There's also the cycle of vacations; Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Breaks. When we left for Germany, it was still winter in Almaty. There were 10 inches of snow on the ground, days were still short, but growing longer, it was still cold enough to wear my down parka. It even snowed 8 inches while we were gone. Upon return 8 days later, however, winter had gone and spring was in town! Nearly all the snow melted. Clouds cleared to reveal blue skies, birds sang in the morning sun and buds began to swell. It was incredible! At school, not one student wore snow pants! The era of the dreaded snow pants was over.
Spring is a fun time in the classroom too. When we were studying life cycles, we could walk outside and observe the trees budding, the birds migrating and the sun rising earlier. We could even observe bumble bees being covered in pollen as they searched for nectar.
After studying pollinators, students made flowers in the shapes/colors that attract a specific pollinator, then had classmates guess which pollinator they wanted to attract. Here's the before photo.
And after.
Also as part of our life cycles units, we planted peas and watched them germinate and grow, observing the pea's cycle. Once they were big enough, it was time to transplant them.
Of course, the kids loved getting dirty. They did a fairly good job transplanting. We've had about 75% survival rate. They are happy in our classroom window until we can move them again to our class's plot in the school garden.
Saya with her peas.
There was only enough room in the pots for a few peas. The rest of the starts went home with students. Here Ayvret, Ayanna and Tilad happily show them off.
Spring has also brought stunningly clear mornings, casting wonderful light on the mountains. This is taken from the elementary wing of the school.
Not a bad view for a playground.
