“Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, how does your garden grow?” What a great time of year to combine poetry with growing things and that’s just what the sixes are doing this month. We have been listening to the chorus of birds and have been observing all the changes Spring is bringing all around us. Each day we find new growth in the trees, garden beds, and on the ground. Every feather, leaf, flower, sprout, worm, ladybug, spider, or seed is like a grand prize in a treasure hunt.
We are looking at and comparing traits and behaviors in animals and plants and their offspring in our current science unit. Each child has “planted” two carrot tops: one in water and the other in soil. We will
observe, document, and report what happens after 10 days in the sunshine and fresh air. Next, we hope to find a supply of healthy tadpoles to observe for 10 days and then return them to their natural environment as adult frogs.
In Literacy we are reading and writing a variety of poems: sensory poems, acrostic poems, haiku, alliteration/tongue twisters, rhymes, free verse, concrete poetry, and songs. When the unit is completed, each student will have a compilation of his/her most creative works, including one illustrated poem and one memorized poem.
Our garden is growing as well as our appreciation of the natural beauty around us at QSID. Happy Spring!