Easter Eggs
02-04-2013, 01:35 PMSince Easter was coming up, the kids decorated some eggs to celebrate the holiday. The eggs were either decorated by paint and glitter or drawn on by sharpies. Most of the group loved the paint and glitter idea, but the sharpies were also a hit as well! Earlier in the morning, we also had a tie dye activity planned for the little ones. Surprisingly, most of them had never done tie dye before, so it was a pretty fun first experience for them! They seemed to really enjoy the activity so hopefully, we can sneak another tie dye project in before the summer hits.
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter!
Sara and Monica
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Tooth Fairy Boxes
19-03-2013, 04:03 PMUpon noticing all of the lost and wiggly teeth at Jr. OSC, I decided that a Tooth Fairy Box was fitting. I brought in some little paper mache boxes from the craft store, supplied the glitter glue and markers and let the kids have at it! We've realised that any time our craft activity involves glitter glue, we're sure to have many hands participating. I had found a letter to the Tooth Fairy and decided to print out a copy for each child to stick on the inside, outside, underside or anywhere on their box. In case anyone is interested in making their own Tooth Fairy craft or just want to get in touch, here's the letter I found...
Dear Tooth Fairy,
In this pocket you will find
A teeny tiny tooth of mine.
I placed it there for you to keep,
Please leave your gift while I'm asleep!
-Unknown Author
Hope the Tooth Fairy is good to all the kids losing their teeth!
-Sara E.
Dear Tooth Fairy,
In this pocket you will find
A teeny tiny tooth of mine.
I placed it there for you to keep,
Please leave your gift while I'm asleep!
-Unknown Author
Hope the Tooth Fairy is good to all the kids losing their teeth!
-Sara E.
Making a Music Video
07-03-2013, 12:52 PM‘Starships are meant to fly!’ These were the inspiring words the children said over and over as they were practicing their dance moves for the music video. Our project last week was to make a music video to the song Starships by Nicki Minaj (the Glee version). We started out putting the kids into groups with their friends; afterwards they were given some freedom to make up their own dance routine. While most were happy to take my advice, some were more comfortable with their own dance moves. The whole experience was fun, but demanded a lot of patience, as we had to do many takes. The video is now being edited, but it won’t be going on the website; If you would like to see it, we would be happy to show it to you when it is done.
Peter
Peter
Catan Seafarers
28-02-2013, 10:28 AM
"If you have men who only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all." - David Livingstone
As many are undoubtedly aware, the game Settlers of Catan has captured the interest of many within our program, children and leader alike. While it may not be for everyone, it encapsulates a fun dynamic between discovery, settlement and trade between its participants. As passion for this game grew amongst our young explorers, I've decided to further discover variations of the game and have come upon the Catan Seafarers edition. While maintaining the core game play of the original, it expands the game by providing sea exploration and its subsequent rewards. Our young explorers, Logan, Adrian, Alden, Nathan and Ivan could not wait to immerse themselves in this game of chance and trade. Thus, their adventure begins...
Background Story
After a long voyage, the settlers have reached Catan and built their first settlements. Harbours are built and new, seaworthy ships are being developed. Daring Catanians sail across the ocean. Before long, rumours surface that many smaller islands are out there at sea, not too far away -- it is even said that gold has been found on some of them. Gold is highly appreciated in Catan. Ships are fitted out, and soon Catanian ships set sail to find the gold of the islands.
Team red (Adrian and Ivan) and team blue (Logan and Alden) were the first victims of the infamous robber. While harmless, he certainly poses a hurdle to the ambitions of our tradesmen by stifling the resource income of the occupied land.
The robber's presence, however, is no match for Adrian and Ivan's thirst for exploration. Using their resources and cunning skills in trade, they were able to build their first boat and settlement to the adjacent island. What's more, they settled on a gold mine!
Not to be outdone, team white (Nathan and Hillwood) quickly built their own boat to settle on the only other known gold mine. The isolated island and its riches are there for the taking!
Realising the trade power of team red, Logan and Alden quickly directed the robber AND the pirates their way, rendering Adrian and Ivan's precious gold mine useless!
Team blue quickly claimed the "Longest Road," allowing them to monopolise the northern portion of the main island. Will Logan and Alden be able to utilise this to their advantage?
Alas, team blue's preoccupation with the main island was their undoing, as teams red and white further explore and settle on the other islands, solidifying their income and trade power. It is now a race to victory!
Despite the barrage of interference by the robber and pirates, team red was able to further expand their empire to the southern isle, effectively stunting team white's chances of further expansion. Furthermore, their long supply line between roads and boat routes wrested the "Longest Road" title from team blue, declaring them victors of the new islands!
It was quite an adventure, and one that I doubt any of us would soon forget. The changes in the dynamics of the game forced its participants to rethink their strategies and articulate their thinking in terms of balancing between trading and building. The fact that these boys immersed themselves for 2 hours is a testament to their enjoyment of Settlers of Catan. And while we've put the game to rest for now, I`m sure that it will not be long before another adventure begins on the cardboard tiles.
Hillwood
Anti Bullying Art
22-02-2013, 11:25 AM
In support of the upcoming Anti-Bullying Day, we decided to
make our own pink t-shirts during one of our art sessions. The children were
very excited and enthusiastic in designing their own t-shirts. By designing our
own t-shirts, the children were able to showcase their own messages regarding
anti-bullying. Using fabric paints and plain t-shirts, I was amazed at what the
children came up with in their designs.
During our art session, we discussed the meaning and forms
of bullying. The children came up with ideas on how they can identify what bullying
looks and feels like. The children came up with strategies to deal with
bullying, such as talking to a trusted adult, standing up to kids who bully,
and treating each other with respect and kindness.
Karen
