Zoo Etiquette

The children were so excited today about our upcoming trip to the zoo.  Today the substitute teacher spent some time reviewing the rules for the zoo with the children.  They learned about the importance of using walking feet, staying with a grown-up in their group, and throwing trash in the garbage can so that the animals don't get sick.  We also spoke about not feeding the animals unless a zookeeper says it is alright and provides the food.  It is not okay to feed the animals our own food.

Today we listened to the story Curious George Feeds the Animals.  In the story, Curious George gets into a little bit of mischief while visiting the zoo.  The story led to more discussion about using our good manners at the zoo.

For our project, the children chose a zoo animal.  We reviewed what a habitat is.  The children then created their own habitat for the animal and put it in a zoo cage.  They were very excited about adding details, such as places for camouflage or for the animal to hide.  Several children made rocks, trees, grass, water, and added food, such as fish and leaves for the animals to eat.  They turned out very nice and the children were excited to bring their zoo animal cages home to show you tonight!

They also spent some time playing in the classroom.  After snack, the children listened to the story Twas the Day Before Zoo Day.  It was a silly story about a class visit to the zoo.  They also learned a new song called "Going to the Zoo."  Afterwards it was time to play outside and enjoy the beautiful weather!

It sounds like tomorrow will be a beautiful day for our zoo visit.  The weather is not looking too promising for Monday, but we are crossing our fingers that the weather forecast will change for the better by Monday!

Just a few important reminders for our zoo field trip:

• PM Session will stay at home tomorrow (Thursday) and come to school on Monday morning at 7:45 a.m.
• AM Session will not come to school on Monday.
• Keep backpacks and folders at home.
• Please apply sunscreen to your child before coming to school.
• Send your child in comfortable walking shoes and dressed appropriately for the weather.  We do plan to change into our special T-shirts at school before leaving for the field trip.
• Remember to send a disposable bagged lunch and beverage to school that is clearly labeled on the outside with your child's name.  Chaperones should also bring a lunch.  Chaperones may want to send your lunch with your child so it is packed in our classroom box in one spot - and you won't have to carry your lunch around the zoo.
• Please feed your child breakfast before coming to school 
• You will be notified if the field trip needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather.  If that is the case, your child will come to school just for his/her session (not the entire day).
• Chaperones who will drive their child home after the zoo MUST check-out with me before leaving the zoo!
• Chaperones who are driving must be at the front entrance to the zoo by 9:15 a.m.  You are welcome to come to school and follow the bus so you arrive at the same time as us!  
• Chaperones should check-in with me upon arrival at the school.  I will have a snack for children in each group, as well as some special directions and reminders about meeting times for feeding the giraffes, lunch, etc.
• Please feel free to bring a camera and take pictures.  I would love to post any pictures from the field trip on the blog!

I am looking forward to a fun trip to the zoo!  I hope everyone gets plenty of rest because tomorrow is sure to be an exciting and tiring day! :)