Professional Development Day – Oct 20th
October 29, 2017, 10:05 AM
I was looking forward to our Pro D Day because Gina had booked an art
class at 4 Cats Studio at Garden City Centre in Richmond. It was different from
other workshops, giving me a sense of how children feel when they are doing or
making their own art work.
Jumping Judy was our instructor and took us to the back of the studio
where we sat at a large table across from each other. I felt this was important
because you can engage with one another and share ideas about the art that we
were going to do just like we do at preschool with the children.
Jumping Judy began by giving us all a square wooden box. This got me thinking what could we be making with this? She then explained about a product called Liquid Vitrous, which we would mix into the paint colors we would be choosing for our box. This liquid gives the paint a runny, glossy look when it dries. Jumping Judy showed us some samples of the effects it has when mixed in paint and how it changes the pattern. I thought it almost looked like an oil spill in the sunlight, very fun to do and relaxing!!
We all began by choosing a color and began painting the outside of the box, we then went on to select our paint colors. We all had ideas of what we wanted to create. When we poured the paint mix on the surface of the boxes we quickly realized that the colors seemed to mix and create something of its own, quite different from what our ideas were. I found this to be interesting looking at this process from a preschoolers’ perspective, how he/she may be disappointed that the paint did not mix colors the way he/she planned and how would a preschooler understand what happened? I asked myself would I need to provide other materials like brushes to help the preschooler create what she had envisioned or do we allow the child to work with the understanding of the paints mixing into colors and creating whatever they do. I believe both, I think it’s important to provide the child with lots of materials but also understand that’s what happens when paint colors mix.
As we moved the paint around on the surfaces of our boxes by tilting or using tools like eye droppers to add more paint, the mixing of the paint was making different patterns. I found this to be relaxing to watch and thinking how it would make a preschooler feel? Maybe the same way, or they may even be fascinated by the colors changing the pattern.
It was exciting to see how different the painting turned out, considering that we all used the same materials. We will be displaying our art upstairs for you all to see!
Until next time
Jess
Comments
Discovery Walk - 4 Year Old Class
October 27, 2017, 08:00 AMWe decided to go for a Discovery Walk around the community centre, we
talked about the safety of staying close by, however, being able to discover
freely in the spaces we stopped to explore.
Our first stop was a small grass area along side the school, The children were happy to search so carefully for things of interest on this small area of grass, (no one ran back into the playground which was close by to us.) some of the children came over shouting what they had found a stick, leaf, garbage, which opened up a conversation about where garbage belongs.
We then moved along to a small hill area just behind the school. The
children enjoyed picking acorns, guessing where they came from, questioning what
maybe inside the acorn, how to open the acorn? When questions of curiosity are
asked we, as teachers, observe other children collaborate together for answers
among themselves.
Each child was given his/her brown paper bag to collect things of
interest that they would like to share or talk about later on.
Our first stop was a small grass area along side the school, The children were happy to search so carefully for things of interest on this small area of grass, (no one ran back into the playground which was close by to us.) some of the children came over shouting what they had found a stick, leaf, garbage, which opened up a conversation about where garbage belongs.
The children also organized a tag game among themselves with friends
joining in as the game is in progress.
We then ran across the large field to watch a tractor digging a hole, a
conversation began among themselves as to why were they digging a hole so deep
and what is at the bottom of the hole? The children were surprised to see roots
of a tree in that hole whilst wondering which tree the roots belong too, and
how far the tree is from its roots.
On our way back in the field the children notice the chalk lines on the
field and some thought it was a guide to how low down to cut the grass, while others
thought its when you play with a ball, the ball has to stay inside the
rectangle.
We also saw a muddy patch in the grass here the children said it could
be
“A Dinosaur footprint.”
“I think it is Tracks.”
“The birds have eaten the grass.”
“Maybe the grass has not grown here just like the line.”
On our way back to the preschool the children decided that the hill
space we stopped at would be named “tag hill.”
Until next post
Jess
“Gifts To Give…Thoughts on Thankfulness" - FAS T/Th Class
October 25, 2017, 06:00 AM
To celebrate Thanksgiving, we
decided to bake “Cranberry Tarts” with the children so they could create a
treat to share with their family! Before
we began this experience, I sat down with all the children and explained that
we would be working in groups of five to make these yummy gifts. I also asked the children to start to think
of things that they were thankful for so we could discuss it later.
