How Can We Help the Wildlife Outside of Our House?

How can animals survive the cold winter if they don't hibernate or migrate to a warmer place? They adapt! The most common animals that adapt to their chilly environments are squirrels, some mice, beavers and people! 

To kick off the week, the children discussed "migration" and what it means to migrate.  We discussed the different types of animals that migrate and you might be surprised by some of them! The list includes the most well known migrator, the canadian goose as well as some types of fish, monarch butterflies and whales.  To practice migration, the children flew in a "V" just like geese do on their journey south.  Each child took a turn "flying the flock of friends" with a compass.  Did you know that birds have a compass build into their brain? It's not a real compass though, birds rely on the sun, stars and the earth's magnetic field to help them figure out which direction is south!

As the week progressed, the children discussed how animals adapt to their environments.  The most common animal we see during the winter is the squirrel.  They continually gather lots and lots of food for the winter. They also pack on the pounds to help them stay warm and to help them survive when food is scarce.  Since squirrels and non-migrating birds don't have warm cozy houses like we do, the children decided to help them out! We made bird seed bird feeders this week. Some children brought them home and the rest of the feeders will be hung around our playground for the birds and squirrels to enjoy.  Keep an eye our for which animals you see eating from your bird feeder this winter!

We have also been practicing our hibernation song, it goes like this:

Bear is sleeping, bear is sleeping 

In his cave, in his cave

Wonder when he'll wake up, wonder when he'll wake up

In the spring, in the spring

The song goes on adding new animals into the song.  Ask your child to sing it to you!

We ended the week with a visit from Evan M's mom, Elise.  She read the story, "Hedgehugs" by  Steve Wilson and Lucy Tapper. It was perfect because we recently learned that hedgehogs hibernate! The story was super cute and she created the best activity for the children that incorporated cutting skills as well.  Lookout for these cute little hedgehogs coming to your home soon!

Vote for Us!
It's that time again to vote for your favorite local businesses (including your favorite preschool!).  We were voted Burlington's favorite preschool for 2016 and we would love to be your favorite again this year! Click here to vote! Don't forget, for your votes to count, you must nominate at least 10 businesses before hitting the submit button.  You can nominate us under "Local Services" and scroll down to "Daycare/Preschool." Voting ends on February 15th so don't delay. And remember to share this with your friends, family and neighbors! Thank you for supporting our small, local preschool!

What's Up Next?
Chinese New Year is almost here! It's the year of the rooster and we have lots to celebrate! We can't wait to learn more about this fun holiday and all of the traditions!  Stay tuned for lion dances, noodle snacks and lantern festivals!

Upcoming Dates and Reminders:

February 1: February Tuition is due
February 12: Cookie decorating at Whole Foods, please RSVP via Evite!
February 20: SEE closed in observance of President's Day
March 1: March Tuition is due

Pictures from the week:   

(Pictures coming soon! The camera does not want to cooperate!)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Joanna