Happy Arbor Day!

Happy Arbor Day not to be confused with Earth Day.  This day founded in Nebraska, ironically a state with less trees than most. I had the opportunity to celebrate Arbor Day with some very excited Kindergarten and First Graders. They had a special guest, Mr. Kralovic works with the city as an arborist among many duties he helps care for and plant new trees throughout the city.  On this special day he invited Mrs. Kralovic's Kindergartners and Mrs. Cencula's First Graders to help him plant a tree along the city's bike path.

First they learned about the importance of trees with "tree buddy". I was pleasantly surprised how much they already knew about trees and their importance to our environment, at such a young age. One of the grandmas along the walk was telling me, "they just didn't do things like this when I was in school".

We took a beautiful walk to the bike path.

Once we got to the sight, Mr. Kralovic explained what he had done to prepare the sight.

All of the students were able to use the shovels to help cover the tree roots.

Mrs. Cencula played defense for the shovels and was successful in keeping everyone safe.

They also were all able to give the tree a drink of water.  They took such care in their work. I really enjoyed watching their thoughtfulness.

One of the best part of the watering came when this boy realized everyone was watering the front of the tree.  Through problem solving he realized he should come around and water the back.  Students learning problem solving at any level is crucial for our world.  I love watching problem solving in any project. My favorite teacher comment "way to be a thinker".

Soon the tree was planted, watered and the sun was out. These students were asking when is snack time.