Day One, Session One

As Rangers, we know that finding "signs" of living things is just as important and exciting as finding the live things themselves!  What are these holes in tree leaves a sign of???? 

Despite some technical difficulties, our first session is off to a great start!  I won't bore you with the details, but let's just say, I am ending this day feeling like technology is not my friend. :(  Anyways, best thing to do when feeling down & frustrated?  Focus on the positive--and there is much of that!

These are some highlights from our first day!  Check out the 2014 Ranger Agenda for what's up tomorrow!

Our day began with free exploration in the courtyard.  It is amazing, especially in today's world, where children are constantly being told what to do, how to perform, how to learn, what is important to remember--and what's not, etc., to see what happens when you just set them free.  Outdoors.  They know what to do, they don't think about performing, they soak up and dive into learning--in a million different ways, and they most definitely know what is important.

Snails were the main focus last summer--for both groups, however, today's courtyard was very dry, grass freshly cut, and barren of snails.  Several Rangers offered theories as to why, while all were deeply engaged in discovering as many other living creatures as they 

could find.

Kaissy found a baby snail without a shell.

 

Myles, Michael, and Pedro amassed mini-eco-systems in different sized containers that included a wide range of insects, invertebrates, soil, and greens.  They searched under rocks and trees, in corners and open spaces, and basically everywhere and anywhere!

Rangers discovered that tipping over stepping stones exposed massive communities of ants, centipedes, roly poly bugs, and earwigs.

We discovered some lemon mint that we planted last summer that has returned.  Smelled sweet and yummy!  We found sage from last year still growing in another planter too!

Mr. G gave a quick sketching demonstration before we all set off to a quiet spot to nature journal for 10 minutes.

Rangers worked either independently or with a partner--their choice-- to find a quiet spot and sketch/write for 10 minutes.  Some pairs and singles stayed in the same spot the whole time, while others moved around and interacted.  

After journalling, Rangers continued exploring for a little while longer before we headed to the art room.

Some Rangers even established a cartwheel team, which included boys and girls, and showed some very impressive perseverance and support for each other.

Being outside sometimes makes you just want to move!!!  Moving is a tremendously important aspect of learning in so many areas, and research shows that physical movement can have a powerful effect on brain function and academic learning.

Check this out:
What we know about children, moving, and learning

Above is a link to an article on this topic from Educational Leadership magazine, which is a leading, highly-respected education journal.  You might be surprised to note that this research and knowledge has existed in education since even before the article was published--in 2000!  How much time are our elementary and early childhood students moving during the average school day?  

Something to consider...

In the art room today, we discussed our first challenge and shared memories from last summer and new hopes and ideas for this week.  An essential piece of the Urban Ranger program is for kids to take on a leadership role in their learning.  This can be a lot of fun--following your own interests, but it also comes with a developing responsibility and sense of ownership in learning.  

Powerful tools for learning of all kinds.

We played a game that illustrated balance and imbalance in nature using common weeds (black swallow wort and milkweed) and the Monarch butterfly.  Rangers discussed the connections between all living things, in this case specifically invasive plant species and native wildlife in our local environment.

Some Rangers sketched specimen samples, such as dried seahorses and a box fish.

Some Rangers poured over encyclopedias of animals and insects, engaging in rich discussions that included asking questions, seeking answers, and sharing personal knowledge.

Urban Rangers use all of their senses as scientists and observers.   This jar of dried cellosia flowers proved to be the smelliest thing we experienced today!

Some Rangers chose to paint with watercolors.  There were no rules for painting today, although several Rangers chose nature subjects to paint--insects, flowers, etc.  Rangers enjoyed painting whatever was meaningful to them, in that moment.  They were relaxed, highly focused, and engaged as they experimented with color, lines, shapes, and composition.  And they just had fun expressing themselves in a creative, colorful way!

Back to the courtyard to release live specimens and take another look around.   After discussing 2013 memories in the art room, several Rangers were drawn to the excavation site of last summer.  2013 Rangers discovered a small, odd shaped and colored stone peeking out of the ground.  They embarked on a two week mission to unearth this creature, which turned out to be a very, very old cement playground deer that had been buried for over a decade.  It was one of the best adventures of UR last summer, and the entire experience was directed by the Rangers themselves--from start to finish: digging for hours and hours, using clues, making guesses, trying different tools, methods, and techniques.  It was an unexpected, exciting mystery that unraveled just a little bit each day.  Rangers went home covered in dirt, and returned jumping out of their parents' cars to get back out there.  The best part: hearing from parents about how excited their child was about this project at school.
 Today Rangers discussed new ideas and possibilities for this site.  

One Ranger noted these dried rhododendron leaves and buds resemble giant squid.  What a keen science-based observation from the perspective of an artist.

Japanese Beetle

Today was a great day for us, as Ranger leaders to observe and listen to the Rangers as they explored, played, and got to know each other.  They shared many ideas about activities for the week and we look forward to sharing them tomorrow!

In the early part of the morning, we overheard one returning Ranger say to a new Ranger as they explored the courtyard, "Well, once an Urban Ranger, always an Urban Ranger, you know."

Monday, June 23, 2014

Great meeting today for all Rangers who were able to attend!  If you missed it, no worries, just please try to find Mr. Gasper tomorrow--he will be looking for you too!  You need to get your first challenge from him before school ends.

Today we covered all the nuts and bolts, got to reconnect and meet new Rangers, asked questions, shared stories & memories from last year, and even spent a few minutes exploring in the courtyard.

The excitement is there and we are so very excited to get started!  Below are a few highlights from today.

NOTE TO PARENTS:  Please be sure to read through all information carefully!  One purpose of this blog is to have a way to communicate between home and our program.  Always feel free to email any questions/concerns to Mr. G's school email address.  The social aspect of Urban Rangers is powerful.  Students see themselves as belonging to their small group, and a larger group, and a community.  This takes careful attention to respectful and positive interactions between all of the adults and all of the children involved.  Our hope is to facilitate a positive experience for all!

Happy last day of school Rangers!

already finding snails!

and more snails!

and flowers!

This was a rather grisly and shocking discovery--the decaying carcass of a squirrel.  Nature is real life, and we all know that's not always pleasant.  As scientists, we took a few minutes to study this specimen, noting specific observations and making hypotheses based on those observations.  Everyone showed respect toward this little animal and let it be.  We also took this opportunity to discuss why it wouldn't be OK to touch a decaying carcass, (i.e. germs!!!), and we expect the courtyard to be groomed, cleaned up, and ready for Monday!

And yes, still more snails!

In the art room, Rangers spoke about some of the changes we made last summer and wondered what would look different today.  This planter was mentioned specifically and several Rangers headed right to it as soon as we got outside.

Another big highlight and curiosity was the excavation site from last summer.  Lots of questions and ideas shared about this!

Although our time was short, there were many discoveries and a rush of excitement in the air today!  To quote Mr. G, as we reflected on the meeting later, "As soon as we got outside, the magic was right there."

Getting ready...

It's hard to believe that it was a year ago that we first launched Urban Rangers with two amazing groups of children, and here we are, preparing to launch our second year as Urban Rangers--with some experienced Rangers and also welcoming new Rangers.  Here are a few highlights from last year's sessions:

 

There are so many more amazing pictures from last year--this is just a highlight!  

We can't wait to get started this year!