StM News

The George Cottage Threes at St. Martin’s Episcopal School recently wrapped up their study of cold weather and hibernating animals with one of the most anticipated traditions of the year: Hibernation Day, held on Friday, January 30.

A beloved part of the George Cottage experience for more than a decade, Hibernation Day invites students to turn learning into a lived experience. Dressed in cozy pajamas and armed with flashlights and stuffed animals, our youngest Saints transformed their classrooms into winter caves, pretending to be hibernating bears and other arctic animals.

Throughout the day, students engaged in hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities that deepened their understanding of winter habitats and animal behavior. They made “snow,” built arctic homes on the light table, and acted out how bears prepare for and experience hibernation. The use of flashlights added an extra layer of discovery, sparking curiosity-driven conversations about light, shadows, and the dark environments animals experience during winter months.

Experiences like Hibernation Day reflect St. Martin’s commitment to early childhood education that is joyful, imaginative, and rooted in meaningful exploration. Through play-based learning, our George Cottage students build foundational academic skills while nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a genuine love of learning—one cozy cave at a time.