Dear Teach: June 2013

Friday, June 28, 2013

Dear Teach: 50 Seconds of Nature

Hi Boys and Girls,

Amongst oh so many summer activities most of you are sure to indulge in: swimming, camping, eating watermelon, attending barbecues, visiting with family and friends, playing computer games, going to the movies, and much, much more; do find some time to be outside for 50 seconds and to look around.

It does not matter where you are: the beach, the city, the suburbs, the mountains, etc. because you will be amazed at what you see. Here's what you need to do:

Locate an outdoor spot [it can be anywhere] Here's a few suggestions:

a sidewalk

a flowerpot

the edge of a parking lot

base of a tree

Then just stand quietly and observe.

What do you see?

Are there patterns?

Is there any movement?

Take a good look because you are about to witness a world with activity. Notice the grasshopper leaps effortlessly.

Here's a clip, but you need to look very closely to see nature's miracles:

©2013DearTeachJMW
Grasshopper, notice his false eyes sure to frighten his enemies. Did you see him jump! What a landing!
[Edited by Casey Waltz]

Look closely at his false eyes!

©2013DearTeachJMW
Deep in the center of the screen, motionless, a juvenile praying mantis [as seen from the top and
side views].

Closeup of Praying Mantis

He is stretched out between two flower buds.

Can you see him?

He is facing the left side of the screen.

Praying Mantis all grownup...one month to the day...

Praying Mantis, turns to glaze and then climbs glass door
©2013DearTeachJMW

Busy bees move from catmint floweret to floweret in a bit of a frenzy!

A bit of information

See which parts of the daisy's cross-section
you can match up with this image.
Which common terms do you see?
What conclusion can you draw about
the parts of flowers?

Here are a few images to think about:

Notice the pattern. What does it resemble?

Notice the two insects, what are they?

Cross-section of a daisy

A blade of grass sets root within

two tree trunks.

What does this tell you about

nature?

Clover finds itself a home against a

concrete wall.

Some general things to do:
Find out about pollination, how exactly do bees and other insects retrieve the nectar, the current concerns over the diminishing bee population, just how do grasshoppers launch themselves, where do the praying mantis lay their young, how does a clover become a 4 leafed clover, what are the parts of grasses, what is it about their root systems that enable them to anchor themselves practically anywhere, where does moss come from, why does it tend to grow only in the southern exposure of host plants; make up your own question, and locate a satisfactory answer.

And so it is, our world is teeming with tiny creatures and plant life who go about their business without a care. They do not concern themselves with the ongoings around their environs, instead they delight in the simple joy of existence.

So, the next time you are outside, anywhere, stop and look! What do you see? Grab your smart phones, or Ipads and make a clip. You can create a digital portfolio of this summer's 50 Seconds of Nature's Sightings. All one needs is patience, and you will see creatures you never imagined existed beneath your very feet.

Soon the insignificant becomes the most significant for its simplicity and beauty.

Have fun kids!

The Teach

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Dear Teach: Poetry

Hi Boys and Girls,

Yes, even though April is the traditional month for celebrating poetry, you really can enjoy poetry just about anytime of year. In fact, right now in these last few days of June, just as school is about to end, there are myriads of familiar topics you may wish to write about; and, just to provide you with a few examples, consider some of these topics or create some of your own.

Gym Class

Running That Mile

Hands Raised

Homework, that Demon

Bubble Gum

My School Lunch

My Friends

A Good Joke

The Detention,... but it wasn't my fault!

The Pond

Sweating up a Storm

No More Teachers...

School's Out

And while these topics are mere suggestions, so too is the method you choose for writing poems. The use of figurative language: alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification, metaphor, similes, repetition, repetition, and so on is one way to practice these devices. Arranging the lines in groups or stanzas is another way to visually shape the poem. If you do write a poem, feel free to let the poem rest awhile, then return to it with a fresh look. You will find some lines will benefit tweaking. Read it out loud or have someone read it to you. It is a good idea to close your eyes and see if you can visualize the poem, if not, you may want to add a few more descriptive words. Last, think about your poem's message, but do know once the poem is out of the poet's hands, it belongs to the reader.

But in the end, simply write from the heart, and have fun while you are doing it.

Here's a clip I made for you with a guest visitor. I hope you enjoy viewing it.

Poetry for Kids and a guest visitor

Kitty sound asleep on my desk!

Happy writing kids,

Be well,

The Teach