Beavers

Here is an exerpt from the book by Audrey Tourney and the Aspen Valley Beavers:
Beaver Tales

Over the years I have known many beavers.  Some have come to the Sanctuary as very small kits, orphaned and cold and hungry.  Some have come as adults, injured, often angry. Mine has been the privilege of giving them the care they have required, and then, in most cases, returning them to the wild where they can live free, natural lives.  These are the experiences I would like to share with you. (p. 9)

Beavers play among themselves. They wrestle, arms on each other's shoulders, feet against the other's chest, they push. The objet seems to be to topple your adversary backwards, sidewards or simply down.  The escape is to dodge under the other fellow's arm when you can.  The teeth, which could be dangerous weapons if the fight were serious, do not come into play at all.  (p.77)

 I have always had a special concern for beavers.  Because I was raised on a farm , their presence was a constant preoccupation.  Although they were wonderful animals, they had to be managed so as not to spoil the spring of pure water that was our source of drinking water.  They had to be kept at bay so they did not flood the cultivated fields.  But, they presence brought joy when we spotted then doing their daily activities.  They were part of our entourage.

I want to recommend to you a children story that my husband wrote about beavers for our grandchildren.  We hope you will like it as much as they have.  It is one of many on his site:

www.pedagrowfun.blogspot.com

Fun Mural with Scraps

Materials:

1. About 20 feet of brown wrapping paper.
2. Wheat paste mixed in small containers (one for each child).
3. Newspapers.
4. Big and little scraps of color paper, tissue paper, bits of cloth, photos, pictures from magazines, string, etc...

Organization:

1. On the floor, place newspaper under the edge of the mural paper. Have ample space so children can walk around mural.
2. Children spread paste with their hands on the mural (brown wrapping paper).
3. All children, with a bunch of scraps, walk around the mural laying contrasting colors, shapes and materials down here and there.
4. More paste is added to mural and the laying of new scraps in done until the entire area has been pleasingly covered.
5. The whole mural is abstract in accidental design.

Time: 30 minutes

6. Let dry thoroughly before varnishing

A Rabbit or a Hare

This morning I saw a rabbit underneath my window.
He was hopping from shrub to shrub with great precaution
I guess he feared for his safety…. It was dog walking time!
I watched as he did his morning rounds. I kept hoping no dog or cat would disturb his outing.
It was a brown rabbit. My Daddy told me it was a hare… a wild rabbit.
These cute little furry animals live in the woods or near civilization , but are not household pets.
In wintertime, my Daddy said, these hares change from brown to white.








BUT! I replied, it’s wintertime now.
OOPS … Since we are in Florida and not in Canada or Northern USA, I guess that rule does not apply.
Soon it will be Easter. The time of the year when white rabbits are very popular.













I feel special this time… I have a little brown bunny who visits me every morning during my holiday in Florida.
It is now asleep underneath a shrub. I will keep watch over it from afar. MY NEW FRIEND.

The Olympics

Vancouver 2010!




At long last, after years of waiting and months of preparation , the time has finally come.

Historically, the Olympics were a most important event. Athletic festivals under the name of "Olympic games", named in imitation of the original festival at Olympia, were established over time in various places all over the Greek world. Records indicate that they began in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece. They were celebrated until 393 AD. when an earthquake destroyed Olympia.[1] The Games were usually held every four years, or olympiad, as the unit of time came to be known. During a celebration of the Games, an Olympic Truce was enacted so that athletes could travel from their countries to Olympia in safety. The prizes for the victors were olive wreaths or crowns.

Modern Olympics:

The 1896 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the I Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was celebrated in Athens, Greece, from April 6 to April 15, 1896. It was the first Olympic Games held in the Modern era. Ancient Greece was the birthplace of the Olympic Games, consequently Athens was perceived to be an appropriate choice to stage the inaugural modern Games. It was unanimously chosen as the host city during a congress organized by Pierre de Coubertin, a French pedagogue and historian, in Paris, on June 23, 1894. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was also established during this congress.

The Olympic Symbol:

The Olympic symbol, better known as the Olympic rings, consists of five intertwined rings and represents the unity of the five inhabited continents (considering North and South America as a single continent). The colored version of the rings—blue, yellow, black, green, and red—over a white field forms the Olympic flag. These colors were chosen because every nation had at least one of them on its national flag.
Months before each Games, the Olympic flame is lit in Olympia in a ceremony that reflects ancient Greek rituals. A female performer, acting as a priestess, ignites a torch by placing it inside a parabolic mirror which focuses the sun's rays; she then lights the torch of the first relay bearer, thus initiating the Olympic torch relay that will carry the flame to the host city's Olympic stadium, where it plays an important role in the opening ceremony.




