 |
 |
Spring
1998 Vol.
9 No. 1
Tails Out of School
Nature School Update
by Holly Hannum
Winter Theatre Fun
In January and February, the weather outside was mild, sometimes almost balmy, but inside area schools wild native animals were preparing to survive a cold Maryland winter. The "animals" were kindergarten and first grade students from elementary schools. Under the direction of Nature Center educators, boys and girls transformed into foxes, squirrels, ducks, and turtles. Each learned to listen to his or her "inner voice" or instinct to decide how to handle the winter's cold and icy winds.
Our "A Winter's Tail" outreach (meaning we come to you!) program visited five area public schools and two private schools during January and February. In addition to the interactive theatre, students participated in a series of hands-on centers to reinforce concepts introduced in the play. Investigating the contents of a giant touch box, solving a huge floor puzzle, and meeting our turtle, "Bernate," all received votes as a favorite experience as we drew the program to its conclusion each day.
Next winter the Center looks forward to bringing "A Winter's Tail" to more schools. An on-site program about maple sugaring is also under development.
Grant money to support "A Winter's Tail" was provided by the Cecil County Arts Council.
School Programs Begin March 18
Barring complications from El Nino (or whatever else Mother Nature may bring our way), school programs begin again on March 18. A local boy scout troop and service learning students will be out inspecting the Nature Center trails and bridges and completing Spring Cleaning inside the Center on Saturday, March 14.
Signs of spring have already appeared at the Center--crocuses and daffodils are blooming around the hunting lodge, and the Canada geese and spring peepers are down at the Marsh.
Second, third and fourth graders will be visiting for programs during March, April, May and the beginning of June. We are looking forward to leading over 3500 students on outdoor investigations of the wetlands, streams, meadows, and forest habitats of Fair Hill.
