Our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes explored wildlife, connected with the world around them, and enhanced their classroom experience. 

From its earliest beginnings, Swain has embraced the importance of getting off campus to see the bigger world. That tradition continues today, and most recently, our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes traveled to the Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary, a Wildlands Conservancy location in Emmaus, PA to explore wildlife, connect with the world around them, and enhance their classroom experience. 

The Wildlands Conservancy preserves and manages 55,000 acres of wildlands in eastern Pennsylvania.  They serve our community to protect and restore critical natural areas and waterways, and educate the community to create a legacy of a healthy, sustainable, environment for future generations.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our Pre- K Class visited the Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary on November 9, 2021.  While they were there, they went on nature walks, learned about animal and bird habitats, made bird feeders, measured their wingspan, and got up close and personal with an albino corn snake, a flammulated owl, a painted turtle, and an opossum.  While our young learners loved their first bus ride, they also enjoyed the time spent outside and learning about the animals. 

"I liked being able to pet the snake" - Jude Phillips '35

"I liked seeing the animals & being in the giant bird watching 'closet.' " - Zayd Javid '35

This trip was not only an outdoor extension of our Pre-K social studies and science curriculum, but back in the classroom, the students voted and practiced tallying to find out which animal was the class favorite.    The clear winner was the albino corn snake! 

Kindergarten

Kindergarten took their turn visiting the Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary on November 17, 2021.  Their trip started off with a live, native species wildlife presentation including tips to make the world a safer, more welcoming place. The children were able to pet a corn snake and a box turtle and were introduced to a screech owl.

"We got to pet a corn snake & she felt cold.

Her name was Carolina” - Sol Choi '34

Next, they learned about the native plants that were used for food and medicine by the Native Americans and Pioneers while on a plant lore hike. The children had an opportunity to pull invasive plant species and use items they collected throughout the Wildlands to build small shelters and teepees.

After the hike, our kindergarteners worked together to create native wildflower seed bombs that can be planted in the spring.  The wildflowers that sprout and grow from these bombs will produce native flowering plant species that benefit the many pollinator insects that call our region home. 

"I loved that we got to build teepees in the woods" - Flora Macklin '34

"I liked that the seed bombs will make plants" - Sachin Gupta '34

Each child was able to take home the seed bomb they created in a medicine pouch similar to pouches that Native Americans use to carry precious items.