Winter is here and the first graders in Atkins are in full force winter mode. First grade is full of many new learning opportunities and one of the units students learn is all about hibernation, migration, and adaptation. This is such an exciting theme to teach and learn because it connects to winter and so much literature that we read. We also do many hands-on activities that revolve around what animals do in the winter, read informational books, and students are fortunate enough to have a Benton County Naturalist visit our class and teach a lesson to students about hibernation.
Teaching science topics such as what animals do in the winter opens the door for new knowledge, making connections, and learning new vocabulary. This gives students cross-curricular learning opportunities and keeps them interested and engaged. Students have also had many discussions on if they were an animal during the winter, which one would they be and why. Students have also learned some geography as well because we learn about the different places that animals migrate to as well as the many habitats animals live in.