Tadpoles

We  have a small water area in Holly's exploration garden. A couple week back we finally noticed some small egg masses from frogs... which we have a lot of. We went out and checked them daily, saw the growth happening in each egg mass and then one day we went out and one large mass had hatched! Little tadpoles were everywhere in the water. There was still one more egg mass that had to hatch, about two days later it did. We now have a lot of tadpoles to observe both outdoors and indoors.

Holly carefully scooped a few cups of pond water and then scooped up some tadpoles. She had some from each hatch. It was really neat to see the growth difference that just two days or so made. Tadpoles grow so quickly!!!

Indoors we set up a small tank for them, gathered all of our books and I downloaded a great app on our Ipad for a virtual frog dissection. These materials have been used a lot since! We looked up the proper care of tadpoles, even though we do this each year I wanted her to still research and learn. I was going to put up a poster for Hudson to watch the changes as this is his first experience - Holly has done this each year. Instead of a store bought poster Holly decided to make one. She worked hard on it, making sure to include the major changes and draw pictures of each stage! It turned out great!!!

Outdoor Artist

Holly and I keep talking about doing more of her school work outdoors, embracing nice weather or even so-so weather. Today was a great day for it so she took her art outdoors.

I set up her easel, a chair, a work station and she chose her 'tools' for art. I put her facing her playhouse/garden area and asked her to use that for inspiration to create a some projects. She really, really enjoyed being out and having the freedom to create as she desired.

I'll have to set her up with a lot more outdoor learning opportunities now that comfortable weather is upon us.

Exploration Garden

One thing I love about life is that it constantly presents wonderful opportunities for us all to learn. This weekend we finally found a little nest that has been tucked away in Holly's exploration garden near her play house. The little bird has been going crazy when we get near the nest, however we could not find it in order to avoid it for her. Finally, it was discovered!

This little nest (tucked under the rock) has presented a great opportunity for us to do a little research on the bird, the nest, the eggs, hatching time, habitat, etc. We are watching to see what happens keeping a very safe and respectable distance. Holly's exploration garden has served its purpose perfectly!!!