When winter arrived, so did a slew of questions from our preschoolers: “Where did all the animals go? What do they do when it gets cold? Do some animals like the cold?” This change of seasons created a trail of curiosity that our preschool teacher, Ms. Janice, couldn’t wait to follow. And just like that, our project on hibernation and migration was born!

Following Our Curiosity

In December, our students started noticing something important. The birds were no longer chirping as they had before. The frogs weren’t hopping from shrub to stream. As the cold settled in, nature grew quieter. As “whys” and “hows” sprouted, our teachers knew just what to do and leaned into that wonder.

Students created binoculars and headed outside for an observation walk around their Toledo-area preschool. Using their homemade tools, they searched carefully for animals (or at least signs of them). Each question guided our inquiry-based learning, and, in true Reggio Emilia philosophy fashion, students transformed a simple lesson into an investigation of their world.

Building a “Bear Den”

The class worked collaboratively to build a Bear Den and explore what it might feel like for animals that hibernate during the winter months. This was more than an art activity; it was hands-on learning rooted in teamwork and pride.

You could see the Reggio principles come alive:

• Children working together to plan and construct
• Listening to one another’s ideas
• Taking ownership of their shared creation
• Celebrating their finished work with big smiles

It was clear how deeply proud students were of what they built, which sparked confidence in their abilities. Together, this created a powerful foundation for learning.

The “WOW” Factor

One of the reasons this project resonated so strongly is that it allowed for rich, hands-on exploration. When asked about the “WOW” factor, Ms. Janice immediately noted how quickly her students grasped the concepts, how invested they became in the topic and how hard they worked together.

“This project was so much fun — watching the kids work together and listening to them talk about the animals,” she shared. “I even had a student come in and tell me she was going to hibernate over the weekend!”

Looking Ahead

So, what’s next for this CDC class? According to Ms. Janice, they’ll spring into new discoveries…literally! Students will continue to follow their curiosity on the subject into the new season. “When will the animals wake up? What sounds do we hear retuning?” Only time will tell!

Until then, you can explore some more of our favorite featured projects here.

Let’s Grow Together!

From infant care and preschool education to our kindergarten Discovery School, Children’s Discovery Center is ready to help your child succeed. Contact us today to speak with our certified educators and schedule a visit to one of our five Toledo-area childcare centers.