Afternoon at the Insect Zoo

What a fun field trip! At the KSU Insect Zoo our preschool class was able to learn about insects, touch a few different types, and see a variety of displays full of stick bugs, bees, cockroaches, millipedes, centipedes, tarantulas, and more. We learned that an insect has six legs, a spider has eight, and other bugs can have even more! The bugs we touched (except the tarantula) were insects that eat plants, or herbivores, so we knew they were safe. The tarantula was a carnivore, but we practiced gentle touching so we wouldn't hurt or scare the spider and she wouldn't hurt us. But we know not to go picking up tarantulas and other spiders in nature--they probably wouldn't like to be pet! The stick bugs had three variety that we touched: one felt like a leaf, and the other two were more like the bark of a tree. The cockroaches hissed at us, but we learned that they would not hurt us and that the sound they make is because they don't have venom, so it scares other animals and insects away. They also liked to dig underground when they were scared. We could see a hundred little legs on the millipede we touched, and it had ridges on its back we felt with our gentle touch. Finally we were able to touch a tarantula, which felt very soft, but probably wouldn't want to cuddle with us.

Our tour guide had large examples of the insects we looked at so we could count the legs and see the unique characteristics of each one. Here she explains a scorpion to the class.

Allie considers touching the millipede.

Cadence feels the back of the leafy stick bug.

Brenna looks at the shed skin of various insects.

Aiden observes a preserved centipede.

Caleb feels the stick bug.

Nate and Faith examine the tarantula.

Colton uses a flashlight to look for spiders in the displays.

Nate magnifies insect pictures.

Kinley adjusts her microscope slide.

Watching bees

Savannah shows excitement over one of the insects.

Faith relaxes in her costume and looks at an insect book.

March...In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

March is certainly living up to its old simile -- "In like a lion, out like a lamb." We introduced this concept as we studied Spring this week, looking forward to its arrival but knowing we must patiently wait. The lion of March includes the fierce winds, sudden frosts, and cold weather. But we look forward to the lamb: the beginning of spring, gentle wind, warm air. To go along with our thoughts of spring we sang the following song:

Springtime Song sung to "Did you ever see a Lassie"

My eyes can see it's springtime, it's springtime, it's springtime

My eyes can see it's springtime, the grass is so green.

The green grass, the flowers, the sunshine and showers.

My eyes can see it's springtime, and I am so glad.

My ears can hear it's springtime, it's springtime, it's springtime

My ears can hear it's springtime, the birds sweetly sing.

The birds sing, the lambs bleat, the frogs croak, the bees buzz.

My ears can hear it's springtime, and I am so glad.

My body can feel it's springtime, it's springtime, it's springtime

My body can feel it's springtime, the air is so warm.

The warm air, the breezes, no frost and no freezes.

My body can feel it's springtime, and I am so glad.

Also hitting on our Spring Unit, we made garden scenes with various stamps, patterned spring flowers, measured flower stems, and started a science project to see how plants begin to grow.

Jamie, Kinley, and Nate working to measure flower stems by counting frogs

Cadence looking at the growth cycle of a plant and thinking about her little lima bean seed

Allie working on word mats that demonstrated rhymes and showed individual abilities to create words

We also learned this week about the miracles of Jesus and made a windsock to remind us that Jesus is powerful and even calmed a storm while on a boat with his disciples. In our drama center we acted out various miracles of Jesus. It was interesting to see what the kids learned and remembered from Bible Story. Some struggled to recreate the stories, but others included even small details, like Peter falling when Jesus told him to come out on the water.

Jordan pretends to be Jesus and heals Colton, a man who couldn't walk

Savannah decorates band aids in the art center to remind us that Jesus heals

In hopes that the air warms and rains come to help the earth come back to life, we worked as a class to make a rainbow out of Froot Loops. This reinforced sorting, color ordering, and teamwork, as well as made a beautiful display. Let's not forget that the rainbow is God's promise and use this time entering the Easter season to remind us that He is good, loves us, and chose to offer His Son as the perfect sacrifice rather than begin the earth again. Jesus Christ is risen indeed!

Blessings,
Mrs. Marisha

HyVee Field Trip

I know it's a little past our experience, but I noticed these pictures on my camera and thought you'd like to see them! Our class had the opportunity to meet a nutristionist and chef and to create a healthy meal following their instruction. A fruit salad with vanilla pudding, turkey wrap with spinach and cheese, and mini ice cream sandwiches made for a delcious lunch!

Meeting our Nutritionist and Chef

Cutting up fruit

Faith sees that cooking is more work than it looks like!


Jamie slicing a banana

Brenna is really focused

Cadence enjoying the "fruits" of her labor


Nate digging in to his wrap

Aiden was proud of the pattern he put on his sandwich

Allie making dessert just the way she likes

Circus

Thank you to all who were able to attend our Circus last week. It was so much fun to see all the students dressed up and able to participate in our games. I hope it was a great family experience for you as well!

Washing each other's hands.

Last week we learned about Jesus washing his disciples feet. So instead of washing each other's feet, we washed hands instead. The students seemed to really enjoy this. After we washed each other's hands, we went to chapel and had a great time singing.

Field trip to Dr. Tindell's Office

Last week we had the great pleasure to walk across the street to visit Dr. Tindell. He is an orthodontist and knew all of the answers to the questions that we had about teeth. The kids enjoyed looking around his office and they especially loved watching his TV's that he has for his patients while they work on their teeth. He was generous enough to send home free t-shirts and bags with the students.

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