We have had a very busy 3 weeks learning about how we can take care of our earth. How what we do matters even if it is a small thing. Each small act adds up. We've learned things like water conservation, energy conservation, how to reduce our waste, reuse the materials we have, and to recycle all products that can be, remember to buy things that we need not just want.
Our tomato transfer went well. We began with the compost in the pot first, then added the tomato plant and finished by topping it up with soil. We had to water our plants so they didn't dry up. We learned that plants are able to make their own food by a process called photosynthesis. The children learned that there are 3 ingredients needed for the plant to process: energy from the sun, carbon dioxide from the air and nutrients from the soil.
We learned about "cycles" soil, water and life. We understand that all living things must die and that ends their life cycle. When the living thing dies it will decay or rot in the soil giving the soil nutrients it needs to grow new life in plants. The children were also amazed that the water cycle is the only cycle that keeps going round and round and that the water that fell from our sky this week may have been water that was flowing in a river in Africa or on a mountain top in Nepal.
We have also enjoyed learning a new song from Ta'Kaiya Blaney who was just 10 years old when she wrote her first song called Shallow Waters. She is from British Columbia. She is concerned about the oil pipelines and what that will do to our earth and specifically the ocean. We've had some great discussions about this topic as a group.
We did a little science experiment where the children mixed vegetable oil and water. When the oil was poured into the water it rose to the top. This made the children think that it would be easy to scoop off the top. Then they each took a turn to shake the jar and then observe what happened. This happened 5 times and by the third shake and wait the water became cloudy and opaque. I asked the children if the water in the ocean ever stopped moving. They said no because the waves are always moving the water. This made the illustration for them to understand the impact of oil spills in the ocean and the affect it has on all life.
Please enjoy this song...
Shallow Waters by Ta'Kaiya Blaney
We have also been working on spelling and the children enjoy this so much.
It's hard to believe that there are only 5 more weeks of school left!
Friday, 24 May 2013
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Week 31 - Review
What a fantastic week! It was so nice to be able to be outside for the majority of our days enjoying the sunshine and warm temperatures...we were even able to have a picnic on Friday.
This month we are learning about being good stewards of the earth. We are learning about a remarkable Canadian, David Suzuki. We have learned that he is a scientist, an environmentalist, and an author. He has a television show that helps people understand science and how it applies to them.
We have learned the parts of a plant: root, stem, branches and leaves. We have learned that a plant needs water, soil, and sunshine to be healthy and grow. We examined soil to determine if it was moist or dry. We are caring for tomato plants checking the soil each day. We also planted sweet alyssum from a seed and dahlia's from a bulb.
We have read Salmon Forest, David Suzuki, which talks about how we are connected to the nature. That we must be protecting and care deeply for the natural world around us. That the natural world works in cycles.
We have been fortunate to have Miss Flynn here with us this week. She is completing her student placement and will be with us until May 9th. It is such a great opportunity for the children to have Miss Flynn in the class because has also worked in a traditional kindergarten room so she is able to help us understand the rules and expectations that the children will need for next year in "big" school.
In the coming week, we will be doing a transplant of the tomato plants...learning about photosynthesis and the importance of compost & worms by building our own wormery.
Enjoy this beautiful weather,
This month we are learning about being good stewards of the earth. We are learning about a remarkable Canadian, David Suzuki. We have learned that he is a scientist, an environmentalist, and an author. He has a television show that helps people understand science and how it applies to them.
We have learned the parts of a plant: root, stem, branches and leaves. We have learned that a plant needs water, soil, and sunshine to be healthy and grow. We examined soil to determine if it was moist or dry. We are caring for tomato plants checking the soil each day. We also planted sweet alyssum from a seed and dahlia's from a bulb.
We have read Salmon Forest, David Suzuki, which talks about how we are connected to the nature. That we must be protecting and care deeply for the natural world around us. That the natural world works in cycles.
We have been fortunate to have Miss Flynn here with us this week. She is completing her student placement and will be with us until May 9th. It is such a great opportunity for the children to have Miss Flynn in the class because has also worked in a traditional kindergarten room so she is able to help us understand the rules and expectations that the children will need for next year in "big" school.
