Ocean City Preschoolers Learn From Trees

By MADDY VITALE Ocean City Primary School students used their magnifying glasses, measuring tapes and bags to collect items and explore and learn all about trees in Wesley Park. The nature scavenger hunt was part of the district’s goal to further the students’ knowledge about nature, while also applying what they learned as part of the Creative Curriculum Tree Study. The trip was designed specifically to help math, inquiry and language skills, Lauren Guenther, director of Student Services, explained of the nature field trip the preschoolers took this month. The got an education in trees from the featured speaker, Karl Yughans, a tree farm owner and former conservation officer for the N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife, who met with the preschool classes. Karl Yughans speaks to the children about trees. Gunther said the focus was “to enrich our students’ knowledge of trees and to discuss the characteristics of trees and the role they play in our natural and manmade world.” She noted that the preschool program, funded through preschool expansion aid, “is committed to involving community members and resources in the integration of curriculum.” “Students have been observing and comparing trees to learn about who lives in them, what they’re made from, and who cares for them,” Gunther said. She added, “This field trip allowed the students to transfer their knowledge of trees through hands-on learning, while reinforcing cultural growth and personal development.” For more information about the Ocean City School District, visit oceancityschools.org. Children use their magnifying glasses to inspect nature.