Looking Closely

We spent almost an entire afternoon just outside our classroom door, looking closely at living things all around us. When asked to slow down and pay attention to what catches their eye, it was amazing how observative, thoughtful and purposeful they were. 

Equipped with clipboards and notepaper, these explorers were quick to find interesting things right underfoot to sketch, label and ponder. 

Before long, the children were gathering and collecting treasures. Some only made it ten feet from the door but the field notes they recorded were plentiful. I've never seen such a focused and engaged bunch. Tapped into their senses, they were able to explore and observe things on a different, more intimate level. 

Back inside, after much coercing (they didn't want to come in) they shared their findings and treasures with their tablemates. 

The following day, we revisited our notes and looked through photographs we'd captured from our outing. Students chose a photo that spoke to them and spent some time drawing, writing and reflecting on their experience. 

The display board outside our classroom highlights their learning and the process involved, from clipboards notes, to sketches and photographs and writing.