Go Fly a Kite

If you want to try a fun easy kite, try this. It is a simple kite that takes a piece of paper, tape, a plastic bag, and a coffee stirrer. Super simple and loads of fun. I will try and post a picture later - we were having too much fun for me to remember my camera!

We did this today at the library and found out that wrapping the string around a 3x5 card, folded in half worked well for the string. You can slip a pencil inside to allow you to let out the string easily.

If you flew these kites, what did you discover? Tell us about your adventure.

Sun and Shadows

Here some ideas for summer fun in the sun with learning. And here is one new idea that we will be trying later in the summer.

Solar oven: Line a kitchen bowl with foil. Put poster tack in the bottom. This holds the food in place. Stick a marshmallow on it and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Use rocks or sand to position the bowl so the marshmallow is facing the sun. Let it sit about 15 minutes. Check to see if marshmallow is soft. If not, go another 15 minutes. The plastic wrap holds in the sun’s rays and cook the marshmallow.

Messy Fingers over the Summer

Messy Fingers is going to be folded into the summer reading program. We will be a bit more focused on a larger age range than exclusively preschool.

July 7 - 1pm Sun and Shadows

July 14 - 1pm Kites

Aug 4 - 10:30 am Science of Music

Come and join in the fun. Please sign up at the library at 508 865 1181.

Robin Update

I feared I would never seen the babies again, but I discovered their new home! They are living in a little nook next to my garage. There is a board that had been propped up against the building and they take shelter under that. Both parents are still feeding them.

When I went to remove the nest, the mom had replaced the nest liner with fresh grass. Hmm... I wonder if we will have more eggs soon!

After 13 days...

It is amazing how quickly human children grow. It is completely astonishing how fast these Robins when from eggs to this. Just after I took this picture the babies flew off.

Yes, I said flew off.

They only flew a few feet but they can sort of fly. They stick close to the nest and both parents will continue to feed them until they are fully fledged or able to fly well on their own.

Animal of the Week: Monarch Butterfly

Monarch butterflies are just coming out in this area. They are large orange butterflies with black markings. The one pictured above is a male - you can see the two spots on his hind wings.

For some basic biology on butterflies, check out a previous post here.

Monarch butterflies have a long distance migration where they spend the winter in Mexico.

Milkweed is the Monarch's host plant - that means that as caterpillars, they eat only milkweed. This makes them taste bitter which is why they have such bright coloration. This bright coloration tells birds - Don't eat me, I taste bad!

There will be lots more butterfly fun all week - so keep coming back!

Robin Update

Mama Robin is doing well - her three babies are getting really big. We haven't heard them cheeping much yet. Mama Robin bring worms and other wiggly creatures in to the nest frequently. In about two more weeks the babies will be starting to learn to fly. Amazing how fast they grow up!