This week, I decided to share a brief blog update as we approach the half-term break. I also feel, for only having 4 days this week, there was a lot going on and a lot of new thinking and ideas. Here are the photo albums for you to share together.
We have had a wonderful time kicking off our new Unit of Inquiry, "Sharing the Planet." During our first circle time on Monday, I introduced a globe to the class and simply asked, "What is this?" Through our discussions, the children discovered that the blue areas represent water, while the green and brown areas represent land. This was for me to assess their prior knowledge and to see what interests they gravitated to. The conversation was rich with vocabulary and ideas, as we explored the life found in both the ocean and on land. This led us to a later discussion about plants and trees, prompting me to start an initial investigation into seeds. We will scaffold this interest by doing some planting with the children after the holidays.
The children have had access to a colourful table top, with the aim of enticing them to colour sort.
Colour sorting is an important activity for our children, offering numerous developmental benefits. It aids cognitive development by helping children form concepts and understand categories, which is fundamental as they grow. This activity encourages problem-solving skills, as children learn to identify similarities and differences among objects. Additionally, colour sorting enhances language skills by building vocabulary and encouraging communication; discussing colours and sorting strategies allows children to practice and expand their language abilities with each other.
Furthermore, sorting improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, strengthening the muscles in their hands. Engaging in colour sorting requires concentration, thereby helping children improve their attention span. Lastly, it can inspire creativity, as children may want to create art or projects using the colours they’ve sorted e.g. Pixie built a pink castle after she had sorted the colours.
It has been so great to get out in the playground this week, the weather is, dare I say it, finally cooling a little! The children have enjoyed playing in our mud kitchen and making up their own games and scenarios. Giving them the time and the freedom really is extremely beneficial for their social and commication skills. We are still learning how to play safely in the playground, and I have been observing a range of abilities in gross motor skills.
We have been bringing the outside in - using materials found in nature to further our exploration in the classroom. Having the children explore pine cones, sticks, seed casings, etc, allows them to feel all these different materials. Decorating and displaying them has given the classroom a more 'Autumnal' feel. We will be doing a listening/nature walk after the holidays to see what other material we can notice and connect with.
Looking forward to seeing you all after the half-term break. Safe travels to those going overseas!
Here is our class playlist for over the holidays - we haven't learnt all the songs yet but there are a few in there the children will recognise.
Please share any photos from the week off - whether it's from a holiday, a day trip, an activity at home, a birthday celebration, a trip to the supermarket, literally anything! - the aim is not what it is, but how your child can recall and retell information in front of the group, once we re-group.
AM CLASS HALF-TERM
PM CLASS HALF-TERM
Dawn Dawn
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