Seeds of Study

A Seed of Respect

As we began our morning together, we greeted each other and joined in a Morning Meeting, sharing a few journals, and a book about clean up brought in by Donny. We are gaining a sense of respect for each other and our classroom as we engage in group activities such as this. We are learning that we all have ideas or stories to tell and the children show their excitement as they hear one of their entries read. In addition, hearing a special book brought in from home also adds to a proud sense of self and importance as it so clearly connects the classroom to the home environment.  Times like this provide more meaning to what is going on in the classroom and help the children form a strong bond with each other and our school community.   We are learning about the idea of respect for each person as well as for our indoor and outdoor classroom space. 

A Splash of Science and Mechanics

This led to our next discovery of the morning...the beginning construction on our outdoor play structure! We are so appreciative of the space that we have been able to explore and are very excited to a have a part in watching the continuing process of it all coming together. Noticing the busyness of the outside, the Cardinals gathered by the window to watch the workers cooperating together. They identified many of the tools and trucks that they saw, showing their wide scientific knowledge and interest in how things work. To further engage the thoughts of our Cardinals, we joined in reading Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel and listened to the story as we explored the similarities to what we saw going on outside our very own classroom window. 

A Hint of Music and Art

As we have observed our children and watched them begin to form bonds over their common interests, an appreciation of music has appeared throughout the room. The Cardinals enjoy listening to music during Choice Time, Lunch Time and even during Rest Time. The children love to  put on concerts, shows, and dance parties. Artistic expression is shown through their movement and the laughter is contagious during these spontaneous happenings. Today, the Cardinals began exploring "The Commons", the area between the four classrooms. Immediately, they set off to construct a stage for a dance party platform. They displayed cooperation, teamwork and patience as they determined where each block would need to be set and then how to fix it if one had moved. The Cardinal class has also been drawn to the art studio. They are very interested in working in this area. Today, we introduced the easel and set up four areas for individuals to paint at the same time. Easel painting provides opportunity for self-expression, creativity and fine motor development.

And Off to Explore More...

The morning flowed so easily into our outdoor time, where we sat for a short time, drawn to the construction that was taking place. We enjoyed the close proximity this allowed and discussed some ways to stay safe while observing. After being engaged in our outdoor space, we headed over to the open field area for running, racing and a few short stories. The Cardinals are displaying their excitement and wonderment each and every day and we are looking forward to possible studies in Music, construction, and our outdoor space!