First Toad

Finding the first toad of spring is an annual rite of passage in nature kindergarten. Once it is found, all other activities take a brief vacation as toad finding takes over. Finding the biggest, bumpiest., and/or most toads consumes the children. Add in the extra special find of a tree frog and you’ve got one amazing amphibian adventure.

Besides the simple joy of finding and capturing a toad, watching the class morph is amazing. From some not wanting to even look at let alone touch a toad to hopping along relentlessly with every toad they find, the evolution is inescapable.

Also, seeing the kids name each toad is a blast. Usually Hoppy, Bumpy, and Greeny are high on the list. This year, knowing their capture was an American Toad, they went with Captain America. Solid choice.

Every day is a new toad. And a toad-ally amazing amphibian adventure.

Now if only our school had a pond. . .