Spring Nature Study 142 What does it feel like inside the egg? What do you think will be the first thing you’ll see once you hatch? What are you looking forward to? What is happening to you? Involving Families: Studying Oviparous Animals at Home Supply the children with some fun activities to do at home. Men- tion the activities in your weekly newsletter to families. Explain to families that the optional activities are provided for extra quality time together in nature and to involve them in their children’s education. Explain that the children are learning about ovipa- rous animals. Remind parents that oviparous refers to animals that produce eggs and develop and hatch outside the mother’s body. Describe the following nature activities for the families to enjoy at home: • Ask families to go on a nature hike to observe characteristics of animals that lay eggs. • Ask parents to discuss with their children the importance of showing respect to all animals. • Invite families to buy eggs from a grocery store, explain to the children that these are typically sterilized chicken eggs, and cook a favorite egg recipe. They can discuss the food chain and eating relationships between species. Integrating Nature: Studying Oviparous Animals in the Classroom Your oviparous animal theme is an egg-cellent topic for curious young minds. Included here are egg-related projects for science, math, writing, art, and other areas. Children will be amazed by all the life forms that develop outside of mothers’ bodies. Hatch open these new life activities to get your children exploring this spring. Celebrate Nature_4th pages.indd 142 2/18/11 6:24:49 PM