2014-15 ECO Schedule & Notes

ECO ~ Educating Children Outdoors

The 4th Grade will be doing ECO this year.  Staff from the North Branch Nature Center will lead our class outdoors, as we engage in curriculum-based learning in the natural world.

Children need to be dressed for the weather and bring a water bottle.  Depending on the exact timing of our ECO adventures, kids may need to bring a snack and/or lunch--you'll be advised in advance.

ECO will be held on the following Mondays:

                                                                               February 2
September 22                                                     February 16
October 6                                                            March 16
October 20                                                          March 30
November 3         - No ECO in January -      April 13
November 17                                                       April 27
December 1                                                         May 4
December 15                                                       May 18
                                                                               June 1

Food

On the day of the program, we require that each student has:

-          A hearty snack

-          A full water bottle

-          Depending on the time of the ECO program a bag lunch or children can buy a bag lunch through the school program(your child’s teacher will let you know if they need a lunch for ECO).

Being Prepared / Clothing List

-          Rain jacket with a hood

-          Rain pants

-          Long underwear bottoms (moisture wicking is preferred)       

-          Long underwear top (moisture wicking is preferred)

-          Wool sweater or fleece top

-          Snow pants

-          Snow jacket

-          Socks (wool or fleece, no cotton!!)

-          Boots (insulated and warm!)

-          Hat (wool or fleece)

-          Gloves or mittens (please no cotton) 2 pairs

-          Neck warmer or scarf

LAYERING is the key, as we are sometimes very active outdoors and sometimes sitting. Whatever your child is not wearing, they can carry in a backpack. On wet and cold days, pay close attention to the layers close to their skin. If possible, choose a “wicking’ material (i.e.; poly-propylene or capilene, fleece, or wool), this wicks moisture off of the body, rather than soaking through. Cotton is not the best choice because it will hold moisture close to the body and can make a person chilled. Hats and/or hoods are required on wet and cold days.  Again, please contact your teacher if you need assistance acquiring the necessary clothing!

It’s also a great idea to send in a plastic shopping bag, labeled with your child’s name and filled with a change of clothes for them to keep at school to use as needed—mud puddle at recess, rainy ECO lesson, etc.

The Three Cares

Developed by Angella Gibbons

Take Care of Yourself

Take Care of Others

Take Care of the Earth/Community

The Three Cares is a very simple way to teach every safety, behavioral, self-efficacy, and stewardship guideline for learning outside with your students. Each care builds on the other and builds a strong foundation for working together as a class to achieve goals.

Take Care of Yourself

-          Dress for the weather and for learning

-          Eat and drink things that help you learn and have a good day

-          Be responsible for your belongings

-          Take a break if you feel frustrated, tired, or sad

-          Ask for help

Take Care of others

-          Hands are for helping

-          Words are for helping and for making friends

-          Include others

-          Peace Zone

Take Care of the Earth/ Community

-          Hurt no living thing

-          Fox walk off the trail

-          Leave no Trace