Please see the full disclosure regarding our use of the Experience Preschool Curriculum here.
We introduced a mini bone study during our All About Me unit through Experience Preschool. As the children interacted with the X-Ray art activity, we observed how they reacted to the inspiration photo (several real x-rays) and listened to their interesting discussions. J. shared a story about a relative that did not wear wrist or shin guards while skateboarding and ended up breaking a bone. We felt our bones in our wrist, hand, and face, then glued paper bones on to paper. 35 research-based skills are embedded in the Experience Early Learning curriculum that we use. At least two skills are the main focus of each activity and are listed under the activity title in the Teacher's Guide which is included in our monthly kit. A quick glance is all that is needed to see what we should be focusing on with our students. During these activities, at least 8 skills and subskills were practiced, including Life Science, Scientific Reasoning, Visual Arts, Fine Motor, Vocabulary and Communication. You can read all about the Developmental Continuum of Skills here.
Their interest in bones continued and so we began to think about how we could support their learning even more. I found plastic skeletons at a local store and added them to our science table. Soon, the children were trying to match the plastic bones to the X-rays. They sorted them and examined the bones under the magnifying glasses.
Just when I thought the STEAM concepts in the Experience Preschool Curriculum was already amazing, the curriculum team came back with even better concepts and activities this year. The teacher support provided by this company is incredible! The "brains" activity is just one great example. I provided a wooden bowl for the children to explore. We then talked about how it is hard like our skull bone and that it protects our soft brain. We also talked about why we wear bike helmets or helmets while skiing or participating in other sports. Then the children felt cooked noodles that feel much like our brains do. How cool! Their reactions and commentary were PRICELESS. "Wow. I don't think I like that." "That feels mushy." "It's slimy!"
I hope you enjoyed a snap shot of life in our classroom at St. Mary's. There is always something new to explore and we are never quite sure where we will end up when we let the children's interests lead. We hope we are inspiring a life-long love of learning. See you soon!
If you would like to add some of these great resources to your classroom, be sure to check out Experience Preschool and the links below.
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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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