Week in Review (9/12-9/16)

Week in Review (9/12-9/16)

Exploring Indian Corn

Children practiced their scientific inquiry skills by exploring a new natural material. They used tools such as magnifying glasses and safety knives to explore Indian Corn. They shared their observations and questions about the corn. We encouraged them to answer their own questions by further examining the corn. We noticed them being especially interested in removing all of the kernels or "seeds" from the cob. 

Teaching Strategies Gold Objectives Met:

13. Uses classification skills

11. Demonstrates positive approaches to learning

24. Uses scientific inquiry skills

28. Uses tools and other technology to perform tasks

Caring for Others as Doctors
During explorations, we offered the children dramatic play materials including stethoscopes, white coats, and other doctor tools. They tried using these tools in a way similar to what they had seen before. We noticed the children making connections between their prior experiences and how they could be doctors within the classroom. We talked about how doctors can care for their patients. Some children wanted to use their doctor skills on baby dolls, stuffed animals, or a teacher.  

Teaching Strategies Gold Objectives Met:

9. Uses language to express thoughts and needs

a. Uses an expanding expressive vocabulary

29. Demonstrates knowledge about self

30. Shows basic understanding of people and how they live

Painting with Watercolors

Boys and girls experimented with how to create different lines, shapes, and marks with the watercolor paints. We talked about the different colors they used and how they moved their paint brush around the paper. We will continue to develop these painting skills throughout the year. 

 Teaching Strategies Gold Objectives Met:

7. Demonstrates fine-motor strength and coordination

a. Uses fingers and hands

b. Uses writing and drawing tools 

33. Explores the visual arts

Creating Habitats for Animals

We have heard the students talking a lot about animals this week. We offered them natural blocks and animal toys and invited them to create homes for the animals. They were interested in creating walls and enclosures. After constructing homes, the children moved their different animals around the structures. 

 Teaching Strategies Gold Objectives Met:

5. Demonstrates knowledge of the characteristics of living things 

14. Uses symbols and images to represent something not present

a. Thinks symbolically

b. Engages in sociodramatic play

31. Explores change related to familiar people or places

32. Demonstrates simple geographic knowledge