Just Because We Are in Quarantine Doesn't Mean Learning Stops

There has never been an event similar to this in our lives. Never would I have thought that a virus could really shut down the nation and almost the entire world. As all Americans are stuck at home, self-distancing themselves, I want everyone to know something. Just because we are in quarantine, doesn't mean learning stops!

Students and families can set goals each and every single day to learn something new! Be sure to share it with not only your loved ones but share it with your social media. If you're an indoor person, then, stay inside and just google something you're interested in. We have the power of knowledge, history, content, and the world at the touch of our fingertips. So use it! If you are an outdoors person, go outside and explore everything nature has to offer. Spring is quickly approaching and the woods are alive. The PA Department of Health posted this picture on their Facebook this week. It's okay to go outside and explore!

I have been going outside all week and have been capturing all of the cool things that I have been finding. All with the intention of making that connection to the students. My goal is to show them the cool things that I have found and then challenge them to go outside to explore and find cool things on their own. 

The highlight of the week has been finding these spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum). 

Spotted salamanders are currently in the middle of their migration to vernal ponds for their breeding season. This is a cool time of year because you will almost never find them at any other time of the year since they live deep into the organic matter in the woods. Another fun fact, these salamanders have been known to live up to 32 years old! 

If salamanders are not your thing, go out to wetlands and find bodies of water. We are in the middle of spring migration and the amount of waterfowl that is out right now is unreal. Species that are migrating back north to Canada and some cases the arctic circle. These are just a few cool species that I found this week!

On the left is a male redhead (Aythya americana) and the right is a male long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis).

Two males and one female greater scaup (Aythya marila). 

But maybe herping or birding isn't your thing. That's okay! Go for a hike and just explore nature. Take the time to stop and just look around. Notice some trees and shrubs that are starting to break leaves, look for the plants beginning to pop up through the leaves. Take a second to record it with a picture and then share your quarantine adventure! If you find something cool but you don't know what it is, still share it! These are just a few examples that show learning does not have to stop just because schools are closed! 

As for student teaching, Governor Wolf has not updated the public on the plan for schools. We are still scheduled to go back on Monday, March 30th. Since there is the uncertainty of whether or not this will change, we need to start planning. Have two different plans, one for going back and the other for the online option. I sure hope that Wolf makes his decision soon.