In the coming week, we will be doing a transplant of the tomato plants...learning about photosynthesis and the importance of compost & worms by building our own wormery.
Enjoy this beautiful weather,
Friday, 26 April 2013
Weeks 29 & 30
What a great 2 weeks of school...loving some excellent conversations...engaged children...and sunny days!
One of the most favourite parts of my "job" is when children discover the joy of reading: reading for information and knowledge not only for entertainment. This has happened again! One young girl aged 5 1/2 is reading everything. She grabbed a book about giraffes and brought it to the table during snack, she just couldn't put it down! As she read aloud to the group, she would stop and say, "Did you just hear this? It says in the book that acacia leaves are 74 percent water, that means mostly water, so that is why giraffes can go for so long without drinking water." She would continue reading only to stop to tell them another interesting fact like "a giraffe's stomach is divided into four compartments like that of a cow." She read to them what that meant but I won't re-write it all!
We have been learning about a very important woman named Wangari Maathai from Kenya, Africa. Personally, I think we can all learn much from her and I think it's a perfect way for us to end our unit study of Africa and prepare for our study of the environment and our impact on it for the month of May.
Wangari was a woman who loved her home country of Kenya. She grew up surrounded by the fertile soil, crops of maize, sugarcane and sweet potatoes. She gathered firewood close to her village but never from the Fig Tree that grew close to the sparkling, clean river. The Fig Tree was sacred and all members of the village respected and cared for this tree. Wangari had a deep respect for this land and its people. She was saddened when she returned to her homeland. In only 5 years, while she studied biology at school abroad in America, her beloved country had changed, drastically. The country that once boasted beautiful green forests, fertile soil, and sparkling streams of fresh, clean water had been destroyed. Even the respected Fig Tree that once stood proud close to her village had been cut down. Destroyed by the government and corporate men who decided that it made more "cents" to strip the land bare for commercial farming plots to cultivate tea for export. Wangari knew she had to do something, because "something is better than nothing". She began by planting nine tree seedlings in her backyard, which all ended up dying. She did not give up though, instead she planted more. This was an important lesson for the other women to see. Wangari explained to the women that the tree roots hold the soil in place. When the soil is held in place, the water from the rains are soaked up, and when the water is soaked up the topsoil will not run away like in a landslide and it will not blow away in strong winds. The trees will also produce shade from the strong heat of the sun so the soil will not dry out as quickly. Trees are important. Trees will give us our land back. Wangari also noticed that the women and children were becoming weak and sickly. She determined that it was because of the poor nutritional foods they were eating. When the government men cut all the trees down for commercial farming families were unable to grow the food and raise the animals they would use for their own consumption which provided them with good health. Instead, the people now had to rely on foreign food coming in the form of highly processed - nutrient removed flours and meal. Wangari encouraged the women to collect the seeds from the plants they could find to begin cultivating their own vegetable plots again. Over time other women began to hear about this effort of Wangari and they too joined in. Wangari and the Greenbelt Movement was not welcomed by government officials or the commercial farmers. She was arrested and jailed. Yet, woman by woman, tree by tree, they clothed Kenya with the green of her youth.
We also are learning about "The Little Hummingbird". We have read the story before (when we studied North America) but we are studying it again because Wangari Maathai used this as a lesson for children to understand that even if no one around you is doing anything about a situation that you know is wrong, or too difficult to change, it is better to do something than nothing. We can do our part to make small changes in the world around us. We are to be like the hummingbird. If you haven't read this story...be sure to borrow it from the local library (although I have it loaned out at the moment!)
We have learned a song as well to help us remember about Wangari Maathai...the words go like this.
"Oh we heard, we heard the news of Wangari Maathai
Oh we heard about you, Wangari Maathai,
One woman, 30 million trees, one woman's path to peace
Oh if this, if this be true, just think what we could do!
Woman by woman, tree by tree, one woman's path to peace
Oh little tree, let's grow, oh watoto love you so!"
Watoto means children in swahili.
Here are some pictures of art landscapes I asked the children to draw...
