This month we have been focusing on animals investigation. We have been learning the distinct characteristics of animals. Students have had a chance to study animals in relation to how they change, grow, behave and relate to their environment around them.
We have heard all about the pets at home! As well as some great stories of trips to the Zoo! Students have been focusing on how Humans are animals as well! We have tied this study of animals into all relations of the curriculum. From measuring how long a whale could be to studying migration patterns of birds and even hibernation practices!
Through these studies I have been able to assess not only your children on their reading levels, as they have been focusing on non fiction books that but the expectations of the Ontario curriculum in regards to what they are suppose to know when it comes to growth and change in animals. Which is by the end of grade 2, students will,
- assess ways in which animals have an impact on society and the environment, and ways in which humans have an impact on animals and the places where they live;
- investigate similarities and differences in the characteristics of various animals;
- demonstrate an understanding that animals grow and change and have distinct characteristics.
All this has led us to an exciting trip to Hillside Education Center!
Last week we bundled up and braced the cold to go and discover more information about mammals!
The TDSB believes these outdoor classrooms heighten the students experience with the curriculum and help to enhance their well being and health.
At Hillside we discovered fossils, teeth, eggs of different sizes. I hope you will look at the pictures with your children and ask them questions about their trip. Back on the bus we went to a conservation area just outside Ajax called Lynde Shores. A long wooden bridge to run on, a fun game where we all had to build our own nest, and of course the birds. We were treated to hundreds of Canadian Geese, ducks and of course the marvelous chickadee trail. All of these incredible experiences are link to the Ontario Curriculum. This field trip let the students experience animals in their own environment, they also were able to explore and investigate different fossils and experience the differences and similarities in different animals. The Chickadees landing on our hands to eat was a wonderful experience! One that was new to me as well!
I hope the students enjoyed learning about animals as much as I did!
See you next month!
Mrs. Z