Each group of children washed their
hands and helped to stir the mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar,
egg and corn syrup. Then each child
individually filled two tart shells with “5” cranberries. These baking details supported their
understanding of measuring, mixing and also counting. Once each tart was filled, they were placed
into the oven and we waited for them to finish baking.
When we all gathered in a circle
once again, I asked the children “What are you thankful for?” Some children offered these thoughts…”I am
thankful for…”
Dayna: “…for my babies”
Judy: “…the playground”
Era: “…for my baby”
Lalita: “…the playground”
Iris: “…my family and home
Loen: “…my baby”
Jerome: “…chasing bad guys”
Mia: “…for the playground”
Joseph: “…my mom; my guitar
Yusaf: “…my home”
The variety of responses represented
the children’s many life experiences and how they enjoy and embrace them. Personally, I feel thankful for the many
blessings in my own life and appreciate the opportunity to interact with your
incredible children each week.
Sincerely,
Teacher Lori
Moore
Photos
courtesy of Teacher Patricia
Comments (1)
Lantern Festival - October
October 24, 2017, 04:37 PM
On Thursday
October 19, West Richmond Community Centre hosted the 18th annual Lantern
Festival. Unfortunately it was raining this year so we were forced to
moved the festivities inside - however the rain did not stop
the guests from enjoying a magical evening.
As a newer staff member this was my first Lantern Festival. I was unsure of what to expect, but I was blown away to see our community come together for an evening of charity and fun.
Upon arrival guests were welcomed, many of them graciously brought perishable foods to be donated to the food bank. Next, guests were offered crisp apples and sweet hot chocolate. There were so many stations to visit such as the scarecrow and pumpkin themed photo-op, the wishing tree, face painting, cake walk, obstacle course, drummers, balloon making station, lantern making station, the pizza concession, and finally the charismatic juggler.
As I looked across the room I saw so many familiar and new smiling faces, what an amazing way to see and get to know our students and their families a little bit better outside of the classroom.
Around 7:30pm. we began lighting our special homemade lanterns. Every lantern was beautifully handcrafted and unique, they represented each and everyone of our children perfectly. Then, our Child Care Director, Gina, led a procession accompanied by the drummers to close out the evening. It was truly an amazing night and I can't wait until next year's Lantern Festival.
Jordan Richards
As a newer staff member this was my first Lantern Festival. I was unsure of what to expect, but I was blown away to see our community come together for an evening of charity and fun.
Upon arrival guests were welcomed, many of them graciously brought perishable foods to be donated to the food bank. Next, guests were offered crisp apples and sweet hot chocolate. There were so many stations to visit such as the scarecrow and pumpkin themed photo-op, the wishing tree, face painting, cake walk, obstacle course, drummers, balloon making station, lantern making station, the pizza concession, and finally the charismatic juggler.
As I looked across the room I saw so many familiar and new smiling faces, what an amazing way to see and get to know our students and their families a little bit better outside of the classroom.
Around 7:30pm. we began lighting our special homemade lanterns. Every lantern was beautifully handcrafted and unique, they represented each and everyone of our children perfectly. Then, our Child Care Director, Gina, led a procession accompanied by the drummers to close out the evening. It was truly an amazing night and I can't wait until next year's Lantern Festival.
Jordan Richards
Paper Towel Rainbow - 4 Year Old Class
October 23, 2017, 06:30 AM
In
class we put coloured water into three mason jars, and added the primary
colours, red, blue and yellow.
We
then placed the jars in a circle with three empty jars in-between, and had
paper towel rolling from one jar to the next. The children were very interested
in this science experiment and what the outcome would be.
The
process took a few days, but the children were able to see the colours absorb
into the towels, creating green, orange and purple.
We
followed up with an interactive activity allowing children to mix the primary
colours using vinegar with food colouring, droppers, and trays filled with
baking soda.
Some
comments:
Matias
– It looks like it's steaming!
Kaius
– It's bubbling!
Lucas
– It's like a colourful volcano!
Alara
– It's like cooking with ginger!
Until
next time :)
Barbi