Well there was certainly a lot of snow in Hardwick.  Unfortunately the snow was a little sticky and did not lend itself to sliding.  However, we were very successful in making our little shelters for the small forest animals.  We explored the whole trail that we have been working on and were grateful that it was groomed.  Oh how we love visiting Hardwick Trails!

On Thursday, we got our first real experience of Outdoor Learning in the snow! We returned to the Danville woods and checked on the animal homes that we had made last week. Most of the treats that we had left for our animal friends had been eaten, so we made sure to leave more. We tried to find the pumpkin homes we left last week as well. We were also able to hang up the bug motel that we all worked together to create. We'll be excited to see if any bugs make it their home in the spring time. Finally, it was time to walk back to school and Ms. River's surprised us with a treat. Peanuts!

Today we ventured into the Danville woods.  Our goal was to create shelters for the little animals that live in the woods.  We were only able to use items from nature and it had to provide protection from the weather.  We then added little treats for the animals to enjoy.  Nex, we collected items for our bug hotel.  We will hang this in the woods once we have it finished.  The bugs will be able to stay in our hotel for the winter.  Lastly, we reused our fall pumpkins and transformed them into an additional shelter for small animals.  

Yesterday the first graders participated in our schools Literacy Parade. We dressed as Johnny Appleseed, one of our favorite folk tale characters and greatest examples of what it means to be a good citizen! We handed out apples to our teachers, big kids and parents alike - just as Johnny would have.