Paper Sculptures

Exploring whether lines are curvy, straight, or zigzag helps children explore art and literacy elements at the same time! Letters are composed of straight and curvy parts. Today we placed a variety of paper strips out for the children to create their own paper sculptures. Their work was incredible!

The children bent, folded, twisted, and rolled the paper into unique shapes, gluing it onto a big background.

We asked the children what their artwork reminded them of...

A silly car track, diving boards, a pyramid, slinkys, and stairs were the answers they gave us.

Exploring Shadows

We enjoyed some of the rare moments of sun by heading outside to try and find shadows. The children discovered themselves on the pavement and we encouraged them to try and trace each other's shadow.  

As they worked, we engaged them in conversations about how they thought shadows were made.

"It's when the sun evaporates," explained one of our children. "It's like water when the sun comes out. It disappears. Shadows are when the sun disappears."  What an interesting hypothesis! 

Exploring Sound

What is sound? How can we make interesting sounds? Our children expressed an interest in finding answers to these questions today!

Some children used instruments that they created from everyday objects like an empty food container.

Others were happy exploring the musical instruments from our class set.

We decided to redecorate our science area and include some musical elements like this wall of pots that can be used for composing music!

Ah, the joy of exploring objects that make noise and expressing yourself!  We are hoping to continue with our explorations of how to make music in the classroom. Please visit this site to see our inspiration and what we'd really love to do! If there are any talented parents out there who would be willing to help build the larger instruments, we would be forever grateful!

Adding Layers to the Marble Run Table

All it takes is one little spark to engage children in a rich inquiry! The other day we noticed the children had moved their marble play from the tub of the water table and were engaging in marble 'battles' on the bottom layer.  How interesting!

We listened to their conversations and picked up on key language that indicated they were interested in racing the marbles and having marble contests.

In order to heighten the experience, we suggested to the children that they consider designing the marble run so that the tubes would no longer drop into the tub, but run to the bottom level of the table. They were eager to try it out. We provided tape, tubes, and scissors and supported children's ideas for how the tubes could be remounted on the table.

This activity engaged children in the inquiry and problem solving process in an authentic and meaningful way. They had to test and retest the locations of the new tubes and see if they dropped the marbles onto the lower level.  

Once the tubes were moved, the children became busy planning the new marble competitions they would have. The first they tested was to see which marble dropped the fastest in the new tubes! What amazing problem solving!

Textured Brushes

I picked up these textured brushes at the NAEYC exhibit center as well! The children enjoyed experimenting with the various markings left as they swatted, brushed, dabbed, and twirled them over the paper. 

New Play Dough Rollers

While at the NAEYC conference this past week, I indulged in a little retail therapy - art materials for young children of course! I couldn't resist these amazing textured play dough rollers and cutters.

We try and involve the children in helping to create the play dough as often as possible. It's meaningful for children to create the recipe with us as they experience authentic measurement and take pride in creating something for everyone to use. 

A wonderful speaker I heard at the conference summed it up best...busy hands equals busy brains. When we provide opportunities for young children to engage wholly in experiences and explore materials, their brains are engaged with understanding the materials, connecting the experiences with prior knowledge, and creating new understandings about themselves and the world around them.

Upside Down Drawing

What does it look like to draw upside down? We posed this question to our children and decided to find out by taping a huge piece of paper to the bottom of one of our large tables and placing drawing materials underneath.

The children were anxious to check it out! We placed blankets on the floor to help make them more comfortable.

How many can fit under the table? The children were full of giggles as they squeezed together and drew!

They realized it was harder than they thought!

It was a lot more fun too!

What a great way to encourage children to engage in communal drawing together! We are hoping to try this with paint next!

Can Drive

Families,

Our school is starting a can drive. Please consider sending in non-perishable items with your child. Thank you!

Glue Prints

Mrs. Bombardier helped the children explore printmaking with glue and paint. 

First the child creates a design using white glue.

After the glue dries the child paints using an assortment of colours on top of the glue.

A blank page is pressed on top of the original...

And voila! A beautiful print is created when the pages are gently pulled apart!