Parker PreK : Wolves and Emergent Curriculum

Our study of wolves began when the children began howling and running outside. Their play seemed to mimic a pack of wolves, and they were searching for baby wolves, howling, and running together. This type of fantasy play is typical in children's lives, as they learn to work together, negotiate their social milieu, and take on different characters and personae. Children's play might reflect their family life, (parents, babies, pets). fantasy ideas (fairies, queens, castles, dragons) and the natural world. A classroom full of imaginative children is a lively place!

As teachers, we observed this intense interest in wolf play, and began to expand the children's play to create a study of wolves. We collected books, such as Howl Like a Wolf! by Kathleen Kale, Wolves by Laura Marsh, Wolves by Emily Gravett, Walk with a WOLF by Janni Howker, Wolves of North America by Speedy Publishing, and other stories by Keiko Kazawa which take a turn on the predator/ prey idea. We found wolf and coyote and fox pay creatures and featured them on a block table. Our discussions began with what we KNEW about wolves, which, it turns out, was a LOT! We knew about grey wolves,, predators, and that wolves live in packs. We knew that a lot of people think wolves are dangerous they hunt in packs. We began to explore wolves through art play-making tracks with black paint and toy wolf paws, painting our wolves with white paint, and creating "ears" by decorating cut outs with our own original ideas. We made "paws" by painting our hands/fingers with black paint and printing onto cardboard.

We asked some very good questions: Are wolves nocturnal? Do they get sick? Do they climb trees? Can wolves hiccup? Through our play, and reading, we found out that wolves have an Alpha, or breeding male or female. We learned that wolves take care of each other, and would rather be with wolves than humans. We have learned that wolves can run or trot for a very long time and that they are very strong.

We composed a letter with our questions and called in an expert, Leiana our lower school/forest toddler teacher and she graciously came to read some important books and share a coyote skull and answer our questions.

We learned about the food web, and that a wolf's favorite prey is the elk. We learned that wolves are very important to the ecosystem and balance of their habitats.

We have played mimic games, and each child has had a chance to be the "alpha" wolf and lead the motions for others to follow.

It's all about communicating!

As our study continues, we are writing an original play about wolves (at the children's request-they would like to create a performance). We will be reading our wolf books, and making tails from yarn for each child. We look forward to playing more "wolf games" such as patrolling our territory and using different sounds and body language to communicate with each other.

We will keep taping up the children's headbands and ears, as they arrive in the morning and put them right on!