Cheep, cheep, cheep was what we expected. We made a visit to Emilie's classroom today to hold the chicks. I knew the little birds would probably be frightened so I had the children enter quietly and just look first. As I put my hand in the makeshift chicken coop they began an earsplitting sqwacking that would have frightened most children. You must remember that when my class sets out to do something, nothing will dis-way them until the mission is completed.
I pulled out a black and white chick with dog-like markings with a reputation for calmness. We soon learned this was incorrect. As I held it, it flapped its tiny newly feathered wings and try to fly away. The children gathered around to hold it and one by one hands came forward and then pulled back as the wings flapped. I pulled out the white one which seemed calmer and placed him in an outstretched hand only to have it dangling by its feet between two small fingers. After a quick rescue I transferred it to another hand that soon threw it back into mine.
Okay, I get it. These aren't farm children and perhaps the goal should have been only to stroke the birds. I made this suggestion but perhaps I should have added one needed to be gentle with young birds. As entire hands pressed firmly down to "pet" the birds I realized the chicks were in peril and returned them all to their cage. The children were happy to watch them and a few other friends of Emilie's. We saw gerbils, turtles, fish and an iguana.
We washed little hands and moved on to the upper elementary State Museum. Each of Kim and Betsy's students had chosen a different state for their project. We saw cakes decorated as states, miniature Native American villages, caves, hula dancing and ate Toll House chocolate chip cookies (the chocolate chip was accidentally invented by a Massachusetts woman living in an old converted toll house). I was very impressed with our group as they wandered from state to state asking questions and listening politely about people and events that were new to them. Surprisingly, it took a full 30 minutes for my little class to see all the exhibits and satisfy their curiosity. They never cease to amaze me.
Next week we have rehearsal on Tuesday and will walk if the weather permits. Please put appropriate walking shoes on your child. Our class will stay longer to fly kites on the Hollins campus. We may even take our lunches over for a picnic!
Thursday we will view the art show and must leave our campus by 9:00 to arrive on time. After the art viewing we will watch the dress rehearsal of "Cinderella" and then return to school. Friday is the BIG DAY!!!
other reminders:
Scholastic Book orders are due Thursday, May 27
Friday dismissal is following the Arts Festival from the Hollins Campus
no school on Monday, May 31
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