5-1-2020 Mount Vernon History

Do you know who Jasper Gates is? How long has Mount Vernon been a city?  Why did people settle in Mount Vernon?  Check out this video slide show created by Deann Johnson sharing historical pictures from Mount Vernon.  It is fun imagining what it must have been like to live in Mount Vernon when it was first settled.  Look at the pictures of the city.  Do you see any buildings or landmarks that still exist? What surprises you about the photos?  How do you think Mount Vernon will look in 100 years?

Learn more about Mount Vernon history and see more pictures here.  

Side note, I walk by Jasper Gates' historic home every day when I walk my dog.  You can find the home that is said to be the first house in Mount Vernon at 202 9th Street. 

Martha Thornburgh: Mount Vernon Schools Teaching and Learning

4-30-2020 Listen to a Story

Everyone loves a good story book and during the school closure, many are taking the time to read their favorite stories on video.  Check out the collection of read aloud stories recorded by Voices of the Children and featuring local community members including our  mayor Jill Boudreau.  

Here is a story shared in Spanish and English by Mount Vernon City Council Woman Iris Carias.

Check out the collection of videos here.  
What favorite picture book would you share?
Why not record a video of you reading a book and share with your friends and family?
How about sharing your video in the comments so we can all enjoy your story.
Remember to give credit to the author, the illustrator and the publisher when you share.

Martha Thornburgh: Mount Vernon Schools Teaching and Learning

4-29-2020 Plant a Sunflower House

Sunflowers: Vincent VanGogh 

Gardening is a lot of fun and a great way to get outside and get some fresh air.  This is the time of the year to plan and plant a garden.  Growing fruit and vegetables is fun and in the end you get to eat your project.  Here is another fun idea for growing your own HOUSE!  By planning and planting a package of sunflower seeds you can grow your own Sunflower House.  As the sunflowers grow tall, you will have your own fort in your yard.  And not only will you have fun watching it grow and playing in it, but the birds will thank you for providing food when the flowers produce seeds. 

Here are some idea for growing your house.

And some things to ponder.

1.  How tall do you think your sunflowers will grow?
2.  How many seeds will you need to plant?
3. Why are they called sunflowers? 
4. Where is the best place to plant your seeds?
5.  What will your flowers need to grow?
6. What kinds of birds do you think will eat the seeds of the blooming flowers?
7. Can you grow a "house" with seeds of another plant?

Martha Thornburgh: Mount Vernon Schools Teaching and Learning

3-28-2020 How Many?

How Many?

What do you notice?

What do you wonder?

Some things to notice:  

There are oranges in the picture.

Some oranges are cut in half.

Some things to wonder

How many halves are in the picture?

How many oranges are in the picture?

Can you find some other things to notice and wonder?

Which question do you want to answer?

Can you explain your answer using pictures, numbers and words?

Mary Ellen Huggins: Mount Vernon Schools Teaching and Learning

3-27-2020 Parks at Home

Last week was National Parks Week.  Of course, we aren't able to visit and enjoy the parks right now.  But there are still many fun ways to enjoy and learn about the parks while we stay safe at home and plan for future adventures.  Check out the Parks at Home page for many great ideas and activities.

You can take virtual tours of the parks. 

Become a Junior Ranger Online

Or, play games like Guess the Animal Sound, or Learn to Draw a Bison. 

Check out all of these great resources as you plan your next real live adventure.