Classroom Transformation
I am looking forward to meeting with my JKs and their families! This week has been spent preparing the classroom for the year ahead. Play and inquiry based education philosophies have inspired me in developing the layout.
Natural materials in the classroom have an inviting and tranquil quality. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they possesss an aesthetic beauty and beckon creativity. As the classroom transformation takes shape, I have been phasing out the plastic storage bins. Wicker and wood now accomodate much of the classroom manipulatives.
Natural materials in the classroom have an inviting and tranquil quality. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they possesss an aesthetic beauty and beckon creativity. As the classroom transformation takes shape, I have been phasing out the plastic storage bins. Wicker and wood now accomodate much of the classroom manipulatives.
The block play centre includes various building materials for imaginative
play. I have purposefully placed this centre where it will receive natural
light that will cast shadows as the children construct.
David Sobel is an educator and writer who has helped in developing the play based education philosophy. He is quoted as saying,
"If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered,
then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it."
Nature tables are not new to kindergarten classrooms, but more natural items are increasingly becoming recognized as material in play, and the inquiry process. Bringing more nature into the classroom provides infinite possibilities for imagination and play, but also nurtures a connection to the natural world.
In the home living centre, authentic and natural materials are thoughtfully presented, and intended to create an inspiring space for the children to play. Fred Rogers is quoted as saying,
"Play is often talked about as if were a relief from serious learning.
Play is really the work of childhood."
Wooden bowls, plants, a Unicef cookbook for children, and a telephone
are some of the purposeful materials presently in the home living centre.
The dramatic play or theme play centre is ready for child directed play. I am excited and curious to see how this centre will transform with the childrens' input.
A quiet corner provides the children with a space to recharge and be tranquil as they snuggle up and read a book, or complete a puzzle.
From our JK atelier, we will document the child directed projects that we embark upon and share the inquiry process. We will explore and we will collaborate.
We will delight in the process.
And above all else, we will care for each other; because it is afterall,
the most important thing we will do each day.