One of the most favourite parts of my "job" is when children discover the joy of reading: reading for information and knowledge not only for entertainment. This has happened again! One young girl aged 5 1/2 is reading everything. She grabbed a book about giraffes and brought it to the table during snack, she just couldn't put it down! As she read aloud to the group, she would stop and say, "Did you just hear this? It says in the book that acacia leaves are 74 percent water, that means mostly water, so that is why giraffes can go for so long without drinking water." She would continue reading only to stop to tell them another interesting fact like "a giraffe's stomach is divided into four compartments like that of a cow." She read to them what that meant but I won't re-write it all!
We have been learning about a very important woman named Wangari Maathai from Kenya, Africa. Personally, I think we can all learn much from her and I think it's a perfect way for us to end our unit study of Africa and prepare for our study of the environment and our impact on it for the month of May.
Wangari was a woman who loved her home country of Kenya. She grew up surrounded by the fertile soil, crops of maize, sugarcane and sweet potatoes. She gathered firewood close to her village but never from the Fig Tree that grew close to the sparkling, clean river. The Fig Tree was sacred and all members of the village respected and cared for this tree. Wangari had a deep respect for this land and its people. She was saddened when she returned to her homeland. In only 5 years, while she studied biology at school abroad in America, her beloved country had changed, drastically. The country that once boasted beautiful green forests, fertile soil, and sparkling streams of fresh, clean water had been destroyed. Even the respected Fig Tree that once stood proud close to her village had been cut down. Destroyed by the government and corporate men who decided that it made more "cents" to strip the land bare for commercial farming plots to cultivate tea for export. Wangari knew she had to do something, because "something is better than nothing". She began by planting nine tree seedlings in her backyard, which all ended up dying. She did not give up though, instead she planted more. This was an important lesson for the other women to see. Wangari explained to the women that the tree roots hold the soil in place. When the soil is held in place, the water from the rains are soaked up, and when the water is soaked up the topsoil will not run away like in a landslide and it will not blow away in strong winds. The trees will also produce shade from the strong heat of the sun so the soil will not dry out as quickly. Trees are important. Trees will give us our land back. Wangari also noticed that the women and children were becoming weak and sickly. She determined that it was because of the poor nutritional foods they were eating. When the government men cut all the trees down for commercial farming families were unable to grow the food and raise the animals they would use for their own consumption which provided them with good health. Instead, the people now had to rely on foreign food coming in the form of highly processed - nutrient removed flours and meal. Wangari encouraged the women to collect the seeds from the plants they could find to begin cultivating their own vegetable plots again. Over time other women began to hear about this effort of Wangari and they too joined in. Wangari and the Greenbelt Movement was not welcomed by government officials or the commercial farmers. She was arrested and jailed. Yet, woman by woman, tree by tree, they clothed Kenya with the green of her youth.
We also are learning about "The Little Hummingbird". We have read the story before (when we studied North America) but we are studying it again because Wangari Maathai used this as a lesson for children to understand that even if no one around you is doing anything about a situation that you know is wrong, or too difficult to change, it is better to do something than nothing. We can do our part to make small changes in the world around us. We are to be like the hummingbird. If you haven't read this story...be sure to borrow it from the local library (although I have it loaned out at the moment!)
We have learned a song as well to help us remember about Wangari Maathai...the words go like this.
"Oh we heard, we heard the news of Wangari Maathai
Oh we heard about you, Wangari Maathai,
One woman, 30 million trees, one woman's path to peace
Oh if this, if this be true, just think what we could do!
Woman by woman, tree by tree, one woman's path to peace
Oh little tree, let's grow, oh watoto love you so!"
Watoto means children in swahili.
Here are some pictures of art landscapes I asked the children to draw...
Friday, 12 April 2013
Week 26, 27, & 28 - Review
My apologies for not keeping this blog more current!
Easter weekend was a busy time for me personally and it slipped my mind.
Last week I completely forgot...so I will try and catch up this week!
We have begun to study our final continent - Africa.
The children last week learned all about the animals of this continent which they love. We've been working on classifying the animals by what they eat (carnivore, herbivore, omnivore)...which leads nicely into learning about food chains and the fact that all living creatures need to eat in order to live.
We've learned that the giraffe has 2 different types of patterns: reticulated and masai.
The children can identify the difference, can you?
We learned about the oxpecker bird that is a helping bird to the animals eating the insects off their fur.
