
I am re-doing the Mighty Acorns workshop for parents (especially 3rd grade parents) because I didn't give sufficient notice last week (only 2 people came). This time, tho, we can work on journals while we talk about parents' critical role in Mighty Acorns. After drop off until 10:00 am in the conference room.
Hornworm
Last Friday I brought a Hornworm to school to show to the little ones, Kindergarden and 1st Grade, as they gathered before school. It was so wonderful to watch the wonder (sometimes fear) in every face, child and adult, as they took in this miraculous living thing. The hornworm is the larval stage of the Hawk Moth, an important pollinator of native orchids. It is a large, strong flyer, hovering in front of flowers and extending the world's longest moth tongue inside for nectar. They feed on Solanum species, including tomatoes and potatoes. If you see tomato branches stripped of its leaves, search for this well disguised visitor, forgive the trespass, and wish it well. More than 20 years ago I wrote of my experience with this caterpillar in the Chicago Reader. Here is the link if you are interested in the incredible transformations that take place, hour after hour, day, week and years on end.
https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/field--street/Content?oid=885078
Mr. Leki