Mrs. Donnelly's first graders recently took a fascinating journey into the world of bats! Through an exciting, hands-on unit, the class explored the amazing characteristics of these unique mammals and discovered the important role bats play in our environment. Students read both fiction and non-fiction books about bats , created their own bat books and bat "caves" filled with interesting facts. They also investigated the bat lifecycle, labeled the parts of a bat, and completed Venn diagrams comparing bats and birds. Students also learned how bats help the environment by eating insects, pollinating flowers, and spreading seeds. Through reading, writing, comparing, observing, and these first graders strengthened their literacy and science skills while developing a greater appreciation for the natural world. Throughout this unit, the classroom was buzzing with curiosity and excitement as these young learners became true bat experts! What a wonderful way to bring science and literacy together!