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! 

Until Next Time,

Michele

Our Return and Read Across America Day!

 We returned to school with a whirlwind!  We were so happy and ready to go.  As we got back into our routine, the children found their favorites and created all sorts of collaborative structures in the block area.  Our art area was a "creation station" with glue, scissors, paper scraps, paint sticks, and crayons all ready for original artworks.  We began our wolf studies with some books and wolf small animal play.  

This painting idea came from one of the children-"Michele, let's use the stretchy noodles and paint on paper" !

AND THEN it was Read Across America Day!!!

Read Across America Day brought a new excitement to our classroom regarding books that we LOVE and thoughts to share. We enjoyed every minute of our Read A Thon, I read books that the children brought for their costume as well as books that are old favorites.  

Many children reported that they had read books at home in the morning to begin their day.  

Hi, I'm Emily Elizabeth!

what an audience of readers!

Our other BIG story is the snow today!  

Collaborative Creations of Snow Creatures Abound!

I think this is my favorite photo-the discussion of the snow creations.....

This child designated themself as THE snowball authority!


Up next, WOLVES....we began our study this week, and we've created tracks, asked questions about wolves, and are awaiting a visit from Leiana-here are some of our questions:

As you can see from the children's original questions, there are all levels of inquiry in our classroom. All of these levels contribute to a rich and varied learning environment! 

Until Next Time,

Michele