E.C.O.: Becoming Geese and Making Maps Outdoors!

On Wednesday morning, we went outside for E.C.O. (Educating Children Outdoors).  We started with a quick sharing circle about things that we are thankful for.  Then, we played a game where students became migrating geese.  In groups of five, they created a V-shaped formation and began to flap and honk as they "flew" across the playground field.  When they heard the chime, they needed to switch the leaders of their flock.  We gained a good appreciation for how hard it is for geese to fly such long distances!

Next, we worked in small groups to create maps of the ECO woods using natural objects, such as sticks, leaves, cones, and rocks.  Students worked together to construct their maps and then examine them to make sure that everything was in the correct location.  Once we finished, we had a "map museum" where each group presented their map to the other groups and answered questions about their work.  Ask your child about some of the places that they created on their maps.