Winter Games:

The Winter Olympic Games are a winter multi-sport event held every four years. They feature winter sports held on snow or ice, such as Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, bobsledding and ice hockey. Cross-country skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, Nordic combined, ski jumping, and speed skating have been competed at every Winter Olympics since 1924. Other athletic events have been added as the Games have progressed. Some of these events, such as luge, short track speed skating, and freestyle skiing have earned a permanent spot on the Olympic programme. Others, like speed skiing, bandy, and skijöring have been demonstration sports but never incorporated officially as an Olympic sport.

Vancouver 2010:

The Mascots:




Let the games begin!

Please send your comments on the Winter Olympic Games of Vancouver 2010.

What do they mean to you?

Hector and his Dog

Hector is a charming eight-year-old boy. In class he is very attentive and studious- and successful.

At the end of the school year, his parents give him a lovely dog. Caramel is a golden Labrador.





Hector and Caramel fast become inseparable friends. All summer they spend their time together. They are seen at the Old Mill Park playing ball, jumping, and running. In fact, having a very happy time. Hector laughs and Caramel wags his tail.

On other days, Caramel accompanies Hector on fishing excursions. Along the shore of Blue-Sea Creek, they spent hours waiting for the specked trout to bite. Life could not be better.






In September classes resume. Hector sadly goes back to school. All day Caramel waits for his play companion to return home. For both Hector and Caramel the day is very long.

Even though it is very hard continuing to be a model student, Hector applies himself. After all, Caramel and the perfect summer were the rewards of his diligence.




Labels: Stories: http://www.lulu.com/content/851430

A Cat

Follow the steps in the diagram to draw a cat.

It is very easy.

Send it to me with your comment.

Anatole goes on an Errand

Anatole lived in a remote village and had never seen a monkey.

One day, his mother, la fermière, asked Anatole to deliver a basket of fresh fruits to the local chateau.

Comtesse Césarie, of Chateau Raymond, was very fond of such delicacies. She was old, somewhat original and not very pretty. She had as a companion a little monkey that she dressed as a small child. Coco wore matching pants and vest of blue velour and an elegant red casquette decorated with golden tassels.

And so, off went Anatole. Once at the chateau, a servant opened the massive oak door and Anatole was invited to wait in the large entrance. It was then that he saw Coco on a chair. Anatole assumed that Coco was one of the small Masters of the chateau.

Anatole put the fruit basket on the table. The monkey started to eat the figs at once. At that very moment, Comtesse Césarie entered.

“ Madame” said the boy very politely “ I am bringing you a basket of pears and apples from my mother Marianna. She has added a few figs, but…”

“Where are the figs?” asked the elderly lady who enjoyed figs most of all.

Anatole scratched his head wondering if he should reply or not. Finally he ventured,” Your son ate them.”

Madame Césarie started to laugh. She called Coco who jumped upon her shoulder. When Anatole saw the long tail running down la Comtesse’s arm, he realized that the creature was an animal. He was very confused and knew he had made a faux pas.

“Coco, my little monkey”, added la Comtesse, “ thank this nice boy for his wonderful gift.”

Coco made a little dance and hopped on Anatole’s shoulder. It was a visit that all would remember for a long time.

Daniel Loves Candies

It's time for bed.

Mother puts Daniel to bed and returns to her chores.

A few minutes later, a little voice says, " Mom, may I have a candy, please? "

" Go to sleep Dan, it's not time for treats, " replies his Mother.

All is calm and silent for a while. Then one hears, "Mom, just a small piece of chocolate, if you would."

" Daniel, I told you to go to sleep. If you call again, I shall go and pull your toes. "

Silence…

Then again, the small voice whispers, " Dear Mother, when you come to pull my toes, please bring me a candy."

The Parrot

A very old lady named Gertrude lived long ago in an old hut near a small town. Life was very slow and quiet for her. She nevertheless had a few special friends, a yellow cat named Garfield, a black dog named Snoopy and a multicolored parrot named Rainbow.

One morning she heard a knock at the door. It was a vagrant asking for something to eat. Of course, Madame Gertrude gave him a slice of homemade rye bread and a wedge of cheddar cheese. But the stranger did not find the meal to his liking, became angry and forced his way into the house.

Poor Madame Gertrude was so afraid that she did not dare move.

At that very moment Rainbow cried out, “ Help! Help Uncle Tom!”
Snoopy started to bark and Garfield meowed very loudly.

The vagrant thought that a child was calling out to its uncle. And so to avoid being chased away and possibly punished for his actions, he fled out the door and ran down the country road as fast as his legs could carry him.

Madame Gertrude was so pleased with her companions’ wise intervention that she gave Rainbow, Garfield and Snoopy the breakfast she had offered the stranger.
Labels: Stories: http://www.lulu.com/content/851430

Gotch ya!

One day, Felix the cat said to Fido the dog, "Where have you been all day?"

