Creating the Pirate Scarecrow

 The children used watered down glue to adhere peach colored tissue paper to the recycled Clorox bottle..

 This child took leadership of this part of our scarecrow. He painted and applied most of the glue and tissue to create the head. Others assisted him, but it was difficult taking photos while I assisted all of them with sticky fingers.

He continues to apply more tissue paper to the cut out ears, which we will eventually add after they dry.

After the form was dry we added a black wig Miss Debbie donated for the project. The  children wanted a patch. They cut it out of felt and glued on the googly eye and a bandana from Mrs. Wishy-washy ensemble.

 They requested a hat, which I made from tin foil and duct tape, a nose, made from a latex finger and filled with tissue paper and a beard and mustache from yarn in our art center. WOW!

They wanted him to have a scull and bones on his hat, which was made from cardboard and silver duct tape, scars on his face, a red scarf, earrings, gold and rotten teeth. This is it! Cool...huh?

Cecropia Moth Cocoon

This is the Cecropia  Moth cocoon that our caterpillar created on the classroom closet door. How silly?!? 

Well, we figured out it was a great place at the time. We watched it all winter and early spring and then one day we came in and saw its magnificent moth. 

Video of Cecropia Caterpillar Eating Sycamore Maple Leaf

Our Monarch Caterpillar

This is the Monarch Caterpillar the children have raised since its egg stage. I found it on a milkweed plant in my backyard. It was interesting for the children to raise it along side of the Cecropia caterpillar. They are both now in the pupa stage. When I return, I will bring in both so we can document the changes that occurred and compare and contrast the cocoon and chrysalis. The Monarch Butterfly will probably emerge next week just in time for its fall migration to Mexico. We will keep the Cecropia Moth safe until spring when it emerges from its cocoon. Ask your child what they noticed about our caterpillars. Imagine the impression it has made on your budding naturalist. How exciting!

Our Very Hungry Caterpillar

These are digital photos of the Cecropia Caterpillar. Look at how it completely defoliated the Sycamore Maple leaf. This is about ready to make its cocoon. It will winter over and emerge in late spring/early summer

Morning Meeting

Every morning we gather together to do the Pledge of Allegiance, yoga and then we read the morning message together. The Keeper of the Calendar writes in their name, the day of the week, the month and our daily special. This responsibility helps children improve their organizational and leadership skills, it encourages recognizing the days of the week, and gives them an opportunity to practice their writing and reading skills as well. As they point to the words, the other children read along. He is doing a fine job!

Is That a Centipede?