What a GREAT start to our NEW school year!
This week my focus was to get to know the students and learn about their interests. The Full-Day Learning Kindergarten Program at Prince Edward is inquiry and play based. The majority of our learning projects are student driven, also known as Emergent Learning.
Here are two excellent examples of the students' inquiries:
1. Our teaching team noticed the girls were interested in styling each other's hair. They would pretend to be at a 'Hair Salon', take turns being the hairstylist and customer, and use items around the room as their props. Eventually, two of the SK girls suggested making a Hair Salon in the classroom. Together they made a sign and gathered furniture from around the room, and created a list of items that were needed. They sounded out the words together using 'best guess spelling'.
On Thursday, getting your hair styled was very popular in the classroom.
Both girls and boys visited the centre repeatedly.
2. Caillou - My First Vacation
A student brought this book in as her favourite read aloud. The story is about a little boy who is going on vacation and taking an airplane for the first time. The book also discusses the role of the flight attendant and the pilot. I expected to follow up the story with a mini-discussion about the students summer vacations. However, the students were eager to share what they want to be when they grow up. Teachers employing Emergent Learning, must always be flexible and listen to their students.
This is what they said,
Elijah - "Policeman"
Lucas M - "Policeman"
Haven-Taylor- "Animal Doctor"
Kyiah - "Mommy and a teacher"
Selma - "Soccer player"
Cristian - "Police car"
Tyson-Jamal - "Construction Worker"
Kaylo - "Firefighter"
Noah - "Policeman"
Laila - "Mermaid"
Ella B - "Policeman"
Izabel - "Policeman"
Cameron M - "Race Car Driver"
Ahmad - "Batman"
Cameron H - "Police Officer"
Rowan - "Doctor"
I learned our class will sure be safe with all of the future Police Officers!!!
Thank you to all the parents and students who brought in their 'favourite read alouds'.
A FEW OTHER EXCITING MOMENTS CAPTURED
A pattern using Lego.
This JK student made two towers. She said, "My second one is much bigger!"
Painting - Remember it is the PROCESS not the PRODUCT
Students are always so proud of their pictures.
When students bring home their ART, ask them to tell you about their picture.
(9 times out of 10 they will have a story to share!!)
Puzzles
Following instructions on how to draw...
Fine Motor - Play dough
Play dough has many benefits for out Early Learners.
· It’s fun.
· Helps to strengthen little fingers, hands and wrists.
· It is one of the best open ended toys (it can be anything - food, animals, bowls, shapes etc.)
· It helps to foster your child's imagination.
· It helps children develop self esteem -there is no right or wrong. Children have opportunities to gain mastery over their environment.
· It is a great release for tension or angry feelings - squeezing, punching, poking are all acceptable if done to playdough.
At home, please continue to practise printing your child's name with him or her.
