The children are now pairing up and making the trek to the kindergarten yard. Independence is surely developing and their bags line up under our classroom window. In the yard, they play and explore. This is the work of kindergarden. In fact, one morning I heard one of our little friends declare (after they stood for O'Canada on the loud speaker), "O.K. Let's get back to work!" Truly, play is the WORK of these 3 and 4 year olds!
The following bulletin board is a means of documenting their skills of independence and celebrating their progress. These are milestones that I feel are not to be underestimated. Your little people are taking ownership and accountability, and we applaud their efforts! These little steps are developmentally appropriate for this age.
Our "We Are Independent" bulletin board will be added to
in the coming days and weeks.
Note-totes are handed into the bin daily...
Jackets and bags are placed in cubbies...
Indoor shoes are donned, as muddy boots and shoes are arranged neatly...
Throughout this process, there is a buzz of excitement!
Snack has been a routine in progress. Rotational snacks were interrupting the natural rhythm of our morning. I have opted to have the children eat snack at the tables all together (as I have in years past), first thing in the morning. *May I put a plug in here again for a single snack that is not packaged or processed food? Also, water is a perfect cleansing and nourishing midmoring drink.* I have found that this time provides opportunity for the children to socialize and settle into the classroom environment. And as poetry, rhymes and chants are an integral part of the programme, we start with a meal time rhyme.
In order for me to set-up their discovery centres and "provocations" for learning, the children are getting into the routine of cleaning their own snack area prior to circle in the morning. They have really taken to this responsibility. It is a pleasure to see them comfortable and confident, performing these simple domestic tasks. I feel that they see this "work" and themselves, as part of a cohesive unit that is contributing towards a shared outcome.
Following snack, the children are getting into a routine of coming down to the carpet and getting their own white-board and marker. I have found that not all JKs are yet developmentally ready for the rigors of printing and letter making, and so they practice the art of "Form Drawing".
This week, the children were trying their hand at making a straight line (starting from the top) and a curved line (starting from the top) in a left to right progression. This is a small task the children seemed to enjoy. The left to right progression is an imitation of writing, yet to come. As well, the formation of forms from top to bottom is good practice. Spatial sense is developing. Curved and straight lines are found in letters and number. I have also found that form drawing (pre-writing) on the boards makes risk taking a little easier for hesitant writers and exact writers, as their forms can be easily erased and is not permanent.
In other routines we have explored several rhymes, songs and chants in English, during the first 10 days of school. Aswell, the children have met with their collaborative French teachers (*20 minutes per day/on a 5 day rotational schedule): Mr. Smith, Mme. Govenlock, Mme. Merriam and Mme. Kouassi. Each of these gifted teachers bring their own expertise (and accent) to the classroom through French instruction. As their time with your children increases, you will hear more!
While numeracy and literacy and play are consistent components of our morning, the routines shared in this post are intended to give you a glimpse into the first weeks of school. As I write this post on a few of our morning routines, my fingers are already itching to record additional experiences that have had an impact on the childrens' learning. These await another post(s).
Thanks for dropping in. We welcome your visits to our atelier!
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