Animal Exhibit

Prior to going on our field trip, we picked the childrens' brains to find out what they knew about the Canadian Museum of Nature. Many remembered seeing dinosaurs, a giant jelly fish, and lots of animals. Collectively, it was decided that we could have a museum right here, in our classroom.

We went with a "local animals" theme, and made a signs for our exhibit. I love this demonstration of "kid print". The children were supported as they listened for the sounds they heard in the word they wanted to print. We helped break the sounds down for them, then they represented those sounds with a letter (phonics). Our goal is create confidence, and allow the children to see themselves as writers.

The "museum exhibit" was a big attraction, and we decided to take their interest a step further in our small "focus groups". We went to the library and collected some resources, watched a few videos, and perused some non-fiction books. 

As mentioned in prior posts, I feel it is important that the JKs are exposed to many text forms, and that they have a general understanding of their various characteristics and purpose. With this in mind, we set out to do some animal research! 

Our research was broken down into 5 categories:

Appearance

Habitat

Diet

Family

Interesting Facts

Working on the title page.

Note the "fancy" font! How creative!

Fast forward a few weeks ---- Easter was approaching, and I mused out loud, "I wish I knew somebody who had a rabbit."  Synchronicity! An on-site student; who is completing her practicum for her ECE degree (in our classroom), volunteered to bring in her very own : "Michaelangelo". Thank you! 

We set the stage for the children ...

To play.

To explore.

To observe.

To create.

For the students who are ready to "drite" (draw & write), these graphic organizers provided an opportunity to revisit the animal research we had practiced, weeks previous. We are so proud of the children, at every stage of their literacy development. It is a process and it is so exciting to see their confidence soar! 

Thanks for visiting our atelier!

Dino - might!

A few weeks back, we were able to take part in a workshop offered by Scientists in the Schools. Our Parent Council has been generously supporting this endeavour for a few years now, and we are very appreciative. This year, our workshop was titled, "I Can Be A Scientist". The children tried their hands at being Astronomers, Chemists, and Paleontologists.

While talking about our (then upcoming) field trip and exhibits at the Canadian Museum of Nature, the children renewed their interest in dinosaurs again, and the Paleontologists got to "work" with loose parts.

                                     

A stegosaurus footprint became the focus one morning, and we took advantage of the opportunity to revisit "tally marks" and "area" and "data management".

A display offered inspiration for the children to search and match characteristics of specific dinosaurs. The attributes of these different types were described, and oral communication was embellished with lots of adjectives. These detailed conversations will only enhance their writing down the road.

The dinosaur "exhibit" continues to be a hit...

... and encourages creativity.

Thanks for stopping by the atelier!

Superb Soup

  

There is nothing like a warm bowl of soup on a cold winter day. We had been hearing a lot about the homemade soups the children were enjoying at home, and they inspired a recent "show & share". Families were invited to send in their family recipes, with "kid print". It was a pretty open ended challenge that encouraged the children ...

                                                  

To play.

To explore.

To observe.

To create.

Many took us up on the challenge, and the children proudly shared their stories and recipes. These recipes were then featured in our kitchen, and inspired the little chefs at play.

Inspired by all our talk about delicious and hearty soups, families were also invited to send in empty soup cans (clean & without sharp edges), to use at another centre.

This centre presented many opportunities for the children to be creative and write as they designed their own soup label.

The ingredient list and directions were scribed for the children. They focused on sequence and told us what they would like written down. We modeled and drew attention to how words are sounded out, how spaces are placed between words, and how different texts forms and features are organized.

The choice of soups in the kitchen keeps growing. And it's healthy!

Thank you for sending in the recipes and empty soup cans. Your support is far reaching.

Thank you for visiting our atelier.

Musical Mornings

Last week, we had the honour of hosting "Blues in the School". For an hour every morning, all the children (JK-8) were invited to attend these lively assemblies lead by local blues musicians. We consider these opportunities a gift and we jump at every opportunity to be exposed to different genres of music!

Back in December, we were entertained by a couple of local high school bands (concert, stage & jazz). This performance inspired a fun centre which we set up in our kindergarten foyer.

The children counted out time signatures and played away!

Their interest even transferred over to writing music of their own!

The "Blues in the School" assemblies inspired some of the children to make keyboards, on which they demonstrated their knowledge of dynamics (volume ranging from a whisper to a holler) and tempo (speed of the music).

Black paper, white paper, scissors and glue. Look at the keyboard, what can you do?

Thanks for stopping by the atelier!