With only a few weeks left in 2018, we sure are keeping busy! Check it out...
Squares, Circles, and Triangles...Oh My!
We have continued our work with shapes over the past two weeks. The children enjoyed a cross-curricular activity that began with a "shape walk". We explored around our hallway and playground to look for shapes all around us and photograph them. Children noticed the square floor tiles, circular lights, rectangular bricks, and more! Later, in Technology, they used the pictures they had taken to create their own shape books!
We continued with the concept that shapes are everywhere and make up the world around us by creating a shape mural. We thought about what theme and environment we could use for our mural, settling on the ocean. The children used shape stencils to help draw each shape. They created all different components of the mural, from mermaids to seaweed!
The children also had the chance to create individual art using the various shape tools. They used the stencils and paper pieces representing pattern blocks to create beautiful works of art!
To reinforce the idea of how we can put shapes together, the children worked on pattern block puzzles. They were tasked to fill in the outlines using only the shapes available with pattern blocks. They had to use their spacial visualization, thinking about what shapes they needed, which shape would fit where, and whether they needed to rotate a shape. As a final step, they had to count the number of each shape they used.
Another task that required children to think about the relationships between shapes and how to combine them was a game called "Fill the Hexagon." In this game, children rolled a die to see whether they would add a triangle, rhombus, trapezoid, or hexagon to their game board. This prompted all kinds of mathematical thinking, such as how many rhombuses would fill a hexagon or how many triangles would be needed to create a trapezoid.
Finally, we had a little extra fun with shapes and the weather by making pattern block snowflakes. The children used white versions of the pattern block shapes to create all kinds of designs and formations. We talked about how in nature, no two snowflakes are exactly alike and how there are limitless possibilities; our designs were just a few of many many more!
Bright Light
In a study the crossed many curricular areas we explored light and dark. We began by talking about light made by people versus light made by nature. After completing a sorting activity, the children recorded their own ideas.
Later, we learned about two tricky terms connected to light: opaque and transparent. To help introduce these terms we did an experiment. The children each decorated a black square of construction paper and another made of clear plastic. After, we shined light through both squares. The children discovered that the light DID go through the plastic, but NOT the paper. We then learned the terminology used to describe the two materials.
To reinforce this concept, the children were challenged to come up with an object that is opaque and one that is transparent. Lots of great ideas, from windows to people to fish!
Our author of the month for December was Robert Munsch. We read a few of his funny stories, including The Dark. This story tells the tale of a girl who discovers a mysterious dark that begins eating all the shadows around her until it grows so big it takes over the whole neighborhood! In fitting with our work in Reading, we identified and discussed the problem in the story. The children then made their own pages for a class version of the story.
Candles Burning Bright
A tie in with our study of light was learning about candles. We talked about how at this time of the year there are many celebrations and traditions around light. We learned about the winter solstice and its significance in connection to these holidays. The children shared some of their own traditions and celebrations. Children even made paper candles in Art.
Of course, the highlight and culmination of this learning was the chance to make our own candles! Children dipped wicks into colorful hot wax, adding more and more layers as they created their candles. Special thanks to Ms. Pearce and our parent volunteers for making this project such a success!
Our learning also extended into Math. The children were challenged with another combinations problem, this time with a candle theme. At this point in the year, many children are able to come up with one solution independently. Some are even finding multiple solutions and beginning to notice patterns!
K105 Knows All About...A Lot!
Since November, we have been working on a different kind of writing: all about books. Like the "learn about the world" books we have read, these books give information on a specific topic. We learned about facts, and how each one gives a piece of information on the topic. The children wrote about a range of topics, from unicorns to dinosaurs to Santa Claus! After all their hard work, the children each picked one of their favorite books to finish up and share with the class during a Writer's Share. They practiced responding with compliments, questions, comments, and connections. Everyone was (rightfully so) proud of their work!
Friendshape!
We have continued to talk about relationships, cooperation, and other important concepts during TEAM Meeting. Along with our shape learning, we read a "punny" book called Friendshape. The book inspired a discussion of what it means to be a good friend, how we can work together, and how we can solve problems. All essential ideas in kindergarten! |
Click "Read More" to see more pictures from the past two weeks!