The end of the year insect learning was fascinating for the class as they entrenched themselves deeply into insect life cycles (think: Egg, Larvae, Pupa, Adult / replace adult with butterfly, ladybug, or whatever insect applies) and imagine the class enthusiastically belting out the life cycles stages in song. We had fun releasing lady bugs into our garden and watching larvae make their metamorphosis from caterpillars to butterflies and then releasing them with shouts of 'Be free!'. We observed praying mantis egg sacks and anticipated hatching hundreds of the tiny creatures, but alas, school ended before we could observe the miracle. The class was totally protective of nature and our world and I say with pride that they are very good caretakers of the earth.
The beauty of bluebonnets is brief- and our class took full advantage of the fleeting glory weeks of our Texas state flower in full bloom. Remember to stop and smell the roses (or in this case- the bluebonnets). We certainly had some magic zen moments in the middle of nature and a gorgeous bluebonnet patch. Our class loves books and story times comes alive when our special guest readers pop in and weave some literary magic for us. Thanks to the many parents and Forest Trail staff and students who make reading to our class a priority.
Our garden had been blessed with ladybugs. We had big fun observing them, holding them, 'adopting' them as pets and ultimately releasing them into our garden. Thanks to Riley and the Hooks family for bringing the ladybugs. More insect learning coming soon!
We immersed ourselves in Texas learning and my pint-sized Texans embraced their great state and showed some Texas pride! Pop Quiz: 1) What is Texas' most valuable crop? 2) What is Texas' longest river?
Our class garden is starting to blossom. The kids are planting, watering, observing, tending, measuring and enjoying being gardeners. Special thanks to Elizabeth Masse Hooks for embracing the project and being our garden guru.
It takes a lot of stars on your Star Chart to accomplish 'Lunch Bunch' with Mrs. Linder and some class friends, but the extra time spent together is a special opportunity to have some fun and make some memories.
Our class is getting some outstanding help from 5th grade mentors and friends who pop in on Friday afternoons to help and teach us. The future looks bright when I see what great kids we've launched at Forest Trail and the super role models they are for their youngest school mates at Forest Trail. Thanks to all 5th grade student teachers for sharing your talents with us.
It was a magical hour as I listened to former student Marissa Luke play beautiful holiday music at her winter recital under the tutelage of music teacher Paula Wong. Marissa is turning into a virtuoso and it was a pleasure to listen to her recital pieces which included a solo and a duet with her mom, Kirsten Luke. It's always a pleasure (and a privilege) to cheer on my former students and all our Forest Trail kids as they grow and change and represent our school and community so well. It's been a joy to watch Marissa's star rise and see how beautifully she's growing up. Our Forest Trail history (kindergarten 2008-2009) makes all her accomplishments that much sweeter for me as I remember that special year we shared.
Kindergarten donated several boxes of new and gently used books to the Austin Children's Shelter which is opening 'Care Academy,' a child development and family resource center. Our students found out you're never too young to find a way to help others. It felt good to be part of the solution that makes the world a better place. Thanks to Julie Linn for helping us channel our goodwill in the right direction through 'Giverocity.' |
Lindergarten Blog
Karen Linder
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