Welcome Fall!

     SMART START'S "Autumn Academics" have officially commenced! Our young learners have been embracing fall through an abundance of hands-on lessons in their outdoor classroom. 

                                                 Read About Our Seasonal Studies Below🍁

     Students enhanced basic math skills while engaging in "Apple Tree Counting" (Linked Here). Preschoolers practiced number recognition while Pre-K/K completed simple addition and subtraction problems. This served as an excellent activity for our multi-age learning environment. 

      Fall friends assisted in arranging a scene of festive décor. Hay bales, pumpkins, apples, flowers and more. Picture perfect peers smiled proudly on the count of "123 Apple Tree!"

       Autumn Artists created 3D trees using a variety of materials. Apple slices and paint fashioned classic fall foliage. Markers, stickers, tissue paper and glitter were added for a finishing touch. All were most impressed with their masterpieces! 

      The class crisscrossed under a tree for circle time. We identified each letter and sound that comprise the word FALL and made the connection that both AUTUMN and APPLE begin with the letter A. In addition, the parts of an apple were discussed: skin, flesh, seeds, core, stem and leaf. Afterwards, all enjoyed eating a delicious Macintosh. 

       SMART START Scientists have been observing the environmental changes fall brings. From the crisp morning air to the crunching of leaves under their feet, children are well aware of the world around them. An adjustable thermometer was used to document temperature. 

        Small groups gathered on the grass to partake in a leaf letter matching game (Linked Here). Classmates collaborated to match uppercase letters to their corresponding lowercase leaves. Even our class chickens joined in the fun!

        Pupils participated in a staple New England adventure: Leaf Peeping. The grounds of our schoolhouse were explored as a variety of leaves were collected. 

        Outdoor education is an essential aspect of SMART START'S philosophy. Our curriculum is centered on fostering primary learning experiences in nature. Learning outside promotes positive social, emotional, physical and academic outcomes. Providing a natural, carefree and safe school setting ignites a child's genuine curiosity and desire to discover. In addition, these teaching methods instill a love of learning that can last a lifetime. 

         

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Frogs 🐸

        SMART START Scientists completed an ecological nature study on pond life. Students expanded their knowledge on these small bodies of water and the animals they inhabit. 

        Herpetologists hopped outside to their nature classroom to learn about frogs. Books, informational wheels, animal replicas and other lifelike materials were explored. 

Here are a few frog facts the class learned:

• Frogs are amphibians 
• The branch of zoology that focuses on amphibians & reptiles is Herpetology 
• Vernal Pool: a pond/wetland habitat for many creatures such as fish, frogs & insects 
• Adult frogs eat insects with their long, sticky tongues 
• A group of frogs is called an army
• Frogs do not drink water, but absorb it into their skin
• Life cycle of a frog: 
  

        Classmates discovered a large puddle outside and used their creativity. imagination and nature's treasures to construct a school-made pond. Leaves transformed into lily pads, twigs into tadpoles, rocks into toads, grass into algae etc.! This activity allowed our young learners to experience the subject matter in a fun and realistic setting. 

         Fostering a connection to wildlife in Early Childhood Education is essential. Children who are educated in and about nature learn to respect and care for the environment. In addition, outdoor learning can increase attention span, physical activity, self-esteem, social-emotional development, critical thinking, problem solving skills and so much more!

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