Ox Cart Market Project & a visit with Naturalist Faye at County Farm Park

Kindergartners are continuing creating their "Ox Cart Market." The use of "correct spelling", "inventive spelling" and/or  "phonetic spelling" are all valid ways to begin the kindergarten writing process.  At this age, children are attempting to make sense of their world, communicate thoughts and ideas, and express themselves.  Labeling items in the Ox Cart Market enables them to practice such writing as well as use their drawings to communicate.  As we all know, drawing pictures is historically one of the first methods of communication in the writing process.

Ava creates a store marquee.

Olivia  designs a pair of mittens  and peppermints.  

Price tags depict products and set value.

Use of inventive spelling "APAL" (apple)   product and price tag for our market display.
Alex makes several attempts to find the most effective way to measure and cut sting.

Kai measures pieces used for shelving.

Alex reads measurements.

 Kai and Ava supplied the "Ox Cart"  with attached wheels!

Ava and Folu decide on measuring instruments for separate jobs.

Kindergartners meet Faye of County Farm Park

Later in the afternoon, Kindergartners ventured into the woods to meet Faye, a Naturalist who works for the County Farm Park.  She asked the children about their favorite fall color while discussing the season Autumn/Fall.   She told us about how fungi love moisture so the abundance of rain we have had this year has been very instrumental in fungi growth.  She was very eager to allow the children to show her our fungi finds including what Faye identified as  "jelly fungus" growing on a log.  The nature walk was cut short due to an unexpected temperature drop, however Faye meets with us seasonally about 3 times per year so we are looking forward to our next encounter.

Maia noticed that the park sign says "No Dogs."  (I guess the dogs cannot read.)

Ava makes a hidden discovery among the leaf piles- a bicycle reflector.

Before Faye's arrival, Olivia rallies everyone to sit on the log and sing songs!  Children at this age are learning to work in cooperative groups, share ideas, and execute plans of their own.

After Eleanor suggests that the group make a shelter, Lilith begins gathering  large sticks.  

Everyone else joins in to support the effort. 

Our Young Naturalists speculated about  who or what might dwell in this habitat.

Joanna shares a story with us upon our return from the park.