Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Lions, and Tigers, and Bears...
Ok, so I didn't see lions and tigers, but I did see bears this weekend! I started my break by visiting the National Zoo in Washington D.C. It was an amazing experience! There was so much to see and do! I just wish I had more time to spend at the zoo. When I think of the zoo, the first thing I think of is animals, never the written word. There was writing everywhere! There was information about each animal, not just right at that exhibit, but all around. The information was written so that even younger children can understand the material. At the bear exhibit, there was a short feeding demonstration, during which they gave out a lot of information about the bears, where they live, and why this type may be extinct in the next 50 years! The speaker was speaking in a way in which a teacher would talk to a group of elementary school students. Everything at the zoo was very engaging, and I was able to make connections to almost every chapter of Tompkins. I had a great time, and I am hope I will be able to figure out how to post pictures over the next couple of days.
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3 comments:
I like the point you made about having writing everywhere at the zoo where people can stop, read, and learn all at the same time. It reminded me of my cousin who is now in 4th grade, but when he was younger and just learning to read he would read everything. If we go to a museum or something he is the first to read all the little blocks with information on them and he is eager to learn the information as well. I feel that having writing all arond us can help students at a yong age read quicker and better. He read everything for about 2 years and is now reading a few grades above his own. Because it was there for him to read he did and it definately helped with his reading process.
Museums and zoo's are really wonderful places for students and children to engage in so many different activities from reading, writing, and just having fun. I'm so happy that you had a great time on your trip! I heard that the National Zoo in D.C is supposed to be amazing! I like how you made those connections with Tompkins and learning. It's interesting to see how everything comes together and I am finding that out just as you are! Would you ever consider bringing your future class to a museum or zoo?
Every summer I go to the Bronx zoo and never get tired of seeing the same thing over and over again. There is also a wonderful children's zoo inside the park where the children can be very engaged. I enjoyed that you pointed out that there is writing everywhere and that it is easy reading so that even younder children can be involved in learning about the animals. It is amazing the amount of information that you are able to learn from museums and zoos and how children friendly they really are.
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