Don't Eat a..... POINSETTIA!

 

 

 

Recently, I lugged in some boxes from home labelled, "CHRISTMAS: SCHOOL". I always rejoice in opening up storage/decoration boxes at home, revisiting little treasures that I put away and forgot about. The same holds true for the boxes that I open for school.

 

I pulled out my potted poinsettias, "Olde World" Santa, door wreath, and nutcracker. I am making a conscious effort to not overdecorate with commercial items, and allowing the childrens' work to take centre stage. However, knowing that some symbols are important for developing schema, I decided to introduce the poinsettia. And so the arrangement sat at a table, summoning the children...

To play.

To explore.

To observe.

To create.

 



 

 

Their master pieces continue to fill the room. And without giving too much away (you'll see at the concert :), the children connected with the plant through song and fine arts.

 

 

 

I'll admit that I didn't fully draw their attention to the shape of the leaves each time, but some did notice that the green leaves were similar to the red leaves, except in colour. It was decided that it is really just a leafy plant, with leaves of red and green. And yet, maybe the red ones are the petals?(They were divided). What we all agreed upon - they are not for eating!

 

 

Something else I noticed (seen in the bulletin board display) is that a few children chose to not directly represent the poinsettia itself, but have created something akin to wrapping paper patterns, using the colours RED, GREEN, and YELLOW. So, while not representing the plant itself, their connections are documented too. Poinsettia, wrapping paper. Symbols of the season, dear to them :)

 

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