Leaving the Creativity to the Children - 3 Year Old & 4 Year Old Classes
December 22, 2017, 10:15 AM
Here at the preschool we emphasis the importance of process and
creativity, whether that be learning how
to hang up a coat and bag or taking a snack out of a bag. It’s a stepping stone to a
child’s confidence to independence. Learning the self help skills at an early
age allows children to take on new challenges with confidence.
We did a science experiment with milk, food coloring and dish soap. The children were curious how the colors blended as they added the dish soap. Many of the children needed to repeat the experiment as they wanted to understand what caused the colors to mix or maybe they just enjoyed watching the pattern the colors made.
We put out materials for the children to create snow people, the
children made their own creation with the help of big buddies
We did a science experiment with milk, food coloring and dish soap. The children were curious how the colors blended as they added the dish soap. Many of the children needed to repeat the experiment as they wanted to understand what caused the colors to mix or maybe they just enjoyed watching the pattern the colors made.
Inspiration Art is exactly that and the children got busy to create
with the picture they were inspired by.
Children will often be found at the drawing table making their own
creations sometimes asking for tape to hang their artwork in the
classroom.
Daniel making his own creation out of playdough.
We had the pleasure of a parent musician play his guitar throughout the
morning and the children were able to play too! Thank you Chuck for
teaching us about the guitar and what it's like to be a professional
musician.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Jess
Comments
Postcard Exchange - Part II - 4 Hour Class
December 20, 2017, 04:30 AM
After receiving a couple of postcards and letters from our
friends, we were excited to start writing back to the other preschools. A few
of our friends went straight to work, each drawing a picture that represents
our school.
At circle, we talked about how we are going to send the mail over
to our new friends. Some suggested email, while others disagreed because we
cannot send real paper by email. We started asking about the mail that arrives
to our houses. One child said, “It needs to be in an envelope and a name on it”
while another said, “We need stamps”. We started talking how we need to get
envelopes, add our friends’ addresses, and buy stamps with real money. So, we
got our envelopes, addresses, and stamps so that we could mail our letters.
We have learned so much through our postcard exchange. As we wait for a few more postcards and letters to arrive, we have been exploring different countries and how people and animals live. We see that there are many differences yet many similarities as well. Throughout this whole process, there have been a lot of learning opportunities from other schools. In the end, we concluded that no matter how different we are, we will always have friends around the globe.
Until next time,
Karen
Postcard Exchange - Part I - 4 Hour Class
December 18, 2017, 07:30 AMGrowing up, many of us experienced the joy of opening
up letters, especially ones addressed to us. It provides a certain sense of
importance and excitement when we receive letters and notes from family and
friends.
Our class joined a preschool postcard exchange project to learn about other preschools around the world. Within our assigned group, we were able to learn about schools from small towns to big cities in North America (Ontario, New York, Connecticut, Oklahoma, and Illinois), Western Australia (Munster), England (West Yorkshire), and Singapore. It was a fun, informative, and amazing experience learning through postcards and letters from around the world.
Our class joined a preschool postcard exchange project to learn about other preschools around the world. Within our assigned group, we were able to learn about schools from small towns to big cities in North America (Ontario, New York, Connecticut, Oklahoma, and Illinois), Western Australia (Munster), England (West Yorkshire), and Singapore. It was a fun, informative, and amazing experience learning through postcards and letters from around the world.
Most importantly,
we were able to learn that no matter the differences in culture, we are all
the same. For example, we learned that the students in West Yorkshire wear
uniforms to their school, which is located in an old castle. While we may have
our differences we all love playing outdoors, making art, and building with
friends.
Our project is
ongoing as we continue to send and receive postcards and letters. So, please
stay tuned for Part II!
Karen
Art & Science - Salt, Glue & Food Colouring - 3 Year Old and 4 Year Old Classes
December 14, 2017, 07:00 AMThe children in both our three-year-old and
four-year-old classes had fun exploring colours and “absorption” with 3 simple
ingredients: salt, glue and food colouring.
The children dribbled squiggles, dots, lines, spirals and made smudges of glue.
Next they pinched the kosher salt between their fingers and sprinkled the salt all over the glue and shook the excess off.
The children dribbled squiggles, dots, lines, spirals and made smudges of glue.
Next they pinched the kosher salt between their fingers and sprinkled the salt all over the glue and shook the excess off.
Now, the colour!
This part of the process is really thrilling. The children dipped fine brushes
into food colouring and gently touch the salt. It’s amazing to see how far the
watercolours spread as they’re absorbed by the grains of salt. Little by little
the children transformed their white, salt drawings into vibrant, colourful
designs.
These
works of art are not long-lasting as the salt will crumble and comes away from
the glue, even when dry, but while it’s not a “forever” project, it’s
definitely a keeper of an idea for fun and creative learning.
Barbi
The Amazing Ambulance!! - FAS T/Th Class
December 7, 2017, 07:30 AM
During the month of November, we
have been learning about different types of transportation in our
classroom. On Tuesday, November 28 we
were excited to welcome Annemarie Byers, an experienced educational paramedic to
meet with our class and explain how ambulances work to serve our community!
The children were greeted and asked
questions about their understanding of how several different types of emergency
vehicles assist us…..police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances...of course!!! We were all reminded how to reach paramedic
personnel in an emergency situation by calling the number “9-1-1”. The students were also able to view and try
various types of support equipment such as splints and a working stethoscope,
which they thoroughly enjoyed. How and
why we use these items was also explained in a “child-friendly” way!
After Annemarie finished her
presentation she gave the children an opportunity to ask any questions they
had. However, the highlight of the
morning was when the children were given the chance to go outside and climb
into an actual ambulance. While inside,
they sat and were able to see how it looks and works.
This “on-site” field trip gave our
preschool class the chance to learn how ambulances and paramedics provide
people with the help we need in an emergency situation. As educators, we are thankful for community
programs that services such as BC Ambulance provide to educate everyone!
Sincerely,
Teacher Lori Moore