We've learned that the African elephants ears look like the shape of the African continent.
We also learned about the Big 5 (lion, rhino, cape buffalo, elephant and leopard).
We've learned about the Serengeti National Park and going on safari. We've learned about Madagascar and can identify it on the map. We've learned that most of the chameleons on earth live on the island of Madagascar. We've also learned that the second largest fresh water lake is found in Africa. It's called Lake Victoria. We've talked about the Horn of Africa (it's named that because it is shaped like a rhino horn) and the fact that it has been in a severe drought for years. We learned that a drought is when the rains don't come which leads to no plants growing and when no plants can grow other living things dependent on the plants for food die. Water is so very important.
We learned about a man named Nelson Mandela. We learned that he was a freedom maker and a life changer. He fought for equality between the "white" and "black" South Africans, helping the country understand that all people should have access to health care, education and jobs no matter their skin colour. It was interesting to hear the children make a connection back to when we studied North America. "This sounds like what happened in North American when the Europeans moved the First Nations people off their land so they could have it."
The children have had a good few weeks learning about Africa. We remembered the time we went to Quaid's school to visit and hear the people of a Masai tribe from Tanzania sing...and their shoes, made out of motorcycle tires!
Easter weekend was a busy time for me personally and it slipped my mind.
Last week I completely forgot...so I will try and catch up this week!
We have begun to study our final continent - Africa.
The children last week learned all about the animals of this continent which they love. We've been working on classifying the animals by what they eat (carnivore, herbivore, omnivore)...which leads nicely into learning about food chains and the fact that all living creatures need to eat in order to live.
We've learned that the giraffe has 2 different types of patterns: reticulated and masai.
The children can identify the difference, can you?
We learned about the oxpecker bird that is a helping bird to the animals eating the insects off their fur.
We've learned that the African elephants ears look like the shape of the African continent.
We also learned about the Big 5 (lion, rhino, cape buffalo, elephant and leopard).
We've learned about the Serengeti National Park and going on safari. We've learned about Madagascar and can identify it on the map. We've learned that most of the chameleons on earth live on the island of Madagascar. We've also learned that the second largest fresh water lake is found in Africa. It's called Lake Victoria. We've talked about the Horn of Africa (it's named that because it is shaped like a rhino horn) and the fact that it has been in a severe drought for years. We learned that a drought is when the rains don't come which leads to no plants growing and when no plants can grow other living things dependent on the plants for food die. Water is so very important.
We learned about a man named Nelson Mandela. We learned that he was a freedom maker and a life changer. He fought for equality between the "white" and "black" South Africans, helping the country understand that all people should have access to health care, education and jobs no matter their skin colour. It was interesting to hear the children make a connection back to when we studied North America. "This sounds like what happened in North American when the Europeans moved the First Nations people off their land so they could have it."
The children have had a good few weeks learning about Africa. We remembered the time we went to Quaid's school to visit and hear the people of a Masai tribe from Tanzania sing...and their shoes, made out of motorcycle tires!
Friday, 22 March 2013
Week 25 - Review
Well, it certainly doesn't feel or look like spring yet, but that's okay because we've had lots of fun in the snow for one more week!
We continued reviewing Australia, practising matching pictures of Australia to the written word, finding the continent of Australia on various maps, and listening to our favourite Australian music and reading our favourite books about this country/continent.
This week we learned what the Australian flag looks like as well as the New Zealand flag. The flags look similar but are a little different. Both flags have the Union Jack in the top left corner and are dark blue in colour. Australia has 5 white stars forming the Southern Cross while New Zealand has 4 read stars.
Some of the children have been working on the game memory or concentration which they are really enjoying. Others have been working on more reading activities and math activities. Overall, the weeks are going by quickly and the children are progressively building on their skills.
We continued reviewing Australia, practising matching pictures of Australia to the written word, finding the continent of Australia on various maps, and listening to our favourite Australian music and reading our favourite books about this country/continent.
This week we learned what the Australian flag looks like as well as the New Zealand flag. The flags look similar but are a little different. Both flags have the Union Jack in the top left corner and are dark blue in colour. Australia has 5 white stars forming the Southern Cross while New Zealand has 4 read stars.
