Creative Minds
There's nothing more satisfying than a messy table at the end of the week! When we set out this paper last Monday morning for a shape exploration activity—complete with pictures, mark makers, and stencils—we thought we’d need to change it a few times. To our surprise, it stayed in place all week, serving both morning and afternoon classes. Just looking at all those marks brings back memories of conversations, challenges, teachable moments, achievements, and overall engagement in learning.
Here is how the children did it......just glorious!
Teaching children how to cut safely and effectively is crucial for enhancing their fine motor skills and creativity. We began by discussing important safety rules, such as never running with scissors, always cutting away from their bodies, and keeping scissors pointed down when walking. We showed the children how to practice opening and closing the scissors without any paper to familiarise themselves with the motion. As they began cutting, we reminded them of the importance of taking their time and focusing on their cutting lines to ensure both safety and precision. We found encouraging them to work with this vertical hanging newspaper really kept their interest and resilience high. They did a great job.
The children continue to impress me with their increasing confidence in speaking before the whole class. It’s truly inspiring to see them seize the opportunity to step forward; some who were once hesitant are now eagerly sharing their photos and experiences. While many are willing to take the spotlight, some still need a little encouragement to speak up or respond to questions. A few remain reluctant to come to the front, but I can see their potential growing. Each small step they take is a victory, and I’m excited to support them on this journey.
Their progress is not just about speaking either; it's about the way they engage with one another, share their ideas, ask questions, listen and support their classmates.
We have spent some of our circle times sharing this wonderfully illustrated book. This book has given us a wonderful opportunity to just talk, simply by asking...
"Tell me what can you see?"
When it comes to books, it’s not only the words that matter—sometimes the illustrations tell a more engaging story. That’s why we encourage our children to craft their own narratives inspired by the pictures they encounter. We’ve had some wonderful conversations, sharing experiences and connections related to what they observed. Did you notice the electric car in that first picture? Some of our children certainly did!
As they explore the school library, it's important to remember that these young readers are just beginning to choose books for themselves. Since they can’t yet read, they often select books based on the illustrations on the covers! If your child brings home a book in another language, don’t worry. Take the opportunity to explore it together. Discuss where the book is from, find that country on a map, and enjoy looking at the pictures while inventing your own story based on the illustrations. If your child chooses the same book for two or three weeks in a row, that’s also perfectly fine!
Making connections: I love it when activities merge together naturally...this week Bobby's presentation of his weekend activities was supported by his work in the creation station.
We have enjoyed having our parent volunteer readers join us in the classroom these past two weeks! Their presence has brought a new energy to our reading sessions and has created a wonderful opportunity for the children to engage with stories in a more personal way. The children have been excited to hear different voices and the joy that storytelling brings to our community. Thank you to all the parents who have dedicated their time to inspire a love of reading in our students!"
I keep finding myself coming to the end of the blog, only to remember more learning engagements that I want to share. As part of our ongoing "Sharing the Planet" unit, we've worked with various natural materials, including soil, ice, sand, and water. Each of these elements has provided a unique perspective on our environment and how we interact with it. We introduced another fascinating material that we can delve into: Clay is not only a versatile substance but also a significant component of our planet’s ecosystem.
Exploring clay with children is a sensory adventure—it's cold, squishy, and sticky. Unlike play dough, clay comes from the earth, offering a unique tactile experience with its cool texture and earthy smell. It allows for the creation of more intricate designs, with its weight supporting taller structures. While we enjoy making play dough regularly, working with clay presents an entirely different experience. This initial introduction focused solely on exploration—there were no expectations, no end goals, just straightforward, fun discovery.
As the children have become more comfortable and familiar with one another, I've observed some emerging behavioural issues. Recently, there have been instances of hitting and pushing among them; it was bound to happen and is actually perfectly normal. We are addressing these behaviours as they arise, focusing on immediate intervention.
Instead of implementing time-outs or using 'naughty chairs,' I prefer a more conversational approach. When I witness an incident, I intervene promptly to halt the behaviour. After that, I engage the children involved in a discussion about what occurred, encouraging them to express their feelings and perspectives. We talk about why the behaviour is unacceptable and explore alternative actions they could take if a similar situation arises in the future. Jill and Delphine are also on board with this so a team effort all around.
This method not only helps to address the immediate issue but also promotes understanding and empathy among the children. It allows them to learn valuable social skills and develop a sense of responsibility for their actions in a supportive environment. In the next few weeks, we shall be creating a co-constructed 'Essential Agreement" for our classroom behaviours and expectations.
Lastly, please remember to sign up for the shared learning day as there are still a few spaces: sign up here
Fingers crossed, this typhoon heads off, and we get back together tomorrow....before another one is heading our way next week. Typhoon madness!
Finally, please take time to sit with your child and go through our class albums.
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