Pastel Self-Portraits

A favourite activity of ours to do each September is encourage the children to draw self-portraits. We have been discussing how each child is our class is special and unique and a wonderful part of our community of learners. We have also been reading books about how we are similar and different as individuals. Emphasizing our names and learning about one another's interests and abilities has been a great way to grow our relationships and gel our class. 

Mirrors, a variety of pastels, and drawing papers were available for the children to explore and use. Hand held mirrors could be used for close up observation and the large mirrors on stands reflected light and provided a hands-free way for the children to observe as they drew.

The results were beautiful and are on display in our quiet corner. We are hoping to encourage the children to revisit this activity in a few weeks in order to see their growth and development in observation and drawing interests and abilities and compare self-portraits (from old to new)!

Each one unique, each one beautiful!

Happy Weekend!

As I discussed in the video, here is a link to an excellent article about how to support separation anxiety in your child. Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. Looking forward to seeing your children bright and early Monday!

Separation Anxiety: Why it happens and how to support your child

Dot Day

We had many activities related to dots in our classroom today as it was International 'Dot Day'.  We read the book Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews. The last few days the children have spent a lot of time identifying and singing about their names, so we offered name cards along with black rocks/dots for the children to explore.

It was really interesting to see the children experiment with the rocks - a child decided to place one rock on each letter in his name and then counted to see how many letters he had! What a great way to link math and literacy in a very meaningful way and help us introduce the idea of counting!

 

Other friends joined in which meant that the children could compare names, thus comparing quantities and seeing who had the longest or shortest name.

Some friends had the same, or 'equal' numbers of letters in their names. Introducing important vocabulary (like the term equal) in a meaningful and playful context helps children relate to and remember the concept.

We are looking forward to further exploring our names and seeing what else we can learn about our names and each other! (Did you know that a child's name is usually the first word they learn to read and the most important word in their life? There are many ways you can engage and extend learning just by using children's first names!)

Exploring Cicadas

Today two of our children brought a very exciting surprise to school - perfectly preserved cicadas! It was fascinating to see them perfectly intact, even with their beautiful wings visible!

 

 

At circle we passed them around and described what we saw.

 

It was so interesting to see the cicadas. Some friends were even brave enough to touch one.

At play time we displayed the cicadas on a table along with magnifying glasses to help us explore them and some writing tools so we could carefully record our observations.

 

The children were quite captivated and it was interesting to listen to their conversations. Many overcame their reluctance and touched the cicadas. Others noticed just how interesting their legs and wings were when made large. 

A few friends tried to draw what they saw. We reminded the children that scientists make careful observations and then record their ideas using pictures and words. It was thrilling to see this authentic moment of literacy happening as a result of something interesting found outdoors! Tomorrow we will add some nonfiction books to our centre so the children can see what other insects look like up close.

Families, we always welcome interesting 'treasures' that you find outdoors and love to encourage the children to bring things for us to explore at school. Thank you for your support of our children and program!

Seesaw

Families, I am so pleased to be sending home information today in your child's note tote about how to begin accessing their digital portfolio. I am using an app this year called Seesaw that can be easily added to your smart device, or accessed online through an internet browser. Your child will be bringing home specific instructions on how to access his or her portfolio. In the portfolio you will see that I have begun adding photos, videos, drawing samples, audio files, and even links to blog entries where your child has been featured. It's my hope that this collection of documentation can help keep you informed as to your child's growth and progress in our classroom. In the past I've shared printed photos with you - Seesaw helps to make documentation sharing much easier, instantaneous, and eco-friendly. As a result I will be using Seesaw for the majority of my assessment collection. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns as you learn to navigate this app.

Some Seesaw Tips: 

1. Check Seesaw regularly. You'll get notifications about new entries in your child's journal and can respond to their work. Customize your notification preferences in Account Settings.
2. Celebrate your child's classroom success. Help to encourage the skills your child is working on in class outside of school.
3. Specific comments are best. Asking questions, or complementing specific details can add to the learning conversation.
4. In a group or 'everyone' post your comment is visible to everyone tagged - the students and their parents. This is a great opportunity to lift up the whole class!

Recycled Frame Corners

The children have been very interested in visiting our loose parts shelf. In this area there are many bins of interested found and recycled materials. One basket of particular interest was the frame corners. These vary in size, colour and texture and have become a very versatile building material during play. 

 

Today the children began joining the frames together to create along zigzag roadway. They worked cooperatively, stretching the road along the carpet.

 

Many children noticed the roadway and became quite interested in seeing what was happening.

They were curious to see how the pieces fit together and why the Velcro on the back made the corners stick to well to the carpet.

Once the roadway was complete a 'parking lot' was constructed...

...perfect for cars AND dinosaurs!

 

Our First Day

What a lovely first day we had together! The children were so enthusiastic and did a wonderful job becoming familiar with classroom space and materials. We had a large play block indoors where they become comfortable with one another and our classroom routines, remembering where to find and return classroom materials, how to locate their cubby and be responsible for their personal materials, and how to take care of their needs by visiting the snack centre. A big thank you to all for remembering to return children's forms and send in all other materials. Note totes will be coming home at the end of the day so please check that for any additional materials/information from school.