Some of the children have been working on the game memory or concentration which they are really enjoying. Others have been working on more reading activities and math activities. Overall, the weeks are going by quickly and the children are progressively building on their skills.
Friday, 8 March 2013
Week 24 - Review
We had such a fun week learning about the land "Down Under", Australia. The children learned that "down under" means that the continent is down under the equator (that invisible belt that continuously receives the sun's rays no matter what time of year) in the Southern hemisphere. They can each identify this continent with ease on a world map...and in books.
We've read many books. We learned that the Aborigine people lived there first and they have a special relationship with the land and sky. Each child can identify Uluru or Ayers Rock. We looked at aboriginal art. We heard the sounds of a didgeridoo, a very cool instrument that makes a deep, humming sound unlike anything they'd ever heard before.
We learned some wonderful songs...
Kookabura Sits in the Old Gum Tree
Waltzing Matilda
learning words like "swagman" - hobo, "billypot" - teapot, "billabong" - pool of water, "jumbuck" - sheep, "tuckerbag" - bag for food, "stockman" - cowboy "thoroughbred" - horse.
Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport
and my favourite True Blue Wonders
"There's a song that rides the wind, as it sweeps this ancient land. It tells of a land of wonders and those that call it home.
Come walkabout my big backyard and listen for the sound. You might hear the kangaroo singing right along. Kangaroo lives in the land down under. Kangaroo is a true blue wonder.
Then Kookabura, Crocodile and Dingo...the children then asked to do the other animals we've learned about. So, we added Platypus, Wombat, Koala...and made some actions. Your children should remember each...but for those of you who don't have children attending and would like to teach this to your children...
Kangaroo hopping, Kookabura flapping wings, Crocodile arms stretched in front open/shut, Dingo hands like paws and a scrunched up mad face, Platypus hands in front of mouth like a duck-bill, Wombat digging paw hands, Koala sleeping or very lethargic and a Brolga (a bird) strutting.
They have learned to identify the Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge and the Great Barrier Reef.
Enjoy the MARCH BREAK week - and I'll see you back on Monday, March 18th.
We've read many books. We learned that the Aborigine people lived there first and they have a special relationship with the land and sky. Each child can identify Uluru or Ayers Rock. We looked at aboriginal art. We heard the sounds of a didgeridoo, a very cool instrument that makes a deep, humming sound unlike anything they'd ever heard before.
We learned some wonderful songs...
Kookabura Sits in the Old Gum Tree
Waltzing Matilda
learning words like "swagman" - hobo, "billypot" - teapot, "billabong" - pool of water, "jumbuck" - sheep, "tuckerbag" - bag for food, "stockman" - cowboy "thoroughbred" - horse.
Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport
and my favourite True Blue Wonders
"There's a song that rides the wind, as it sweeps this ancient land. It tells of a land of wonders and those that call it home.
Come walkabout my big backyard and listen for the sound. You might hear the kangaroo singing right along. Kangaroo lives in the land down under. Kangaroo is a true blue wonder.
Then Kookabura, Crocodile and Dingo...the children then asked to do the other animals we've learned about. So, we added Platypus, Wombat, Koala...and made some actions. Your children should remember each...but for those of you who don't have children attending and would like to teach this to your children...
Kangaroo hopping, Kookabura flapping wings, Crocodile arms stretched in front open/shut, Dingo hands like paws and a scrunched up mad face, Platypus hands in front of mouth like a duck-bill, Wombat digging paw hands, Koala sleeping or very lethargic and a Brolga (a bird) strutting.
They have learned to identify the Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge and the Great Barrier Reef.
Enjoy the MARCH BREAK week - and I'll see you back on Monday, March 18th.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Week 23 - Review
This was our last week of studying Asia. The children enjoyed listening to a story of Pen-se and her brother Lin and the adventures they had. This is a very old book and through the story they learned about silk farms, why boys go to school but not girls, how parents would tie a piece of red yarn around a baby's wrist in order for them to become a good and obedient child. We ate some butter chicken and rice. We also learned about the Asian elephant and saw pictures of them decorated for parades. They enjoyed playing this too. One or two children would be the mahout (trainer & keeper) and the other children would be the elephants, waiting patiently to be decorated and then paraded about.
