Rainy Day Discovery
This morning’s weather proved to be little finicky as it rained on and off for over an hour but that didn’t deter our youngest explorers. We prepared ourselves with boots and raincoats and then embarked on the great outdoors to enjoy the unseasonably warm day. It wasn’t long before a student noticed a small worm making his way up the side of boulder. We theorized about how he was able to hang on to the rock without any arms or legs. We studied how his body would shrink and then stretch as he so effortlessly moved across the rock once he reached the top. Then, before we knew it, there were two worms crawling across the rock. One student proclaimed that there were so many worms out because it was raining and worms love water. The students took turns gently touching the worm and then squealing with joy. It always amazes me what wonderment can be found on what might seem like a dreary day.
On rainy days…
…the worms come out to play!
Getting Dirty
Gritty, dusty, grimy first-hand experience. That is what defines our time outdoors. As a few children searched for worms today, they had many variables to work with.
Which digging tool would produce the best worm hole? Where would the worms most likely be hiding? What container would be most enticing to worm life? How many rocks and pieces of mulch can we throw in the bucket, on top of a worm, before Mrs. Forst suggests we’re going to squish it?
It is so delightful to work with young children. They experiment constantly, frequently making and adjusting mistakes, and only rarely throw in the towel.