...and in the hallways and the classrooms.

Fall is a wonderful time to be a teacher in Minnesota.  The turning of the leaves and the crispness of the air always stimulates the senses and helps teachers bring nature to their classrooms.  It starts in the Pre-K as Lorraine Anderson peaks the children's interest in the season of autumn.  As usual, it begins with some well chosen literature like Leaf man, Red leaf, Yellow Leaf, and Where the Wind Blew In.  Natural outcroppings from these books include observing the changes in nature through a walk outside and trying to duplicate what the children see in books and nature.   

A diversity of mediums are experienced by the children and songs and discussions round out the unit.  The theme of autumn carries over nicely into the drama classes that begin in first grade.  Autumn leaves that fall from trees and swirl in the wind are wonderful to reenact.  First graders are also exposed to various poems about fall which are stimulated by the familiar smells and sights we connect to this season.

By the time the children are in second grade, they are able to catch those swirling leaves with their vivid colors in quite realistic art.  We are grateful that they use our hallways and bulletin boards to share their art pieces with us.

But autumn also comes with chores.  It is a time for the kindergartners to clean up their "kinder garden" by pulling weeds and preparing the soil to plant bulbs.  Though it is hard work, it is a pleasure to be outside on a sunny, fall day and the kindergartners are quite proud of how they are able to help out the school.

Children shine in different ways and they are lucky to have a chance to apply their best efforts in a variety of settings at MPA.