Flowers, grass and weeds have been spotted pushing their way up through the soil on our playground. Quiet students at the top of the hill can hear frogs in the wetland outside our fence.
And motionless children can see snakes.
With their faces close to the ground, they see babies. And a “mama.” Garter snakes have taken up residence in our space, and no one can resist trying to take a closer look.
Cones around their hole keep bodies at a safe distance, and soon a little head peeks up. Gasps follow, and teachers remind children to stay still and
quiet.
Slowly the snakes emerge and head for the fence. Wonderings begin:
Slowly the snakes emerge and head for the fence. Wonderings begin:“I wonder why they are leaving their hole.”
“I wonder if he is trying to find his mama.”
“I wonder if he is trying to find his mama.”
“I wonder why the other snake is waiting for him.”
“I wonder why they are going to the fence.”
The next day we gather more information about snakes through a visit from a local business, “Wild-n-Crazy Critters.” We also get closer, calmer and more interested.
Avery, who the day before had been running away screaming from the garters on our playground, found herself leaning in to get a closer look at the Boa snake. “He’s not really bad,” she says. “Not scary.”
An hour later we head out to the playground with more information and exposure, respectfully sharing this space with our first signs of spring.