Playground Play

 
We’ve been playing outside everyday the last two weeks.  The
weather has been so nice that it didn’t make sense to be inside
for gym.

On Friday I borrowed some new activity baskets that our primary
teachers put together to enhance the children’s play on the
playground.
  
In February one of our grade 1 teachers attended a workshop
on outside play put on by Sandi from Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes.

Sandi talked about ideas that she uses with her students to enhance
their play on the playground.  By using simple materials, some are
recycled, the children become more involved in pretend play.

 
I borrowed a bin of pool noodle swords and a bin of capes.

 
Quickly the children got off of the climber, put on a cape
and picked up a sword.  What fun it was to have a sword
fight with their grown ups.
     
We introduced a courtesy rule to keep everyone safe;
ask a friend if they want to have a sword fight before
hitting them. 
 
They quickly discovered that our playground has a very big
field for running and chasing each other.  And a hill for
challenging ourselves to climb and slide down.
  
I couldn’t resist accepting a challenge from this young man.

 
As we ran around the grass field, the swords turned into horses
that we could ride with our capes flying high behind us.

A few other bins the primary teachers have put together include;
  
cars and trucks, ribbons on rings, bubbles and chalk,
 
pots and pans, and dinosaurs.
The teachers have done a fabulous job and I can't wait to use
a few more bins.

Caterpillars

          
Our caterpillars arrived this week and that began our talk
and investigation into the life cycle of the butterfly.
      
 
We started by recording what the caterpillars look like in their new home.
       

At the art table I pulled out the air dry modeling clay.
 
And we moulded caterpillars of different colours and size.
 
         
I really enjoy this time of year with the beginning of new life. 
Raising butterflies is a quick way to look at a life cycle. 
     
It also promotes wondering out loud. 
Asking questions to develop curiosity and helping us learn
more about our topic.
Stay tune to see what questions we'll ask.

Paper Sculptures

Today my new practicum student, Grace, reminded
me of something important.  Don't underestimate a
child's ability.

 
Grace planned a Paper Sculpture art activity yesterday.
To myself I thought it may be a bit too challenging.
    
The range of children that attend our program is newborn
to 5 years and the average age, on most days, is about 3. 
    
I’ve seen paper sculpture on other blogs but thought
that it may be too difficult for the average aged child
that attends the program.
 
       
 
But after watching the children create and looking at the photos
that Grace took I realized that I underestimated the children’s
ability.
As they figured out how to fold and glue the paper to the board
I listened to them create stories to go with their sculptures.
  
When I asked this child to tell me about his sculpture he
said, “It’s a jumper.  You just press it down, let it go and
then you go pssssh!”  Mom, beside him, was drawing tires
on his styrofoam peanut car.
 
  
Others created loop-de-loops, butterflies and
3D pieces to hang on the wall.

Blossoms in a Tub

Out on my morning walk I passed a tree covered in pink blossoms. 
Under it the grass was also coated with beautiful, soft blossoms. 
I couldn’t resist and filled a bag and took them to work.
  
 
There were joyous moments watching the youngest members
of our StrongStart community explore the petals.
 
         
As each child explored the petals there was a sense of peace. 
Watching them touch, smell, squish, drop, and share were very
special moments.