Freedom Train

Ask your child about our work with Mr. K (Kent Pierce). We read through the Freedom Train script and tomorrow we will cast the play. We also worked on voice projection which I'm sure is no problem at home. They will be performing in about three weeks, and I will get the exact date/time to you ASAP.

Our Virtual Field Trip

We got on boots and overalls, hopped on the bus, and headed to Portland Harbor!  Lobsterman Chris taught us all about lobstering while Lobster Bob provided some comic relief.


The children diligently answered questions in their notebooks while we were on the journey. Probably their most important learning was how the lobstering industry stays sustainable.

Congratulations!

If you were able to come to the performance of Freedom Train, you saw what a powerful experience it was for the children. Enjoy these photos! Thanks again to YEF for providing this program and to Kent Pierce for guiding us to success!

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Maine State Museum and State House Trip

We had a fantastic trip to Augusta on Friday. The children participated in a workshop on logging in Maine and toured the museum. Our wonderful chaperones helped students engage with the exhibits.

Even lunch in the atrium was exciting since there was a model train exhibit happening. It felt very festive!

Our extra special surprise was that our state senator, Cathy Breen, met us at the State House. The children got to see Governor Baxter's office and hear the stories about his dogs. They also had a turn to bang the gavel in the senate chambers.

Soon the children will be researching a Maine-related topic. It will be interesting to see what seeds were planted on this trip.

Thanks again to the moms of Abbie, Chloe, and Winslow, and Cate's dad for their guidance and help! More photos are coming soon!

MHS/ Longfellow House Share

Click here to write on the Padlet wall.

Maine Historical Society

Let's get ready for our trip!

Visit Longfellow Online HERE!

Create a Wadsworth-Longfellow Album on Maine Memory Network HERE!

Pure Maple Syrup Bread

I hope many of you get to a Maine Maple Sugar House on Sunday!

Here's the recipe for the bread

the children have been baking:

1 cup milk & 1/4 cup milk (warmed and mixed together)
1 cup maple syrup
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
Bake in a greased 8x8 pan for 45 minutes at 325 degrees.
Cool in pan for 10 minutes, remove from pan and cool completely.

Maine Maple Syrup- YUM!

In honor of Maine Maple Sunday that coming up on the 22nd, we read this wonderful book by Ann Purmell.

We also read an Abenaki tale, as told by Joseph Bruchac, called Gluskabe and the Maple Trees. The children remembered that these tales are told not only to entertain, but to teach. Some lessons that the children came away with are that hard work pays off, patience leads to happiness, and that people shouldn't abuse what they have.

Tomorrow the children will learn why abolitionists boycotted cane sugar. Small groups will make Maple Bread, and if you can donate a day of ingredients, please sign up here.

Thinking About Maple Sugaring

After you have read "Maine Maple Syrup Industry Looks to Sweeten its Market Share," please complete these QUESTIONS.

Potatoes

Potatoes are an important part of Maine's economy and also a very cool plant to study.  The children studied potatoes and listened to two read alouds.  We then used fresh herbs from our Aerogarden and Maine potatoes to make a delicious roasted treat!  The ingredients are: potatoes cut in  chunks, garlic from a press, oil, salt, and a healthy amount of chopped chives, parsley, and basil. Roast in a shallow pan at 425 for about 45 minutes, or until tender. YUM!

Lighthouses

Today the 4th graders learned a lot about the history of lighthouses with our special guest, Mr. Corbett.  Ask you child what s/he learned.

Virtual Field Trip

We went lobstering today- well, kind of! Ask your child about our virtual field trip. Many children already had a wealth of knowledge about lobstering.

A Visit from Monica Grabin

Ask your child about songs of the sea and lumbering in Maine.

Maine Maritime Museum

We had a wonderful time learning about Maine's shipbuilding history (and the recess breaks on the pirate ship were great, too).

Monica Grabin's Visit

Ask your child to tell you about this visit.

Our Trip to the State House and Maine State Museum

The snow didn't stop us from having a wonderful day! Our tour of the State House was very interesting and hopefully it broadened the children's understanding of how our government works. The children were fascinated with the museum and I hope you will hear all about it this weekend! Thanks very much to our volunteers. The small groups allowed the children to get the most out of the day. Have a great weekend!

Trip to the Maine Historical Society

Ask your child about today's trip. The students will also be writing a blog entry about their experience. Thanks to Meeghan, Kyo, and Lisa for helping out on the trip!