Dear Friends,
The snow and cold have slowed and quieted the land.
A perfect time for me to catch up on my post trip classes.
In fourth grade we compiled charts showing the signature species the live in each of the 5 ecosystems of Sauganash. I found beautiful photos of the flowers in full bloom and got a little kick every time the kids said, Aaaawwwww! The lesson was "Communities of Plants" and how in native ecosystems plants self-organize based on their sunlight and soil moisture preferences. So if you tell your child that you saw "Monkey Flower" (Mimulus ringens) at Sauganash, he/she could tell you that you must have been in the Slough, where that plant lives!
In 5th grade we did an analysis of our simulation game about habitat fragmentation. Our results confirm the theory that larger parcels of land (islands) closer to an intact natural area, will have higher bio-diversity. As Diego put it, "This is relevant because Sauganash is like an island in an ocean of urban development".
I am also rehearsing (accompanying) four classroom preparing for the Holiday show. This always gives me a boost! Three of the songs are in languages other than English!
The book fair is up and running and it includes copies of my picture book:
The Fight Between Quiet and Noise
for $10. A portion of the proceeds will go to Waters Ecology program.
I have read/performed the book in a number of classrooms, and that is also alot of fun. And offers a chance for a discussion of Noise and Quiet, and how one can "invite" Quiet to visit!
I spend most mornings (until 10:30), and afternoons (after 1:00) doing journal response with the Mighty Acorn journals. This is also a very relaxing and gratifying activity. If you would like to join me for a cup of tea and read journals, please let me know. I have finished three of eight classes.
Stay warm,
Mr. Leki
The snow and cold have slowed and quieted the land.
A perfect time for me to catch up on my post trip classes.
In fourth grade we compiled charts showing the signature species the live in each of the 5 ecosystems of Sauganash. I found beautiful photos of the flowers in full bloom and got a little kick every time the kids said, Aaaawwwww! The lesson was "Communities of Plants" and how in native ecosystems plants self-organize based on their sunlight and soil moisture preferences. So if you tell your child that you saw "Monkey Flower" (Mimulus ringens) at Sauganash, he/she could tell you that you must have been in the Slough, where that plant lives!
In 5th grade we did an analysis of our simulation game about habitat fragmentation. Our results confirm the theory that larger parcels of land (islands) closer to an intact natural area, will have higher bio-diversity. As Diego put it, "This is relevant because Sauganash is like an island in an ocean of urban development".
I am also rehearsing (accompanying) four classroom preparing for the Holiday show. This always gives me a boost! Three of the songs are in languages other than English!
The book fair is up and running and it includes copies of my picture book:
The Fight Between Quiet and Noise
for $10. A portion of the proceeds will go to Waters Ecology program.
I have read/performed the book in a number of classrooms, and that is also alot of fun. And offers a chance for a discussion of Noise and Quiet, and how one can "invite" Quiet to visit!
I spend most mornings (until 10:30), and afternoons (after 1:00) doing journal response with the Mighty Acorn journals. This is also a very relaxing and gratifying activity. If you would like to join me for a cup of tea and read journals, please let me know. I have finished three of eight classes.
Stay warm,
Mr. Leki
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