October and November: Fall Exploration through an "Adopt a Tree" Project
Every couple of weeks the Grade 1/2 students engage in an "Adopt a Tree" project by going to the ravine and making observations about a tree that they picked. This year, all the students happened to decide on a Maple tree to adopt, observe, and research. Since the beginning of the project, the students have noticed differences in their trees' leaves and bark. They have also noticed that the ground around their trees is different as the weather changes. On the most recent visit, the ravine was moving so quickly. The sounds and difference in the water was fascinating, which led to provocations of many inquiries that ignited thoughtful questions from the girls.
Here is a quote by A, in Grade 1, "I think the weather is pretty because it is fall."
"I think that my tree is really cool because it is the biggest tree out of the ones that my classmates picked. So that means that it is the oldest." by K (Grade 2)
"I love all of the leaves that are on my tree. Now the leaves are changing colour and falling into a leaf pile. I can rake all the leaves into a pile and then I can jump in it." By K (Grade 2)
"My tree is very green here and then it turned yellow when I saw it on another tree visit." by Z (Grade 2)
"I was writing about my tree named 'Barky'." by G (Grade 1)
"Here I am looking at the temperature. The temperature was at 20 degrees." by C (Grade 2)
"I am looking for a pencil and eraser to write about my tree." by G (Grade 1)
"Here I am writing about my tree. I found a comfy spot in the ravine." by K (Grade 2)
"I am writing that my tree's leaves have changed since the last time I was at the ravine." by C (Grade 2)
"Here I am writing about my tree. I was writing about who my tree neighbours are." by G (Grade 1)
A is working hard on recording and drawing observations of her tree. It looks like her tree has provided her with a very comfy spot.
"My tree is very interesting because it is small and rough and most trees are usually big and rough or small and smooth." by M (Grade 2)
The Grade 1/2 girls are unrolling string that represents the height of the shortest (about 10 meters) Maple tree. The height was measured out in the hall of the school before our trip to the ravine.
The girls were surprised at how fast the ravine was moving. They decided to drop leaves on one side of the bridge and then watch them be pushed by the water to the other side. It was quite captivating and peaceful at the same time.
"We were racing leaves in the water and it was fun." by G (Grade 1)
"The water in the ravine was moving very fast when we went to see our trees. And it was raining." by S (Grade 2)
"In the ravine, the water had bubbles and we did not know what made the bubbles, but I think it might be raindrops." by A (Grade 1)
The girls decided to walk along the rocks to see how far they could get. They navigated their way to the end for this trip. We will revisit this spot when the weather is better and the ravine is not as busy.
Lots of bonds are made on walks in nature. Time is unstructured and free to explore. This adds to the development of relationships with peers and the natural world in the heart of the city.
M and G decided to go a bit father on the rocks and poke around the water a bit. They were very curious on how to cross the ravine safely.
A, C, and K decided that they wanted to challenge themselves, not by crossing the ravine, but by climbing back up to the path by using the steps nature made. They were very supportive of each other as they climbed their way to the top.