Atelier
This week we explored, what I like to call, "Sticky, three ways". The children worked with multi-sensory paper, scissors, glue, tape and contact paper. They worked with the materials individually on Tuesday, and then collaborated on large scale murals yesterday and today. The murals look very Matisse-inspired to me. As a guide, it's fun to see the ideas that the children bring to each experience. Yesterday, I prepared the environment with a large sheet of clear contact paper, trays of paper (collected from past cutting experiences) and a basket of scissors. Corbin worked with the available materials for a few minutes and then pulled the flats of oil pastels off of the shelf and distributed them to his friends. He said, "Let's use these,too!"
Outside
The theme this week appears to be, "Princess/ Super-hero". The children have seemingly abandoned their love of baby dolls and racetracks in favor of fairy tales and comic books. The energy outside is much more physical this week--perhaps because of the cooler weather? Jumping from the small slide( with or without a guide's hand) is one way to show that you are, indeed, a princess/super-hero.
Classroom
I've really been enjoying the organic flow from room to room. Kelly Ann and her sweet group of girls have been exploring the school, and have spent time with both groups of older children. I've have been able to spend individual time with everyone and it's been great! I especially love that I have the opportunity to read so many books. Recently, the two most requested books are, 5 little monkeys and 5 little sharks. Without fail, every time I read one of these books, the children ask to hear the other version, and then compare stories, noting similarities and differences between the two. I think it might be fun for us to create our own book...
Comments
Yesterday I was helping Anika wash hands and get ready for lunch. We typically talk about what it will be like when her brother arrives. It's a great time for discussion and a nice transition to our day. Here's what we talked about:
Me: "How has your day been so far?"
A: "It's nice."
Me: "I noticed that your mama had a pretty dress on this morning."
A: "It's her dancing dress."
Me: "Oh, does she like to dance?"
A: "She's going to dance after my brother comes."
Yoga
Lately, I've been seeing yoga poses incorporated into outside play. Princess pose and frog pose are favorites. This week, we've practiced: horse, lion, rag doll flop, mountain, firelog, child's, camel, potty dog, cat and cow, bee buzzing breath, flower sniffing pose and dolphin.
Planting Seeds
These first weeks of school are all about community building and feeling comfortable in the space. Truly, this is the most important time of the year for us. As we welcome new friends and experience the environment, a sense of belonging and ownership builds. The children are exploring their space, experimenting with the toys and materials, and becoming comfortable with the flow of the day. Common fascinations are discovered and relationships are being nurtured. From these seeds, great things will grow!
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