A dead squirrel and a learning opportunity

The remains of a squirrel were discovered on the playground this afternoon.  I wish you could have seen the scurry of enthusiasm amongst the teachers.  There was a rush for gloves, a tray and observational drawing materials.  Once the teachers had safely transferred the remains to a viewing tray and arranged the bones in a manner reminiscent of the skeleton's structure, the children joined them to examine their discovery.

Talk about inquisitive!  The XP children hurried to get their science journals and began systematically recording their findings.  As they worked a flurry of conversations, questions and observations ensued.

Once finished the XP teachers gathered materials relating to squirrels and the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates.

They shared resources with the children, pointing out key facts and offering various works and materials that children might choose to extend their research and thinking.

It is such a treat to witness how a love of learning is cultivated by educators and children alike, who remain inspired by life in all its many disguises, even a dead squirrel.