December Post

Last month we attended a workshop that talked about a new way of reporting children's progress using a method called 'Four Frame of Documentation'. The Ontario government came out with an addendum to the Full Day Kindergarten curriculum. In it was a new phrase that caught my attention-'Noticing and naming the learning'. This noticing and naming the learning method is a crucial part of the educator's role in helping children understand what it is they are learning and why is it important. Children learn and progress at their own pace and however small-it can be a cause for celebration. Keeping that in mind, Mrs. Carroll and I have begun to document the various ways learning that are taking place in our class room.

The writing center is one of the most favorite activities this year. Here we have a variety of writing samples that fills all student's needs. From list making to labeling to jotting down in a graph paper their friends' favorite colours. We have students share their work on a regular basis claiming ownership and feeling good about their work- it's a great step towards boosting their self confidence.

Children are excited to create a pirate ship in the dramatic center and chalking out a map that would lead them to a treasure hunt! I can already see children going into every nook and corner of the room with a hand drawn map in search of the 'hidden treasure'! We shall have to wait and see what they find in the end!!

Children love Art. They love to use paint, pastels, water colors, colored pencil and and clay to create things of beauty. When they have a lot of  choice, they love the experience even more. It's evidently more about the process than the product. Last week we read stories on the subject of lines. It is called 'The Elephant Cannot Dance' series. Children learned that lines are created to express meaning and children created their own lines to create their own stories.

I made an orange snake!
This way we are trying to incorporate literacy materials in art form by using plasticine and lines to create art forms. Childrenlove being creative and we foster their artistic skills without stifling them or trying to be judgmental. 

Last week we had two important guests visit us. The Fire Safety officer talked about how to stay safe and hazard free in case of a fire. We also had a visit from a famous and professional ballet group. Children enjoyed the interactive session with the dancers. They learned terms like ballerina and danseur, tutus and special ballet shoes- l pointe which are made with special canvas materials and glue and ribbon. They also learned big words like choreography!

In the math center, children are continuing  to describe, sort, classify, build and compare. They are also exploring weights and measurement with a variety of materials and methods.

Our science engineers are busy building structures and forms built from  built from different types of legos and konnects.

The month of December is all about celebration. The children are busy working together to create Art and crafts for the special days ahead. (photos). They are busy decorating the class with Christmas decorations and getting ready for the craft fair which is to take place soon. They look forward to taking home their special creations for the holidays!