We have noticed a shift in the way the children explore and experience our art studio. It is most exciting to observe their growth in skill as well as creativity. The shared group experiences that we have had with our resource teachers has supported this growth. They now enter into experiences with the motivation to create, paint, and construct independently. Our year has led us through many studies and as we have begun our exploration of "Spring", the children have exercised their artistic skills in many ways to show what they know and have learned. Today, an invitation of watercolors was set out at one table and dot markers at another. During open choice, the children approached these tables and began their illustrations with clear pictures in their minds! The beautiful display of colors was apparent and the children have showed their growth in the way they are now intentionally altering paint brushes and using specific brushes for each color as to keep the true colors they want to use. An illustration of the different seasons was created, a watercolor painting titled "Flowers" came together and even a self-portrait made with dot markers. It is wonderful to see the children experiment with cause and effect as they try techniques in their art to see what color, stroke, or texture might be created.
The children have also been involved in an ongoing art project with Sam, creating totem poles. We have painted many pieces to build a tall cylinder structure and looked at pictures of totem poles to gather some ideas for what we might want ours to look like. After assembling the pieces to form standing totem poles, we noticed one of our poles did not have enough pieces! Sam provided us with a long cardboard tube to design that would complete the pole. We participated in a collaborative process of painting and mixing as we worked with different shades of blue on the large tube today.
The children enjoyed displaying and sharing their art pieces during our Morning Meeting together. They spoke about their personal creations and group experiences and shared comments such as: "Look, I even have a little blue here" (from painting the totem pole). Our meeting continued with a non-fiction book on frogs, requested by the group, which showed the life cycle of a frog from egg to tadpole to frog. The children made personal connections with this story, sharing their observations of a frog in our water feature and comparing tadpoles in tanks that they have seen. We enjoyed a picnic snack in the classroom and then shared in reading, building, and dramatic play in our large downstairs space.
Our morning ended with a concert practice in the music room for the Spring Performance! We sang a few familiar favorites and used the smart board to guide us through a new Spanish lullaby. The children performed beautifully and are appreciating the role of performer as a part of the Cardinal ensemble. Families, enjoy the long weekend and please see the announcement below regarding our special celebration on Tuesday afternoon when we return to school.
Right after the Memorial Day weekend, on Tuesday, May 28 from 5-6:30 p.m., we are having an EC Pot-luck Dinner on our nature playground. We know that it is a busy time of the year and this day on our very busy school calendar was the only one available. We hope that your family will join us.
We do need to try to get an idea of a head count and what families will bring to the pot-luck. If you have not already done so, please sign-up in your child's classroom (or outside of the door.) If you do not see this e-mail in time to sign-up, please e-mail Debbie at dgreen@abingtonfriends.net with how may people will be coming (adults and children) and what you are able to bring.
Also, as seating is limited, please feel free to bring a blanket or folding chairs.
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