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ADVOCATE THE SOUTHSIDE
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THURSDAY APRIL 30, 2015 H B O C AG E • C O U N T RY C LU B • H I G H L A N D • J E F F E R S O N T E R R AC E • K E N I LW O R T H • P E R K I N S • U N I V E R S I T Y C LU B THEADVOCATE.COM
Student-made Frogtarium inspires
Episcopal first-graders share studies of frog life cycles, habitats “My son said it was the ‘best day ever.’ He absolutely loved it.”
BY C.J. FUTCH Students gather around a display of the rainforest frog habitat April 23 at Episcopal Lower School as firstgraders present the information they have researched about frogs at the Frogtarium.
Darlene Denstorff ON THE SOUTHSIDE
DDENSTORFF@ THEADVOCATE.COM
Events set for Bluebonnet Library
cfutch@theadvocate.com When Heather Harpole says her first-graders know their frog species, inside and out, she means that literally. “They’ve dissected frogs already,” Harpole said as she watched parents of Episcopal Lower School first-graders wind their way through the makeshift rainforest their children created as part of a school project called the Frogtarium, which Advocate photo by C.J. FUTCH was highlighted during an April
they also were able to detail the different layers of habitat in the rainforest. KENDYL WORRELL, mother of Episcopal student Jacob explained, pointing at his paper replica of the habitat, signed species of frog, created that the canopy of the rainfor23 program at the school. a mock habitat out of construc- est, at the top, has different conReal frogs. “It’s surprisingly easy to get tion paper and glue and created ditions than the forest floor. In addition to the rainforest them off the Internet,” Harpole a model of their frog. Students Jacob Duval, Avery frogs, students studied desert said. They also hatched tadpoles in Plum Harris and Simon Hezel and wetland frog species, which researched the gliding tree included both common and enthe classroom, she said. Dissection was just one part frog, a rainforest dweller, and dangered amphibians. As parents moved from room of a six-week long project for not only were they able to disthe students, who also did group cuss the common characterisresearch projects on an as- tics and life cycle of the frogs, äSee FROG, page 6G
School for the Deaf opens learning village
MAKING STRIDES
BY C.J. FUTCH
cfutch@theadvocate.com Seven-year-old Lexus Pleasant made her way through a series of pint-sized buildings that are made just for children, but are tall enough to accommodate adults. There’s a specific reason why. “Teachers need to be able to get in there and teach lessons,” said Nancy Benham, principal at the Louisiana School for the Deaf, where the Lagniappe Children’s Village is located. The school dedicated the children’s Village during an April 21 ceremony. Since many of the children who attend this school are there during the week overnight, many of them never get the opportunity to go with their parents to places like the bank, the doctor’s office, a police station, or other areas that can be intimidating the first time. The purpose of the buildings, situated in the center of campus, is to teach students how these places work, what terminology is commonly used, and how to communicate the idea behind, say, making an appointment with a doctor, using a train station, getting an oil change, or taking money out of the automated teller machine. There’s a lot of roll play involved, she said, including after-school hours with the dorm staff, and the students love it. “They’re learning while they’re playing,” she said. Pleasant was having a great time at the April 21 ribbon-cutting to the village, which
Several activities for children and adults are planned in May at the Bluebonnet Regional Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd. For a compete calendar of events, visit http:// ebrpl.evanced.info/signup/ eventcalendar and select the library location of your choice. Here’s a few things in the Bluebonnet library’s calendar:
Name that alligator
Children can help the library select a name for its new stuffed alligator. Children are invited to have their photograph taken with the stuffed animal from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and enter their name suggestion in a drawing or a book giveaway.
Tablet tips
On Tuesday, adults can pick up tips on uses of their computer tablets during a class set from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring your iPad, Nook or Kindle to learn what the library has to offer in its databases. Learn about databases such as Overdrive, One Click Digital, Flipster, Freegal and Pronunciator. Registration is required. Call (225) 763-2260.
äSee VILLAGE, page 2G
Learning Microsoft Word Learn about Microsoft
äSee SOUTHSIDE, page 3G
Advocate staff photo by HEATHER MCCLELLAND
Mia Michot, 8, left, with friend Michelle Guidry, helps her 2-year-old brother Gabriel take a few steps toward his mother, Jessica Michot, right, Saturday during the March of Dimes’ March for Babies. Gabriel was born premature at 27 weeks and is still dealing with the consequences, but Michot says he is improving. He is starting to walk and learn sign language.
Photo provided by LAURIE WILLIAMS
Lexus Pleasant plays on a tractor that is part of the Lagniappe Children’s Village, which officially opened April 21 at the Louisiana School for the Deaf.
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