Airplanes and Airports

Our students have taken a very strong interest in Airplanes and airports so we have decided to focus our inquiry on their wonderings surrounding flight.  We have begun to co-construct an airport with our students as well as design a plan about what it is they would like to learn about.  If you happen to have anything at home we could use to enhance our learning at school we would really appreciate it!
We encourage you to talk with your children about what they have been talking about and experiencing at school.  Please feel free to send in any photos of your family on an airplane :)

Here is what our students have come up with so far. 

Homework!!!

We often are asked by parents to send homework home with their child.  Just as often, we are begged not to.  We believe that the best homework we can give is to explore, connect and talk with your family and friends.  To experience life and come to class and share what you have learned.  Yes reading and practising your sight words and letters is always an understood assignment but mostly we want students to enjoy and cherish the time spent with loved ones.  If you would like any ideas of things you can do at home please don't hesitate to ask!

These are my boys playing and experimenting at home. 
We never miss an opportunity to explore something new

 

Nature + Found Objects = Beautiful Art

Today we tried something new with our students.  We were discussing with our students the changes we feel and see as the season turns from summer to fall.  The students began talking about the different colours they see and then began to notice those same colours in objects around the room.

We put out some sticks from nature onto 5 different blank canvases.  Next to those canvases we placed different found materials.  The students if they wanted, could go to the canvas and material that "spoke to them" and create however they wanted with the students that chose the same. 

What they made was breathtaking :) We offered no input, no suggestions, and touched nothing.  They created every inch of this art and for that reason alone, it is beautiful. 

Here is our beautiful finished product!!!  

A bench is not just to sit on.....

We are very lucky to have such a beautiful school to call our home.  Our entire staff work tirelessly to keep it looking beautiful, clean and inspiring.  We have decided that our outdoor space needed some much needed sprucing up.  My wonderful husband has built our class a beautiful new bench.  Our students however, felt that it too could use some creativity and sprucing up.  We have taken that bench on as another group project and will work together to creative something not only functional, but a true piece of art.  Here is the before picture and we wish to thank Mr. Lynn for the hard work he put into it :)

Dot Day!

On September 15, it is International Dot Day.  This day is created by Author of the book "The Dot" Peter H. Reynolds.  He created this day for people to "Imagine the power and potential of a million people all around the world connecting, collaborating, creating and celebrating all that creativity inspires and invites".  As HUGE fans of connecting, collaborating, creating and celebrating, we HAD to join in the fun  :)
After reading and discussing the wonderful story, we took a blank canvas and each placed a single dot with our choice of dabber.  Together, we created our first piece of art to hang on our walls of the house we call a classroom. 

A Bit About Our Classroom:)

September is an exciting time in every classroom, but kindergarten is even MORE special.  For some, it is their first time being away from caregivers, and for others it is just an extension on the learning experiences they have already been accustomed too.  As the students settle into routine, Ms. Mugford and myself are busy getting to know our students.  Not just names but learning style, comfort level, academic assessments and self-help skills.  This process is as crucial as it is enjoyable for both of us.  We are both very familiar with the FDK programs and know first hand the benefits that come from a well-run program.  Our students will not come home with "worksheets/ditto sheets" and booklets to complete.  They will come home with questions, experiences and information to share.  We teach our students to think, create and explore the natural world and have an extraordinary time doing so. 


As we get to know our learners, we will begin our inquiry experiences.  Some of these will be whole group, small group or even individual.  These students will be exploring their wonderings and we will be guiding them through it.  There may not be an answer at the end of the journey but it's all about the process that we work through.

Here are a few pictures of our classroom environment.  There will be plenty more to follow :)

Each child has their own colour group to sit with.  These are a mix of boys, girls, JKs and SKs.

Here is a great picture that has our sharing boards for students to display then "share"(talk about) with the class during the day.

Here is a space for students to create using the art materials. We try to provide a lot of natural inspiration for them to let their creativity fly.

More colour inspiration

This is our new sensory and building space.  We have turned our unused hallway space into a great and quiet area for our student to explore the light table, 3 sensory bins and found + natural building materials.   We love to put out provocations and see what the children can do.

This is our documentation wall with a variety of Pic Collages and document expectations attached.

This is our dramatic center.  This will constantly be changing to reflect the students' inquiries 

Our cubbie area 

Our word wall and beautiful hand-made letters :)

Welcome or Welcome Back!

Hello everyone and welcome to our blog!  We love to update families on all of the wonderful things that are happening in Room 101 and we find that THIS is the best place to do that. 
The more you access the blog, the more familiar you will become of our program and on what amazing things are happening in your child's day.  Also,  if you ARE actively using this site, we will be constantly motivated to spend our time updating it!

We are looking forward to a wonderful and inquisitive year :)

Sincerely, Mrs. Lynn & Ms. Mugford