Provocational Art: 4 Year Old Class
March 28, 2017, 08:00 AM
Photos
of wildlife in Canada were placed on the Drawing Table, along with paper and
pencil crayons. Children were free to
draw without direction. Most of the children chose to replicate the animals on
the table. We spoke about these animals during the process, and at Circle Time.
Some of the questions and statements from the children:
“How
do they survive?”
“Do
they get cold and lonely?”“I wonder if the fox would like to live with my family and my dog?”
“The
raccoon looks scared that he's going to fall.”
“The
bear's not sleeping. I can see his eye open. He probably isn't comfortable.
He'd like my bed.”
The
children took note of the animals sharp teeth and claws, which led to a
conversation about hunting and survival.
Art
provocations are meant to provoke thoughts, discussions, questions, creativity
and ideas.
Provocations
come in many forms; a photo, picture or book, nature, an object, an interest
that a child has...., any source at all really.
Ultimately,
provocations allow a child the freedom to explore in an open-ended way.
Barbi
Comments
Bubbles, Our Class Pet - 4 Hour Class
March 8, 2017, 09:06 AMHello Families, you have probably heard about Bubbles by now and may have even had him visit your home. He is our adorable pet dog who loves to go home with your child for a sleep over and then comes back to class with fond memories of his visit away. Your child then tells us all about their time together during our circle. There is also a book that is getting filled with photos and drawings showing us what Bubbles has gotten to do.
Before Bubbles was allowed to go visiting, the children made up rules of what Bubbles may do and may not do. We then wrote the list into the book that is brought home with Bubbles. The children discussed what they could do with Bubbles and what may happen if Bubbles did the things he shouldn’t do. But before anything could be done, the children had to come up with a name for the class pet. It was done very diplomatically with suggestions of names and then voting on it. Bubbles was almost called Patricia, it was a very close vote.
Dayna took Bubbles on a fun bus ride and also had a great time playing with him. Bubbles also accompanied Jaden to his swim class and got to sit on Jaden’s sister, Niko’s back as he watched on. Sofia took Bubbles to the playground to have some fun in the sun and her brother also joined them. Later on, Sofia took Bubbles on a shopping trip. Georgia made dinner for Bubbles and took him for a bike ride at Grandma’s house. These are some of the adventures that Bubbles has been on.
After all the fun that the children are having with Bubbles, there are valuable points to why we have show and tell in our classroom. It encourages vocabulary, self-expression and effective communication skills. Children learn to listen, speak, observe, participate, make connections and increase their vocabulary with descriptive words. It gives children a sense of importance and pride when they are sharing which then builds confidence and self-esteem. Even, children who are naturally quiet love to get up and share what they did because it is something they love and find pleasure in. Children learn to work and interact with their peers and learn positive social behaviours. The children learn to take turns, be patient and use kind words. It also provides opportunities for children to make new friendships and also a way for families to connect with the classroom.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the families for supporting your child and Bubbles by having a wonderful experience together. I know how busy life is which is why we appreciate everything that you do.
Until next time, Deanna
Before Bubbles was allowed to go visiting, the children made up rules of what Bubbles may do and may not do. We then wrote the list into the book that is brought home with Bubbles. The children discussed what they could do with Bubbles and what may happen if Bubbles did the things he shouldn’t do. But before anything could be done, the children had to come up with a name for the class pet. It was done very diplomatically with suggestions of names and then voting on it. Bubbles was almost called Patricia, it was a very close vote.
Things That Go - FAS Tues/Thurs Class
March 3, 2017, 08:00 AM
At the art table
the children were provided with different colored tissue, sparkles, black
circles, paper plates and paint. They were able to make any type of vehicle
they wanted.
Chloe made a train
that has lots of wheels.
Sarah made a car
that has an extra tire just in case you need another one.
Yasmine made a
sparkly car for a princess.
Rea made a school
bus with three windows.
Alessandria made a
fire truck.
Check out the
hallway for more artwork of things that go!
Until next time,
Patricia
The Positive Power of Friends at Play - FAS Tues/Thurs Class
February 28, 2017, 08:00 AMAs a Childhood Educator it is always
rewarding to see the boys and girls individually learn through their
exploration of experiences provided here at preschool.
However, I am equally amazed to watch
the children creatively interact as their play become more imaginative and
socially involved.
I have seen most of their classroom time
move from parallel play to cooperative collaboration, showing great growth in
valuable social skills such as sharing, turn taking and verbal negotiation, to
name a few.
It is also incredible to see young
children demonstrate compassion for each other in tangible ways such as
retrieving a tissue for another friend, helping another child put on their
jacket or helping to open or close a container at the group snack table.
These days of early learning alongside
other children creates a firm foundation for enduring friendships and the first
of many more opportunities for increased social experiences.
Until next time,
Lori
Rainbow Masterpiece - 4 Hour Class
February 24, 2017, 08:00 AMWe changed things at the art table today.
No chairs and no individual art. Everyone was able to move and put color
wherever they want.
It is each child’s small piece in this artwork that helped make the big picture. Piece by piece the children made this rainbow masterpiece.
Until next time,
At first everyone wanted to have his or her
own white space to color. The children just stuck to their “own area”.
Lucas enjoyed using two eyedroppers
simultaneously. He carefully watched as the two colors mixed on the paper
towel. When he saw blue and green mixing, he said, “Looks like the earth”.
Keira tried Lucas’s method of using two
eyedroppers but with different colors. She mixed the red and the blue. Keira
said she was trying to make purple that is why she used the red and blue.
Sofia and Lucas helped each other make
“rainbow earth”.
It is each child’s small piece in this artwork that helped make the big picture. Piece by piece the children made this rainbow masterpiece.
Until next time,
Patricia