Fido replied, " I spent the entire day in the pasture watching the cows. There was a lot to do. Old Browny wanted to eat the neighbor's oats and I had to keep a constant watch so she would not wander over there. I'm telling you, if I was a cow, I would be content to eat what is given me. I would not try to taste someone else's fare."

" If you were a cow", replied Felix," you would do as Browny does I am sure."

" No," said Fido," it is wrong to take what is not ours."

" NO?" interjected Felix. "What of the juicy ham that you took from the pantry last week?"

Fido lowed his head and did not reply.

" For my part", continued Felix," I never steal. Every day I hunt and catch mice and rats for my meals."

Fido now laughed and asked Felix, " Then what were you doing in the jar of fresh cream the other day?"

Man’s Best Friend

Julio Perez, a shepherd, lived in the mountains with his flock. As a companion he had his faithful dog Fidel. This German Shepherd was kind to the sheep, obedient to his master and always on alert to possible danger.

If, by chance, a sheep should wander off from the group, Fidel would seek it out and bring in back to the fold. If a young lamb became too tired, Fidel would nudge his Master, who would then carry the lamb.

At sundown, the German Shepherd would lead the flock to the shelter and Julio would count the sheep before securing the gate and retiring for the night.

One evening, Signor Perez missed out on the count. He did not notice that a lamb had hid behind the gate.

Young and innocent, Baba had dreamt of green pastures in the moonlight, of frolicking on the mountain under a canopy of stars. Finally, his chance was here. Under the spell of the moon, he danced and ran up to the high meadows.

Suddenly, a huge black cloud hid the moon…. Everything was pitch black. Without moonlight to guide him, the lamb lost its way. He hit a rock, hurt his leg and fell in a ravine. “Baa, baa”, he cried. “Come and help me”.

But Julio was far away and did not hear. Fidel could not hear either. But Wolf heard! He was on the lookout for a nice supper. “Lamb would be good”, he thought. He ran in that direction.

Before sleeping, Fidel would make a last round of the flock to make sure all were there. That night, he noticed that one lamb was missing. He ran to his master’s house and pulled hard on the sleeve of his shirt until Julio realized that something was very wrong.

And so Julio followed Fidel. Up the mountain they went at a running pace. From afar they heard the faint sound of Baba. But they also heard the howling of Wolf. On they went as fast as they could.

Wolf was almost at the ravine when he heard Fidel bark and smelled human presence. Fearing dog and man, he decided to change the menu for his supper. He disappeared into the forest.

Baba was saved. He returned to his mother and the safety of the flock under the watchful eye of Fidel.

Baba never wandered alone again.

Julio and Fidel shared many long years of companionship in the green pastures of the high Sierras.
Labels: Stories: http://www.lulu.com/content/851430

The Walnut

While playing underneath a walnut tree, Christian and Patrick found a large walnut.

"It is mine", said Christian, " I saw it first. "

"No", replied Patrick, "it is mine, for I picked it up."

This started a quarrel between the two friends. Each wanted to have the nut; both were risking their friendship.

"I will help you reach an amiable solution," said M. White, a neighbor, as he was passing by.

Standing between the two boys, he opened the walnut in two pieces. "Here is a shell for you Patrick and here is a shell for you Christian. As for the nut, I will keep it. It is the price of the advice I have given you."

As he walked away a smiling, M. White added: "It is good that you learn at an early age that most disputes end up this way. The desired prize ends up in the hands of others."




Food for thought:

1. Was the prize worth the price?

2. Does this story remind you of King Solomon’s judgment in the Old Testament?

3. What was the real prize that Christian and Patrick almost lost because of the quarrel over the walnut?




Visitez http://www.lulu.com/content/851430 pour d’autres historiettes et activités

Visit http://www.lulu.com/content/851430 for more stories and activities
Labels: http://www.lulu.com/content/851430, Stories: http://www.lulu.com/content/851430

The Tulip Festival

Ottawa the capital of Canada is in bloom in the month of May.

It is time for the annual Tulip Festival.

Tulips come in many varieties and many colors.

I invite you to draw one or many tulips and send your masterpiece to me at:

cyberpedago@gmail.com

Hugs & Kisses

Yesterday was Mothers' Day.

It was a very important day for me. I was invited to go camping with two of my daughters and their families.

Of course, I love camping. The fresh air, the camp fire, the tasty BBQ make it a grand occasion.

My two grand children were very thoughtful. From school they brought special cards they had made in art class. They had some for their mother and some for me. I was also presented with a bouquet of red roses.

But best of all, I received many Hugs & Kisses. It seems I can never get enough of those. They warm up my heart.

Once home, I received phone call from my 2 other daughters and their family. With IChat, we had a video conversation from Houston with another grandson. It was the first time he saw us on the screen. Our three year old was very excited and so were we. More Hugs & Kisses.

