February 21-24

This week we began studying the continent of Europe.  We discussed how Europe has political boundaries separating countries from one another as well as boundaries created by biomes.  Unlike North America, Europe does not have all eight biomes.  There are no deserts or tropical forests in Europe.

We began discussing the wetlands of Europe since we just had finished learning about the wetlands of North America.  River deltas, bogs, swamps and marshes are examples of this biome.  Coastal marshes and bogs make up most of the wetland areas in northern Europe.  Much of the British Isles and Ireland are peat bogs.  The largest wetland wilderness left on the continent is the Danube River Delta.  La Camargu and the Pinsk wetlands are two other wetland areas.

We learned about plant and animal life of the European wetlands.  The plants and animals we discussed were the water soldier, the bearded reedling, the European grass snake, the pond skater, the water vole, the midwife toad, and the wels.  The children were particularly impressed with learning that when grown wels are usually between 3 and 9 feet!  They used rulers to measure and see how large that would actually be.


The grasses for the masses project is being closely monitored by the children.  We have seen our first tiny shoots appear this week!

In art, we have started an installation project along the South wall of the classroom.  The children have collaborated to create a wetland scene along the windows to serve as a habitat for their model fish we have been working on.  The project has been very engaging and meaningful.  Take a look next time you are at school!

The children are continuing their projects for our Worlds Fair which is scheduled for March 23.  Please look for further information coming home as to how you can help with this exciting event!