Wisconsin’s cold winter weather is no comparison for the conditions that Maple Avenue Elementary School kindergartners are learning about in Mary Kuriga’s classroom. As part of their studies about life at the North and South Poles, students created an almost-life-size igloo made out of 200-plus milk cartons.
The igloo project was a joint effort between the classroom and families. Students were asked to bring in one-gallon milk jugs to create a cozy structure where students read books about Artic animals and life. Students also go “ice fishing” to practice reading skills.
The kindergartners are studying about animal life in the Antarctica and Arctic Circle. In addition, they have learned about the cold weather at the poles. Animal and human adaptations in the Arctic was the focus of a special presentation by artist Mary Toolie.
Students will listen to the story “Snow Bear” Jan. 29 from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and complete an art project depicting themselves dressed in parkas, ready to take on the Arctic weather.
They will design their own igloos using white paper rectangles on a dark background from 11 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. on Jan. 30. The children’s paper igloos will be displayed near the big classroom igloo.