Busy week of learning

We're going on a Word Hunt !!!

Over the last several days we have noticed the children walking around the room and copying the sign in sheets, poems and words around the room. Today, we suggested they go on a "Word Hunt" so we could add more words to our word wall.

Dress-up Centre 

We would like to thank the families that donated all of the awesome clothes to our Dress-up Centre. The students were very excited to show them off.

Painting and Sharing 

Sign-in

We noticed on another blog that they were looking at the use of a mirror to enhance exploration and creativity. We were eager to try this with our class.

We set up our mirror on top of the water table and set some small blocks beside the table. The children became curious and started to explore right away.

 Later in the day, we set some large blocks on the floor so they could stand on them to get a different view.

Block Centre

We would like to thank Mrs. Taylor for the large tubes she donated to our classroom.

Outdoor Learning Inquiry

When the children were outside during our morning "Outdoor Learning"; they noticed the weather was changing. Some of the things they mentioned to Mrs. Olafson's supply teacher were:

1. The ground is hard
2. There is white stuff all over the grass.
3. I think it is frost.

We decided to stay outside longer and go on a walk around the playground to observe other changes outside.

During our walk, they noticed that the mud they were digging in the day before was gone.

This student wanted to step on it to see how it felt because he was digging in it the day before. He said it was hard and the water went away because it was too cold last night.

A student suggested that everyone jump on it at the same time to see if they could make the ground soft. 

While they were jumping, a few of the conversations we heard was that it would be hard until the sun came out and the ice melted.

When we went out for our second Outdoor Learning time, the children noticed that the frost and ice were gone but the ground was still hard.

Sharing Time

Throughout the "Full Day Learning Program", the children are assessed in many areas over the two year program. One area that is assessed is Social Development. In Social Development we look at their ability to express their needs as well as their interests. We find that a "Sharing Time" is a perfect time to assess this. The children sign a board and depending on the day, there can be 3-5 spots to sign up. The children first present their idea to the teacher, then may have a chance to sign up for that day. We decided to challenge the children and have them represent their item with a picture and words once they were finished building.

The finished creation was presented to a teacher. 

Working on drawing their finished creation.

Adding some words to their drawing.

Reading and excited to share with their peers.

When the children present during sharing time, they are encouraged to share three interesting facts about their creation.

Here are more examples of children that represented their sharing creations with a picture and words.

This student presented her car.
She said her car goes fast and takes pictures.
She also shared that the camera is on the tallest part so she can take pictures  far and close.

This student presented her picture and speed boat.
She said it can float on the water and also fly because it has wings. She also told the class that it can carry all her family and friends too.

This student decided to paint a picture of his car. He said that painting would be easier then drawing. When he presented, he told the class that it was a car now but could turn into anything. He also told the class that it was a transformer and was very very very fast. It was so fast because it has an extra wheel on the back.

Baking Banana Muffin's

The children have really enjoyed visiting the kitchen in Mrs. Taylor and Ms. Zilo's room but we decided to bring the baking to the classroom. The children had a choice to help make the muffin's or continue engaging in a variety of activities in our classroom.

When you engage children in baking they are able to increase their numeracy skills while helping to measure and count the ingredients. They also increase their literacy skills by finding familiar letter's and words in the recipe.

Aerob-a-thon

We would like to thank all the families that participated in the Aerob-a-thon by raising money.  A portion of the money raised will go towards our classroom for supplies.

We would also like to thank Miss Foris and Ms. Murray for coordinating the dances and for the Grade 7-8 girls that lead the school on stage during the Aerob-a-thon.

 It was AWESOME to see the whole school following the grade 7-8 girls dance on stage.

The SK's were excited to hear. "  I've Got a Feeling !!  ". They remembered the dance steps that Ms. Murray taught them last year.