Some of the children worked on story writing this week, while others worked on sentence building. I always find this very exciting. If this is an area you'd like to work with your child on...this is what we do. To begin the activity I choose 5 objects and place them on the mat. I write out the words on a guide sheet so the child has the correct spelling. The story writer's job is to come up with a story using each object and for it to be interesting and accurate. The sentence writer's job is to come up with a sentence that begins with an article, uses the noun, includes an adjective and a verb. The children always find such delight in this creative process!
Next week we welcome back Mia & Sadie from their warm vacation destinations... and we begin our study of Australia and the children are VERY excited to learn about all of the animals of this continent.
Some of the children worked on story writing this week, while others worked on sentence building. I always find this very exciting. If this is an area you'd like to work with your child on...this is what we do. To begin the activity I choose 5 objects and place them on the mat. I write out the words on a guide sheet so the child has the correct spelling. The story writer's job is to come up with a story using each object and for it to be interesting and accurate. The sentence writer's job is to come up with a sentence that begins with an article, uses the noun, includes an adjective and a verb. The children always find such delight in this creative process!
Next week we welcome back Mia & Sadie from their warm vacation destinations... and we begin our study of Australia and the children are VERY excited to learn about all of the animals of this continent.
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Week 22 - Review
Well, as I heard from a parent dropping off their child on Thursday, "The Family Day holiday almost turned into Family WEEK, what with the snow days!"
This week we worked on activities that were familiar to the children with some new extensions. For instance, the children have a solid grasp of what addition is and subtraction...so, I introduced multiplication and division. This was met as a great new challenge to discover. I find introducing "hard" work early on is never received with a complaining attitude with young children, instead with pure excitement!
One child asked to do some sketching and she chose an Indian Tiger. Studying carefully the original sketch and then working diligently on hers for a great length of time adding colour to complete it.
A surprise for me was on Friday morning when a girl had asked if she could write her own music. I said sure and gave her a piece of paper to write it out not really sure of what she meant. As she sat in the chair, humming a few different melodies I listened. Then after about 15 minutes she said, "OK, that's it, I've finished my music. Would you like to read it?" And what she handed me was a 1/2 page filled with notes. This amazed me because we have never looked at music books or sheet music here at school. I didn't think she was in music lessons - so I immediately sent a message to her mom. And, she too, was at a loss - not sure where she would have seen this because she isn't in any music class.
We also made bread on Friday. The children loved shaping their very own loaf some made heart shaped loaves (with some help from me), baguettes, round loafs. They are always excited to be able to bring home something to eat and share with their family. They take such satisfaction in being part of that process of making and sharing. Often in our busy life, we buy and share because of the convenience, however, if you have time to help your child make something to share, you will see a light in their eye and joy in their voice when they are able to give that "made" item to a loved one.
This week we worked on activities that were familiar to the children with some new extensions. For instance, the children have a solid grasp of what addition is and subtraction...so, I introduced multiplication and division. This was met as a great new challenge to discover. I find introducing "hard" work early on is never received with a complaining attitude with young children, instead with pure excitement!
One child asked to do some sketching and she chose an Indian Tiger. Studying carefully the original sketch and then working diligently on hers for a great length of time adding colour to complete it.
A surprise for me was on Friday morning when a girl had asked if she could write her own music. I said sure and gave her a piece of paper to write it out not really sure of what she meant. As she sat in the chair, humming a few different melodies I listened. Then after about 15 minutes she said, "OK, that's it, I've finished my music. Would you like to read it?" And what she handed me was a 1/2 page filled with notes. This amazed me because we have never looked at music books or sheet music here at school. I didn't think she was in music lessons - so I immediately sent a message to her mom. And, she too, was at a loss - not sure where she would have seen this because she isn't in any music class.
We also made bread on Friday. The children loved shaping their very own loaf some made heart shaped loaves (with some help from me), baguettes, round loafs. They are always excited to be able to bring home something to eat and share with their family. They take such satisfaction in being part of that process of making and sharing. Often in our busy life, we buy and share because of the convenience, however, if you have time to help your child make something to share, you will see a light in their eye and joy in their voice when they are able to give that "made" item to a loved one.
