outside, we deepened our understanding of birds inside.

With Monday being a teacher work day, I kicked off the morning with some trail time, enjoying the sights and sounds of a very brisk morning.

A snow day followed, so once the kids finally returned to school, it was time to snowshoe.

We met at one of our group spots (known as the grass class) before sending the girls down one part and the boys down another.

Whole watching them snowshoe and enjoying the picturesque scene around me, the class did eventually cross paths before returning to the starting point.

Snowshoeing is quite a work out, so even though we rested, we gathered up enough energy to enjoy some natural play.

In the indoor portion of our day, we continued our study of birds by focusing on the diversity of beaks. We explored different beak styles, different beak jobs, and why beaks are important.

We also gathered some favorite snacks of birds (seeds, fish, and worms) and decided to Eat Like a Bird by working to figure out which beaks would be best to collect and capture the food.

Our week wrapped up with a visit from one of our favorite naturalists, David Stokes, and a lively presentation on animals in winter.

With a predicted polar vortex and record-breaking lows next week, it will be interesting to see how much outside time we can expect. I am hoping it will be plenty.

Timberwolf Trail - Week 18 - 2018-19 Edition

Our study of birds continued with a focus on nests. Throughout the week, we enjoyed some great picture books on nests. Being an aspiring picture book writer myself, it is always fun to use amazing literature to enhance our nature instruction.

Once we had some experience looking at what nests are, why they are important, and how they are made, we decided to explore the great diversity of nests. From nests in trees to nest in the water, nests made with spit and nests made with mud, we thoroughly enjoyed learning about various nests.

We then added to the diversity by making our own out of different art supplies. Of course, we had to pick some of out favorite birds and eggs to finish them off.

Hard work demands hard play, so outside we went. We climbed,

created and excavated holes,

posed while I took pictured form a bird's eye view,

searched for seeds,

set up some birdfeeders,

and found nature's snowman, otherwise known as goldenrod galls.

In the middle of the week, we met with one of our favorite nature friends, DNR Dianne, to explore Wisconsin's mammals and view a number of pictures from our very own trail camera.

We also practiced birding. While the birds may not be as easy to be found in the middle of winter, this is wonderful practice for our Great Wisconsin Birdathon in spring.

We also decided to make kindergarten-sized nests out of items from the land. It took time, patience, and creativity. It was great to see these kids "be birds" and make their own nests

All the while, we were able to add to our Nature Kindergarten Wall of Wonder. We added photos and a few decorated birds as we have just started a bird collage. Next week, we will be able to add even more as we explore beaks and use our very own beaks to eat like a bird.

Timberwolf Trail - Week 17 - 2018-19 Edition

This week had a bit of everything: rain, subzero wind chills, and the return of the sun. However, regardless of the weather, one thing was for sure. It's time to learn about birds. So, we kicked off the week with our first ever birding session, focusing on listening ears, searching eyes, and when a bird is located, pointing hands.

Of course, some natural play was involved as well.

As we hiked around, we notice our trail signs weren't standing up to the extra wet weather. Lesson learned. No more markers on the signs. We'll aim for crayons and colored pencils next time.

We also took some time to discuss parts of the trail that will dramatically change over the next few years. Whether it is the butterfly garden or a newly restored portion of prairie, the Timberwolf Trail is sure to look new and improved over the next few years.

Besides birding outside, we also took our bird learning inside. We focused on what makes a bird a bird. Besides reading about and experimenting with feathers and their many purposes, we went to the gym to practice being a bird.

We learned our vision isn't as keen as most birds. With a small word written a piece of paper and placed on the wall in front of them, each student "failed" the vision test. This led to a quick discussion n the amazing eyesight of many birds and how they use it.

The kids then focused on their wings by measuring their wingspan.

Determined Owl

Grinning Goose

We also focused on different types of birds and how their wings and wingspans allowed them to do different things.

Hectic Hummingbird

When back in the classroom, we put a live bald eagle camera on the SMARTBoard that we will check on throughout the day. We met two chicks and saw firsthand that they love fish.

Of course, we also journaled about our experience in our bird journals.

We went birding one last time before ending the week with natural play.

They thought I couldn't see them.

Watch out for the scat!

Den dismantling