SMART START

Saturday

All About Amphibians

This spring, SMART START learned all about amphibians. This science unit thoroughly engaged our young learners' natural curiosity and desire to discover.

Hop along below🐸

The class was introduced to the concept of an amphibian (an animal that lives on land & in water) and the various species. First up were frogs! Students learned the frog lifecycle during a guided group discussion with visuals. Click this link to view.

A cut and paste worksheet was incorporated to practice identifying each stage: eggs, tadpole, tadpole without gills, tadpole with legs, froglet and adult frog.

Outdoor storytime consisted of a related book to reinforce knowledge on pond life.

SMART START Chefs gathered in their kitchen to create an amphibian's habitat in the form of a fun snack, "Frogs, Worms, Mud & Dirt." This take on the classic, "Worms & Dirt" was concocted using chocolate pudding, gummy frogs, gummy worms and brownie pieces. While enjoying their finished product, peers pretended their treats were live amphibians in their habitats. Educational and delicious!

Salamanders were the second species studied. The group listened intently to a story and acquired some information. Here are a few facts we learned:

Just like frogs, salamanders lay their eggs in water
They have colorful spots or stripes and four legs
A slimy film covers their skin for protection
Salamanders are the second largest species of amphibians

Pupils circled in their outdoor classroom to learn a key difference between frogs and toads (frogs like to hop and toads prefer to crawl) through a rendition of "Duck, Duck, Goose" called "Frog, Frog, Toad." One child acted as frog by tapping on their friends' heads saying "frog" then eventually selecting someone as "toad." Frog then hopped to a spot in the circle while toad crawled to tag them. Afterwards, classmates continued recreating this game with amphibian inspired names such as "ribbit, ribbit, frog."

SMART START Scientists pondered over themed materials at an indoor display. Books, figurines, flashcards, learning wheels and posters were utilized. This lesson allowed for insightful questions and answers to promote curriculum comprehension.

To conclude this unit, MA Audubon Ipswich River Sanctuary visited our school for a hands-on amphibian program. Miss Maura, the Audubon representative provided a thorough presentation, lead interactive activities and shared her vast expertise. Live salamander eggs, larva and an adult were viewed. Each child had the opportunity to hold the adult salamander! Experiencing subject matter first-hand encourages genuine learning to take place. In addition, Experiential learning ignites a child's innate desire to explore the world around them.

Click Below to View!

We hope you enjoyed reading all about amphibians!

🐸SMART START🐸

Happy Mother's Day

🌷SMART START🌷

Monday

Butterfly Lifecycle/ Metamorphosis

This spring, SMART START introduced the lifecycle of a butterfly. Our young learners experienced the science and magic of metamorphosis at school through an abundance of related lessons and hands-on, interactive activities.

Read Along Below!

📚To begin this unit, the class circled in their outdoor classroom for a story time. The classic tale, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle was read. We discussed the four stages of the butterfly lifecycle: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly. Everyone was eager to witness this cycle firsthand in the coming weeks.

🐛Students excitedly welcomed two cups of caterpillars (5 in each cup) into their classroom. Magnifying glasses were utilized to view these tiny creatures up close. Afterwards, all created a "Butterfly Observation Journal."

🔍Classmates continued to document changes they observed such as the caterpillars' significant growth, silky webs forming around and the slow climbing to the top of the cups. At the end of two weeks, our class caterpillars spun themselves into chrysalides! The lids were removed from the cup and placed inside a butterfly garden enclosure.

🦋Pupils patiently waited another two weeks for the completion of this lifecycle lesson. After great anticipation, 10 butterflies emerged! SMART START Scientists brought the butterfly garden outdoors to release into nature. Peers were in complete awe as they took turns holding the butterflies. The insects then flew away to continue the lifecycle in their natural habitat.

🎵In addition, friends sang a "Butterfly Lifecycle" song to reinforce the subject matter.

View below!

⭐To recognize their enthusiasm and diligence throughout this process, each child received a "Butterfly Raising Certificate."

Click here for resources to experience the butterfly lifecycle in your home or classroom

🦋SMART START🦋

Friday

Earth Day

Friday, April 22nd is Earth Day. SMART START has participated in caring for the planet through our environmental focused curriculum. Our young learners have been engaging in hands-on, interactive lessons such as creating & constructing with reusable materials, planting & nurturing seeds, sorting & recycling items and more! It is essential to educate the next generation on the importance of preserving their natural surroundings.

View Our Earth Day Activities Below!

🌍SMART START🌎

Happy Easter

🐰SMART START🐰

Saturday

Spring Into Learning

Spring is in the air at SMART START! Our young learners have fully embraced the season through a variety of hands-on activities, interactive play with peers and experiencing the natural world around them.

Follow Along Below!

🌱Spring studies commenced with a planting project. Each student received seeds, soil and a cup to begin the process of growing their very own green bean. In addition, some flowers were planted. SMART START Scientists have been diligently watering their plants, ensuring they are placed in sunlight and observing and documenting growth.

A song was learned to reinforce the planting process.

Click to View

This full circle learning experience promotes critical thinking, high self-esteem, patience and a sense of responsibility. All anticipate harvesting their crop later in the season!

⛅ Learning through play is an essential component of our core curriculum. Carefree classmates enjoy engaging with one another in their outdoor classroom. Whether they are swinging, sliding, running or climbing together, the children are developing social behaviors, improving their communicative skills, forming friendships and reaping the benefits of fresh air and exercise.

🕮The group gathered for a seasonal storytime and discussion about signs of spring.

🍃The class put on pith helmets and binoculars to prepare for a nature adventure. Eager expeditioners decorated bags then ventured outdoors to explore. Pinecones, rocks, sticks, leaves and moss were among the natures treasures discovered. Our class chickens even joined in the search!