Brandi J. Clark

According to this article If You Want Smart Youngsters Let Them Dig in the Dirt , digging in the dirt provides contact with a natural anixety reducing drug.

“The researchers say we’ve become so urbanized we risk losing a connection with an organism in nature that may actually be beneficial to humans.”

So does what does this mean for us. It means, instead of reading this post at your desk, perhaps kick off those pumps, shoes and socks and enjoy the post running your toes through the dirt. Turn all Shrek like and roll in it…if you must…or check out this book.

I Love Dirt!: 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature By Jennifer Ward (Author),
Enjoy!

1. In the new movie, Shrek wished his royalty status away. Have your students pick a turning point in their lives and write about what would have happened if they had gone the other way. (Use Wallwisher)

2. Write a backstory for Donkey. What “story” does he come from? How did he end up in that forest? (Use whatever you want to create this one!)

3. Make character trading cards on readwritethink.org

4. Create a movie trailer for Shrek using scanned student drawings or thematic symbols and ANIMOTO.

5. Use glogster as medium to reflect on one of the fairytales mentioned in the movie. Include history of the story, possible audio retellings and images.

Or make up your own idea. I promise not to stalk your classroom and check what you do.

Until Next Time,
Lit Maven Out!