The flurry and buzz of the hive teaches us about perseverance and collaboration. Our rather large group had that kind of fizz on our 'Busy Bees' day in Harrington. Starting off by creating a humming hive and foraging out for some sweet nectar, we avoided some common bee dangers. Ask your child to explain this bee hive game. What types of flowers did they visit, and what were the dangers for the bees. What was their own bee made out of?
We took our bees along the trail and visited some flowers. Honeybees visit flowers to sip nectar and gather pollen. Pollen found in flowers helps plants grow. The connection between bees and plants is important. Without pollination by bees there wouldn't be fruits and food for us to eat. With pipe cleaners as little bee legs we visited pollen baskets. Every visit to a flower showed how the bee can carry pollen from flower to flower. What special ingredient was mixed in the pollen to leave a shiny trail showing where we had been?
Our snack in the forest was a chance to read the AMAZING book called HONYBEE, The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera (Candace Fleming). This follows baby bee Apis on her short life journey of dedication to the hive. What are some of the jobs that little Apis had before learning to fly.
Wander time in Mystery Forest is even more fun with new kids along. What did your child do during this time? We saw shelter construction, Garlic Mustard pulling, gallantry and quiet invasions, planting tiny gardens, making of bee hives and loads of chatter with new friends.
Lunch was picnic style outdoors on the lawn. Somehow we ended up with boys in the shade and girls in the sunshine:).
Library time was a hive of activity. Mrs. Eastman had some awesome bees pictures and stencils to colour with. We are hoping mom's will have a 'beeutiful' surprise for an upcoming celebration. Check in backpacks for an activity book about bee's from Mrs. Eastman at the Harrington library.
Bees also collect nectar and bring it back to the hive. In the hive this sweet juice is made into honey. Really, honey is just bee spit. Today's group used water droppers to find the nectar hidden around the area we call Butterfly Hill. The kids had fun running back and forth from flower to flower trying to fill their team's hive cells with nectar. Ask your child what they liked best about nectar collecting and did they visit all five flowers?
Art in the Mill is a wonderful experience. You'll have seen your child's bee creation and may know that they each helped paint a collective piece on canvas for the upcoming Harrington Silent Auction. You can find out more about this fundraising event below. Send in things you are ready to part with or maybe make a bid on the art piece created with your child's talents. All proceeds support the wonderful Harrington community.
The day ended with kids chirping that they wanted to stay. A great day is one you never want to end, so all are happy about this! Our thanks to the team who hosted this day; Dragongfly and all her fun activities, Tamarack who finds sneaky ways to make everyone happy, Raccoon with his eye on the lens so you can share our journey, Chickadee (big) who gives such caring attention to our wee ones, and Coyote with the BIG howl.
See you next week or at another Coyote Nature School program Forest Friends:)
