Welcome to Maggie's Earth Adventures

Dr. Kathy

Director of Education, Maggie’s Earth Adventures

This week’s WAP takes placeon the Okavango Delta in Botswana and because I am so fond of this part of the world, I thought that’s where I would draw my inspiration in a selfish effort to heal my broken heart following the crushing and unexpected defeat of my Packer’s last week!

As I researched the WAP for this week, I poured over notes in my journal and was immediately taken back in time to this magical place. Grateful for the words I had taken the time to record, it reminded me just how important it is to maintain a journal.  It is not only an important art form that many writers use, but scientists also use journaling to glean qualitative data from their observational entries. The first and most critical step in journaling is to cultivate the habit.  I love the idea of setting a timer in your classroom and encouraging children to write whatever comes into their head during the time allotted. You are certain to hear grunts and moans initially but if you put aside the same amount of time a few days a week, you will see their stamina and enthusiasm for writing increase. Let me know how this activity is received and if you discover the next great burgeoning writer. I would love to share their journal entry with our community.

A special thank you this week for your support as the number of visitors checking out our site has risen dramatically since the beginning of 2012. We’re not sure exactly why, but we know who is making that happen and that’s our loyal subscribers.Keep up the great work and we’ll see you next week!

Dr. Kathy

Dr. Kathy

Director of Education, Maggie’s Earth Adventures

One could say the perfect pastie inspired my trip to learn more about my Cornish heritage, it is what connected me to the idea of learning more about my family tree.  This concept reminded me of what I heard over and over again at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), “if it matters then there will be retention.”  Not just children, but all of us become more engaged and learn more when we draw a personal connection.  What this means to us is that we must try and
personally connect our children to every science lesson.  Stop. I mean EVERY lesson.  The content of this week’s WAP is ideally suited to helping your students question how ideas could impact their own personal lives. The jet stream, an Alberta Clipper, etc. may seem far away from us, but consider how these streams in the sky or ocean impact our chance for a white Christmas, a sunny day at the ball park, or an awesome swell for a great day of surfing.  Help our children, self absorbed by nature of course, make meaningful connections between what is being taught to them and how it affects their lives and you are guaranteed increased attention and retention. Try adapting this technique to your next lesson plan and let us know if you enjoyed greater results. And finally, if you have the perfect pastie recipe, please share that with our community as well!

Have a great week!

Dr.  Kathy

The first three subscribers to e-mail info@missmaggie.org with the correct answer to question 1A of this week’s Weekly Activity Packet, “A Different Kind of Bird” will win a copy of noted I Spy author Jean Marzollo’s book Pierre the Penguin!

When our Executive Producer, Mason, and I arrived in Simons Town, South Africa last year, we were immediately besotted by the little creatures who waddled up to greet us. As we wandered the pathway around the sea we spotted their tiny eyes intently following our every move as their fellow African penguins lazed in the sunshine that warmed the high rocks above the spray of the water. Though relaxed, their prone bodies appeared ready for a quick slide into the freezing water at any moment.  Penguins- a -plenty, even the parking lot signs warned to check under cars lest a stray shuffled to rest below. No doubt, we fell head over heels in love with these enchanting birds and count this penguin excursion as one of the highlights of our incredible African adventure.

Imagine then my delight when I attended Jean Marzollo’s (noted I Spy author) session at the National Association for the Education of Young Children convention in Orlando and the author held up, Pierre the Penguin!  A true account of an African penguin residing in an aquarium in San Francisco, this story follows the drama of a little guy who was losing his feathers forcing him to be isolated from the others at his zoo home. Fear not, once fitted with a special raincoat that ultimately permitted his feather condition to clear, Pierre was reunited with his friends in the penguin rookery.   I hope I have inspired you to check out this lovely read.  I think you will find it as engaging as I did and will even suggest your school librarian add Pierre the Penguin to their list.  As always, your librarian is sure to appreciate the input!

As always, Maggie’s Earth Adventures is standing by ready to help bolster your efforts in the classroom with some incredible penguin photos found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maggies-Earth-Adventures/85867298875. Pair these with your Smartboard and encourage your children to create some funny captions.  Type these captions up and the next day you can have your students’ guess which caption goes with which picture.  Personally, I take great joy in swiping the sentence across the white board to add zest to a picture. Celebrate creativity and humor….we at Maggie’s Earth Adventures support the idea that
laughter sets the stage for learning!

Happy teaching!

Dr. Kathy