Welcome to our class blog!
Firstly, here are the all-important class photo albums
AM Class
PM Class
As we watch the children navigate their early social experiences, it's heartening to see them thriving and starting to form social connections. It is important to note that instead of asking, "Who is your best friend?" we encourage them to think about "good friends." This subtle shift in language opens up discussions about the qualities that truly matter in friendships. At this early stage, we really don't want your child to get too attached to another child. We encourage them to make their own choices and then to play alongside anyone who has also made the same choice. I am very aware of not excluding anyone, and the phrase "best friend" tends to do this.... then what happens when best friends don't want to be best friends anymore!
Gathering together at circle time, we have been talking about what being kind means as part of our "Who We Are" Unit of Inquiry. The children had ideas such as giving a friend a tissue if they were crying, taking turns when playing with toys, and asking someone to play if they were alone, helping them if they fall down. I introduced a new song that the children are slowly becoming familiar with. Please play it at home and support your child in learning this song - it rings true for adults too - so sing along and enjoy :)
The concept of sharing is often celebrated in childhood development, but it can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about ownership and personal boundaries, and I have already witnessed a child grabbing a toy and saying 'sharing is caring'. While we want to encourage respect for others and the joy of giving, it’s time to shift our language from “sharing” to “turn-taking.” The language we use in the classroom is more "Please can I have that when you are finished?" or "I'll give it to you when I have finished"
How can I relate that in an adult situation😂:
Imagine you are at a cafe, deeply focused on writing something important in your diary. Suddenly, someone approaches your table and takes the pen you’re using and says “Just share; it’s nice to share.” You would probably think, “What? I was using that! You just took it from me!” Now, imagine the alternative: someone comes up and says, “Excuse me, Do you mind if I borrow your pen when you take a break?” Your response would likely change too, “Sure, here you go!”.....ok, so maybe not exactly the same, but you get the idea. So again, our language at home also needs to shift to realise that 'sharing is not always caring". When children are focused on a task, it’s essential to respect their need for uninterrupted time until they are ready to finish. Overlooking this in favour of an adult notion of sharing—simply because it looks good socially—can diminish their learning and disrupt their focus. Waiting for our turn helps children's cooperation and collaboration. This is a skill they will use for life, so let's encourage that now!
Serendipitous Discoveries
Serendipitous discoveries in the classroom are those delightful, unexpected moments that spark curiosity and learning. These experiences often emerge from children's natural interests and explorations, turning even simple activities into exciting journeys of research and discovery—yes, even at just three years old! While these moments are unplanned, they create valuable learning opportunities, encouraging children to think critically, ask questions, and explore their world with wonder. I embrace these moments, allowing them to unfold organically and shape their learning journey.
Here is an example of one that arose in the past 2 weeks. I can't wait to observe what else happens throughout the year!
A Messy Canvas
At first glance, the paper in the picture below looks like a chaotic collage of colours, textures, and forms. Various materials were scattered across the workspace—tactile stones, pens, crayons, and stencils. Yet, beneath the apparent mess lay a beautiful record of interactions, conversations and ideas.
Conversations That Spark Inquiry
This moment opened up a new avenue for exploration into glue and how to twist and apply the glue. The word "collage" became a buzzword, and there would be bits of paper found and stuck on, so we will be expanding their experience of collaging.
The tactile stones that the children have been using are perfect for pre-writing activities, as they help them to build their fine motor skills and the language to talk about shapes and patterns. They enjoy tracing over the patterns and shapes from left to right with their fingers, as well as using the stones to try and make copies on the paper. Each stone is engraved to provide important sensory feedback.
The children's creative journeys showcase the magic of using materials freely and imaginatively. Art is about the experiences, conversations, and lessons learned, not just the final product—process over product always.
What is Open Play
Open play is a dedicated hour (10:15am-11:15am and 2:30pm- 3:30pm) during the session where children in the Frog class have the opportunity to explore and interact with the other K1 classrooms, specifically the Monkey, Panda, and Dolphin classes. This time allows them to engage in different play environments, expanding their creativity and adaptability as they discover new activities and learning experiences in each classroom. Open Play encourages children to form friendships across different classes and learn from each other in an engaging and lively environment. Each class will focus on a specific area that will change every two weeks. For instance, the Monkey class might explore music and movement, while the Panda class could delve into art and creativity. One classroom may emphasize construction, and we frequently incorporate sensory activities as well. When the children are more familiar with accessing the playground, this is the time that they can head outside every day too!
We'll be heading to the playground every Monday. In a few weeks, we'll be able to go daily, and I’ll keep you updated on when that starts. So, especially on Mondays, please remember to apply sunscreen and mosquito repellent. The morning class got to visit last week for a quick first-time trip, but unfortunately, it rained for the afternoon class.
All About Me
The family pictures you have kindly shared have been a valuable resource since the beginning of the term. They have been displayed for the children to explore, discuss, and find comfort in at times. Recently, we moved them to our whiteboard and encouraged the children to come to the front of the class to introduce their families if they wish.
Public speaking is a crucial skill that can greatly benefit children from a young age, and I am committed to normalizing it and reducing any anxiety surrounding it. By describing their family pictures, children practice organizing their thoughts and speaking clearly. They learn to identify the most significant and relevant aspects of their family stories.
Talking about family pictures also sparks their imagination, allowing them to share anecdotes and emotions associated with the images, which enhances their storytelling skills. Additionally, public speaking teaches the importance of listening, as they learn to pay attention to their classmates’ presentations, a key component of effective communication.
This practice lays a strong foundation for communication in various contexts. Sharing family pictures also promotes appreciation and celebration of diversity, helping children learn about different cultures, traditions, and family dynamics, which fosters inclusivity. It’s a fun and meaningful way for them to engage with their peers while developing essential life skills.
To support their development in this area, I encourage you to share any picture that your child might enjoy discussing. It could be anything—a trip, a birthday celebration, a bus ride, a visit to the dentist or doctor, or playing a sport. The focus isn’t so much on the content of the picture but rather on getting your child to talk about it. Just email me at dawn.semple@hillside.edu.hk.
Looking forward, we are going to do a lot of work on being kind and recognising kindness in others, this can always be supported at home. We often use "nice" and "kind" interchangeably, but I think there’s a significant distinction between the two. While being nice is certainly valuable, being kind is essential. Being nice involves being polite and treating others well, whereas being kind means genuinely caring for people and demonstrating that care.
I look forward to sharing more adventures with you in the next class blog. Please feel free to email me at any time if there is ever anything you wish to know more about
Warm Regards
Dawn
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