As snowfall increased over the month of February, many of the children in Pre-Kindergarten began to whisper about avalanches. Blocks began to transform into skis while other areas of the classroom turned into Search and Rescue meeting areas. Noticing the children’s increased interest in skiing, Search and Rescue, and avalanches, it was only natural to incorporate these things into our Outdoor Exploration time. One day during Outdoor Exploration, the children were told that there had been an avalanche on Campus. The children were asked to join Search and Rescue in order to help uncover what the avalanche had buried. The teachers began the Search and Rescue mission by posing the question: What is Search and Rescue?
“They rescue people.” - Jack
“My Dad is on Search and Rescue. They use probes to see where all the people are.” - Wilder
“They have snowmobiles. If they don’t have snowmobiles they have to run.” - Will

The children were then given shovels and a probe to help aid them in recovering what the avalanche had buried.
“There are shovels! Whoa, we’ve got something! Search and Rescue always does the best!” - Sam
“Search and Rescue did it!” - Will

After uncovering three boxes that were hidden in the snow, the children found a beacon. The children had a variety of interpretations as to what a beacon was and how a beacon works.
“It’s a thing that keeps people safe. It protects people and it helps other people who get hurt when they are skiing “ - Lucy
“It’s a beacon. They beep to show who’s buried in an avalanche.” - Jack
“I am looking at the arrows and they are pointing me.” - Mason