How they Play Differently

   
I set up mirrors and a basket of scarves on the carpet thinking it would be
                      of interest to the infants and toddlers.
         
         
         It was also of interest in a different way to older children.
         
         
                So much fun to be part of their play and learning.

Chalk and Water

I saw an idea over at Think and Play Today that I wanted to try with the families.  Experimenting with chalk and water on paper at the art table
              
I thought we could tie it into our sunflower exploration, although that was secondary.
                     
The majority of the children, especially the younger ones, really enjoyed painting
with the water and that was a far as they went.
 
The older children tried different techniques with the chalk and water.  Some
coloured with the chalk on the dry paper then used the paint brush and water
to make it change.  The chalk looked like paint when wet.
  
  
Another painted the whole paper with water then used the chalk to make a ‘rainbow’.  The chalk looked a little smudgy.
 
Others painted the piece of chalk then drew with it.  It was dark with the
first mark but quickly dried.
     
       Another method was to dip the chalk into the water and draw.
            
With this method we could quickly see the change when the chalk began to dry.

Looking Closer

 
Yesterday a few of the children discovered our big sunflower and started pulling seeds out using tweezers. 
            
Today one little girl showed up later in the morning and went directly to the sunflower table.  Her mom explained to me that they weren’t planning on coming today but her daughter insisted because she wanted to work on the sunflower.
 
As she worked, her mom called me over to show me something they discovered.  They noticed that when they opened one of the seeds they found a little white, banana looking thing inside.  We realized that is the edible part of the seed.  The seeds are still white because it hasn’t ripen completely.
 
Their excitement drew another child who had yet to spend any time with the sunflower.  He began picking out the white seeds.  At one point they had pulled a lot of seeds from one spot and noticed that it was white underneath.  The girl said it looked like cotton.  Her mom said it looked like marshmallow.  When they push the tweezers into it went right through.
       
  
We flipped it over to find the tweezers.  The stem was partially broken and we were able to inspect the inside more.  It is soft, white and a little sticky.
                     
When we flipped it over we noticed how the leaves grew in layers and I wondered how we could make a sunflower at the art table.
            
We decided to paint sunflowers.  I thought we would make one big one but the children decided to make their own. I appreciate how the boy is checking out the petals before he starts to paint.
 
As we painted another child became interested and joined us.
 
I posted their flowers around the table so others can be inspired.  I wonder what other mediums we could use to create sunflowers.
             
              I wonder what we will do with all the seeds we have picked?
                         
I’m hoping to find a sunflower that is ripe so we can pick and compare the seeds.

First Day

Every year, and it never gets old, that there is so much excitement for the first day back to school.  It was no different at StrongStart with many families arriving eager to say hi and play.

Here’s a few pictures from this morning that will help me with future planning.
             
                                         Ramp building.
           
The animals were quickly cleared away from the farm so the big machinery could get to work.  Part way through the morning I added small wooden blocks.
               
               The print and scissors table was busy ALL morning.
  
After setting up loose part provocations for just over a year the families are confident to sit down and explore without asking “what do we do with this?”.
  
              One family volunteered to make play dough for everyone.
 
          We painted hands to make prints for our bulletin board.
              
Moving vehicles around the room trying different terrains; up, down and over.
        
              Finding a tiny bug while investigating a sunflower.

I find working as the only facilitator, at StrongStart centre, I can get very busy welcoming new families, getting the registration forms completed, overseeing the whole room that having the time to really sit and listen to what the children are interested is nearly impossible some days.  So I take pictures.  And after looking at the almost 100 pictures I took today I have gained a few insights of the children's interest and can begin planning next additions to some areas.

Back into the Swing of Things

School starts next week and we had 3 days to set up this week.  You would think three days is a lot of time but there are so many components to setting up a classroom that I worked to the max each day.

Here’s peek into my space.
  
As you enter the room our sign in area (for the grown ups) is to the left.  After I take pictures of the children their area will be to the right.  Straight ahead is the snack area.
                         
Also to the right is a table I use to set up provocations.  As it is the beginning of the year I’ve set out some books and props to start a discussion on families.  We will learn about each other and what some common interests may be.

                          
Past the snack table I set up a table for exploring drawing and cutting.  Last year I noticed many children that were more interested in these activities then doing art or crafts.  Now it will be available all the time.

   
      Into the art area which is surrounded by shelves and the painting easel.
        
                                
                             Three shelves are open for everyone to use.
                   
The last one holds materials that may be more expensive, rare or for my use.

       
Moving around the room you will find a science table with seed pods to explore and a toddler table holding see through blocks of colour.

 
More to the centre of the room is a small fine motor table and a sensory table.  Both holding beads but different sizes and material for stringing.

   
Beside the toddler table is our homemade peg doll tree house with a shelf holding loose parts to play and create stories.  As well as another table that I place materials inviting the families to investigate.

                           
In the very centre of the room are small climbing foam blocks.  I covered them with a thick blanket mainly because I didn’t like the look of the coloured vinyl look.

                       
   
In the far corner is the block area that houses wooden and plastic blocks, lots of loose parts, cars, trucks, animals and houses.  I was given two of the big tubes.  We’ll see how the children interact with this one in this area, it may not be a big enough space.  The other tube is longer and I’ve put it in the gym.

     
                Next is the sand table and a new table for play scenarios.

     
                           
The last corner is the house/dramatic play area.  There are two tables because I will have play dough available on one or they can bring down the puzzles from the shelf.

                                         
I’ve tucked the light table into a little space of the house area.  I’m hoping to cover it somehow to make it more useable as a light table.  My room is very bright which doesn’t help the table be very ‘light’.  Any suggestions??

       
Finally, we end with the carpet area.  It is used for our story times but I also set up play invitations for infants and toddlers.

Hope you’ve enjoyed your visit.  Since I work alone I would appreciate any feedback.