Do rabbits actually hibernate?

This week began our journey exploring winter habitats for woodland creatures.  To introduce the children to our new topic, we  first explored how humans adapt in the wintertime.  For example, humans wear warmer clothing including jackets, hats, mittens, etc.  We then discussed ways animals keep warm in the wintertime.  Some responses included hide in trees, build a cave, find sun and dig a hole.  This lead to the introduction of our new vocabulary words: migrate, hibernate and adapt.   The children were amazed to find out that not all animals hibernate.  Many animals also adapt to their chilly winter environment or migrate to warmer climates.  For example, animals that hibernate include bears, frogs, squirrels, chipmunks and bats.  Animals that adapt include deer, wolves, rabbits, owls and foxes.  And as discussed this past fall, animals that migrate include geese, monarch butterflies and robins.  

The children also learned what a woodland forest is and how valuable the forest is in the wintertime for animals to survive and adapt in the wintertime.  To extend our learning, the small world woodland area has been transformed into a snowy wonderland and the winter white play dough has been a  big hit with penguin play.           

Next week we will go into more detail on how animals prepare for winter.  The children will make woodland habitat globes and  we will discuss how we can help animals in the wintertime.  We will make food for the woodland animals and place the cheerio chains on our “Animal Giving Tree” near the woodland edge of our playground.  Stay tuned for which woodland animals we spy.

And lastly, don't forget to vote for us on Wicked Local's 2016 Reader's Choice Awards! CLICK HERE TO VOTE! Don't forget to vote for at least 10 of your favorite local businesses for your vote to count! All votes do not have to be exclusively for businesses in Burlington so pick all of your faves from surrounding towns!

Important Dates and Reminders:

January 18: SEE closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day
February 1: February tuition due
February 15: SEE closed in observance of President's Day
March 1: March Tuiton Due
April 1: April Tuition Due
April 18-22: SEE closed for Spring Break
May 11-12: Picture Day! More info to come in a few weeks

Have a great weekend! More pictures to come next week!

Joanna