We also set up a fishing pond for Thursday's preschool story time using paper towel tube fishing poles and magnet "hooks" (the fish were then caught by the paperclips on their mouths). After the pond got polluted with bottles, paper, and cans from our play picnic lunch, the preschoolers had a quick lesson about sorting out trash and recyclables. The kids really just enjoyed the catching fish and throwing them back, so we brought it back out for Friday's Literacy Play Group too!
One of the favorite books of the week was Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Oldland, a sweet story about a bear who hugs every living thing he comes across in the forest and loves the trees most of all! When the bear meets up with an axe-wielding man near a favorite tree, his affectionate nature is overtaken by a fierce instinct to protect his forest. Bear's decision about how to save the tree that he loves so dearly conveys an important message about environmental conservation and the strength of a good hug. It's a book with simple illustrations, a silly lovable bear protagonist, and a moral that's direct but not too heavy-handed.
Our reading of Big Bear Hug on Friday was especially appropriate as it coincided with Arbor Day. The Idaho Forest Commission left us with some baby trees to plant as well as bookmarks and pencils, so the Literacy Play Group kids left with some great reminders to continue their Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations throughout the year!
