March 6, 2020

Collaborative Work

A Collage using Natural Materials

As young toddlers, they build their physical skills, learn concepts, apply thinking skills, and assert their independence. We promote socialization by creating activities that enable children to work collaboratively.

Painting On Mirrors

Gross Motor Skills/Fine Motor Skills/ Sensory exploration/Creativity/Language/Art Techniques/ Self-expression/Spatial Reasoning

This open-ended art activity is all about the process. The concept "Process Art" applies to young children because it's how children learn, allows them to be themselves, make their own decision, and most importantly, create! The goal of arts and crafts is to hone their creativity and to allow their imagination to run free. It will enable children to explore the world around them and see how things work.

Mirror Painting at the easel promotes the children to see their reflections and see the different strokes they have painted. They sat and stood up to paint from a new perspective. The children learn what happens when they move their hands and arms sitting or standing. Painting alongside each other allows children to understand and respect their space and observe each other's art.

Cooking with Diane

Smoothie-Strawberry and Coconut Water

The children helped Diane put slices of strawberries and pour coconut water into the Blender. During this cooking session with Diane, they were exposed to color/how a household appliance works and the sound it makes/science (combining strawberries and coconut water)/Taste.

Sensory Bags

The children can practice hand and finger movements for pre-writing development on the squishy bag
explore the bag for a sensory experience: watch what happens as they pat, press, and touch.
Cause and effect, one action creates another reaction (moving or pushing the buttons with their hands or fingers.)
Ericksen enjoyed exploring the sensory bags and appeared excited as he pushed different color buttons in different directions.
Annabelle: "It feels cool! Look, orange buttons!"

Shapes

We have been learning about different shapes, and how they are in our environment and the different materials, we interact with everyday.

What shape is this book?

Aria, Annabelle, Alexandra, and Teagan: "It a square!"

Teagan yelled: “That a rectangle, Sandra!”

Ericksen and Ophelia: “Circle!”

Alexandra: “It’s round!”

Some of the children articulated two different shapes, square and rectangle. The teacher explained that it was a rectangle shape, but expressed that they made a good observation.

Teagan: “Look, a rectangle shape!”

She was pointing to the center of the window.

Hollow/Unit Blocks

Blocks are very popular in the classroom. The children are expanding their imagination and creativity each time they maneuver and manipulate a block. Annabelle and Teagan did not articulate their structures but focused as they explored.