We have been on quite an adventure in Pre-K! We are learning about water habitats during our Bubbles, Boats and Floats unit. Recently, we focused on beavers and all of the animals that live in and near a beaver dam. At this point in the year, children are adept at working in small groups. They have been practicing social skills such as how to negotiate space and materials. Accepting the ideas of your peers and working as a team requires practice over time. Here, children chose who they were going to work with and what portion of a beaver habitat they would create. The long line of wood pieces is the beaver dam, the children explain, which leads to a lighthouse (more on that later) and a fish pond. Earlier in the day, children visited the art table to create a Make and Play activity. They have learned that they can make their own toys or "props" and immediately play with them in the classroom. As we have explored the Bubbles, Boats and Floats theme, we noticed that fish live in beaver dams and ponds, so the children went to work making a pond using popsicle sticks from our STREAM station. Children proudly explain their work to me. I ask questions and then repeat their explanation back to them, not only for clarification purposes, but to model how to break down the project. "First you built the dam, then you created a fish pond, is that correct?" Using first, then, next, language demonstrates sequencing using math vocabulary.
"Yes and then we built a fish pond so F. could swim her fish in it." "I see. Tell me about what you are doing here (at the dollhouse)." "This is the lighthouse." "Ohhh, a lighthouse! I wonder if one of our little emergency lights would fit in your lighthouse?" "Does it fit? Yes! Let's turn off the lights and check it out." When teachers partner with children in the learning process, an atmosphere of respect is created. Children feel heard and their ideas are validated. What learning adventure will you go on with your students today?
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AuthorSheila Anderson has over 25 years experience in the Early Childhood Field and still loves going to "school" everyday. Archives
January 2022
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