By the time we talked to daughter number four her sons were in bed. Of course they are still very young. But I could feel more Hugs & Kisses coming my way.

What a lucky grandmother am I!

A Dream

One morning a man woke up and told his wife about the dream he had during the night.

“Four rats”, he said, “ came towards me, one after the other. The first one was big and fat, the two next ones were quite thin and the last rat was blind.”

The man was very troubled by this dream. He remembered people saying that rats were bad omens. Yet, neither he nor his wife could find meaning to this mysterious dream.

Their young son overheard their conversation. Like Joseph of the Bible, he attempted to interpret the dream for the modern Pharaoh.

“ Le big fat rat”, he told his father, “ is the owner of the Casino where you stop every night after work and where you leave all your hard earned money. The two thin rats represent Mother and I, who do not have what we need to have a comfortable life. And the blind rat is you. ”

Inouk

Inouk is a young Husky. He is quite a loveable fur ball all white and black. As a household pet he enjoys being fed and pampered. He does not have to look for his next meal. In fact, he expects having food always at his disposal.

One evening, Andrew, the young boy fills his bowl with rich, creamy milk. Inouk drinks half of it and falls asleep beside his bowl on the floor of the patio.

While Inouk is fast asleep, Lili the mouse comes out of a hole in the wall of the tool shed and quickly laps every drop of milk that Inouk spilt on the tile floor.

The noise wakes Inouk who wants to catch this uninvited quest. But Lili is much faster than the dog. She disappears into the hole in the wall. Inouk decides to stand guard near the hole and wait for Lili to reappear.

Meanwhile, Mefisto the cat returning from his daily roaming enters the patio and seeing the bowl half full with milk assumes it is for him and drinks it all.

When Inouk finally gives up on Lili and returns to his bowl he realizes he has lost mouse and milk.

The Lazy Gardener

Sir Charles Bouvier, the Master of a great southern antebellum estate has a very lazy gardener named Lewis.

One day, looking at the garden hedge, Sir Charles notices that it needs to be trimmed. He therefore calls Lewis to do the job. “Lewis! Lewis!” he shouts. But no one answers.

Sir Charles sets out to find the gardener. He looks in the gardens, he looks in the sheds, he looks in the barns, he looks in the greenhouses, and he looks in the wine cellar. Nowhere can he find Lewis.

As a last resort, Sir Charles ventures to the edge of the forest. There, under the branches of a great oak tree, he finds Lewis fast asleep.

The Master is very angry. He reprimands the gardener by telling him, “ You are not worthy that the SUN should shine upon you.”

And Lewis replies, “That is why Master that I am in the shade.”

The Talking Machine

Bubba is a talking machine. He reminds all of the talking heads on the sport network.

In his presence, no one can get a word in or have a serious conversation. He interrupts and blabbers on about all and nothing. A talking machine!

During the dinner one night, while the family is again being bombarded by Bubba’s chatter, Rex, the family dog, starts to bark nonstop. Bubba interjects impatiently: “ Dad, that dog is terribly annoying. I cannot hear myself talk. Can we not get rid of Rex?”

Father replies: “If we got rid of everyone who annoys others in this house, Rex would not be the only one to leave.”

Bubba’s brothers and sisters laugh. Bubba’s face becomes as red as a cherry.

For once the talking machine has nothing to say.

What’s That Noise?

Frédric is a four years old boy.

One night he cannot fall asleep. He has the hiccups.

He is surprised by the movement of his torso and especially by the noise. And so he asks his father, “ Papa, what is making this noise?”

“You have the hiccups, my boy.” replies his father.

“Why?” questions Frédric.

“ I suppose because you are growing.” reassures Papa.

The next morning, Frédric awakens in the best of humors. He cannot wait to tell his sister Fauve, “You know I grew last night. I could tell by the noise it makes.”

Hic! Cup! Hic! Cup! Hic! Cup!

The Rattrap

One day, a young rat saw a funny contraption near the entrance of his abode.

The THING looked like a rectangular box with three holes on top. In each hole a piece of lard was suspended on a string.

“ This must be a RATTRAP,” he told himself. “ My father has strictly prohibited me from entering such devices. He said they were deadly dangerous. So, I will listen to my father. He knows best.”

But the smell of the meat was a temptation hard to resist. And so, the young rat decided to have a closer look. “I will be very careful and only examine it a bit closer.”

One step, two steps, three steps closer and young rat could almost taste the lard. He stretched his neck and with the tip of his muzzle he attempted a n-i-b-b-l-e ….


CLIC, the string broke and VLAM… Our bold young rat was no more. He received the same fate the rattrap reserves for all rats that cannot resist temptation.


Activity: 1. Draw a rattrap as in the story.
2. Using a shoe box, make a rattrap as in the story.
3. Invent your own contraption and build a story around it.