Did you see the big snake?

This morning, there was an additional announcement at the conclusion of our pledges and announcements over the PA.  "Teachers, please be aware that a four-foot snake was spotted on the playground yesterday afternoon.  We saw the four-foot snake leave the playground, but we do not know where it went.  Teachers, it was a very large snake.  Please be alert and check the playground carefully before permitting your class to play."

I am paraphrasing and probably exaggerating the number of times the phrase "four-foot snake" was repeated, but let's just say it was enough to "enthuse [the child] to his inmost core" (Montessori).  It was difficult for young people to concentrate on work after hearing about that four-foot snake!  And I must admit to questioning the wisdom of our usually calm and thoughtful principal.  However, what happened next made me smile.  There was a flurry of activity at our zoology shelf--specifically the reptile book box. 

"Ms. S, this is the snake that was on the playground!" said a child, pointing to a snake in a book.  "Really?  Did you see the snake yesterday?"  "No, but D____ described it to me, and this is the one!"

You see, we've been investigating field guides.  The children brainstormed a list of field guide components (photograph or scientific illustration, a description of physical characteristics, size, diet, behavior, etc.).  It is my hope to motivate them to develop a field guide for flora and fauna found on our campus.  First, though, we need to know what is included in a field guide--and be able to use them to identify the critters and plants we find. 

Exploring field guides is one of the Core Routines of Nature Connection in Coyote's Guide, and the children's response to our "four-foot snake" announcement reminded me of what Wilderness Awareness School refers to as "invisible school."  The idea is to use playful, trickster Coyote ways to "draw out students' natural curiosity and inspire hands-on learning."  I'm not sure that was the intention of our principal's "big snake" announcement, but it was certainly the delightful effect!  When I related this story to a friend, she laughed and said, "Only in your class would the kids get out snake books and try to identify it when they hear an announcement about a big snake."

"Did you see the big snake?" asked one of our third grade girls.  "No, I didn't.  Did you?"  "No," she said sadly.  "But maybe we'll find it at recess," she added hopefully.  I love it!

For more games and connecting-with-nature activities:

Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature