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!