Friday, 15 February 2013
Week 20 & 21
Last weeks snow day on Friday made me completely forget about the blog. Over the last 2 weeks, we've been learning about Asia. Listening to the music, learning about the animals, making some art, and trying to count to 6529 (because that is how long the Great Wall of China is in KM). We've been trying to use chopsticks (another compound word) but it is proving to be a difficult task. We also made some very yummy Valentine Day treats. We've been able to enjoy the snow as well, thanks to the man who blows out our driveway, making some fun climbing hills!
2 of our friends have left on vacations: Sadie who will be visiting Minnie Mouse in Florida, and Mia who will be spending time visiting family in Barbados! Enjoy your time in the sunshine!
A reminder that Monday is Family Day, so school will be closed.
2 of our friends have left on vacations: Sadie who will be visiting Minnie Mouse in Florida, and Mia who will be spending time visiting family in Barbados! Enjoy your time in the sunshine!
A reminder that Monday is Family Day, so school will be closed.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Week 19 - Review
I'm not really sure what was up with today but the children were absolutely wired. It didn't really matter what activity I tried, not a thing was catching their interest. "We just want to do what we want to do" was the consensus, which I get and understand, yet a day of not much "work" tends to disappoint me a bit.
The rest of our week went well though. We worked on reviewing blends and digraphs. I also introduced the idea of compound words. They thought this was a neat concept, 2 words put together to make a brand new word. We also were able to eat pancakes, cupcakes, and they asked to eat popcorn. We tried to make a snowman and snowballs but that just didn't work out. It was the wrong type of snow.
Some of the children continued to work on addition and subtraction skills, while others worked on printing. It is always a fun time with young children decide they want to learn how to print words. It is important to just let them print any and all words. Get really excited about the length of the words too, count the letters they have just printed, count the vowels, then the consonants. Ask if they can think of other words that make the same starting sound, or a word that rhymes.
We ate a "brunch" one day as well. One of the students thought about this word for quite a while and then said, "brunch, that is a good word, it takes the br from breakfast and the unch from lunch, to make its own word...very smart!"
We are beginning to study Asia during the month of February so this may spark some new interests and a desire to do some "organized" activities?
The rest of our week went well though. We worked on reviewing blends and digraphs. I also introduced the idea of compound words. They thought this was a neat concept, 2 words put together to make a brand new word. We also were able to eat pancakes, cupcakes, and they asked to eat popcorn. We tried to make a snowman and snowballs but that just didn't work out. It was the wrong type of snow.
Some of the children continued to work on addition and subtraction skills, while others worked on printing. It is always a fun time with young children decide they want to learn how to print words. It is important to just let them print any and all words. Get really excited about the length of the words too, count the letters they have just printed, count the vowels, then the consonants. Ask if they can think of other words that make the same starting sound, or a word that rhymes.
We ate a "brunch" one day as well. One of the students thought about this word for quite a while and then said, "brunch, that is a good word, it takes the br from breakfast and the unch from lunch, to make its own word...very smart!"
We are beginning to study Asia during the month of February so this may spark some new interests and a desire to do some "organized" activities?
Friday, 25 January 2013
Week 18 - Review
This week was filled with some amazing accomplishments and snow days!
One of the 4 year olds, confidently said she'd like to read 312 words. I explained that this was a lot of words but if she wanted to read them then we most definitely could. Her 5 year old friend asked to count for her. And so it began! 1 1/2 hours later with a few breaks she read 312 words...and her friend kept track. This was such a wonderful moment to witness! I typed up the words that evening and sent a copy of them to her mom and her teacher at St. Mary's School in Goderich and both were very proud of her for doing this.
We also have another child reading her very first chapter book, "Nate the Great". She read 32 pages before lunch and decided to take a break and try some other activities for the afternoon.
Other children were working diligently on colouring some flags of Europe. There was a legend at the bottom of the page so they had to read the number and colour and then colour the flags properly. Once the flags were coloured they set to work looking through the "Flag Book" to find the same flag and copy out the country name.
One little guy who is 3 wanted to spell the word "monster truck". So, I carefully made each sound. He told me the letter name and I printed it out for him. He was so happy to have spelled his first word...and one that he chose himself. Next, he drew a picture of it!
There is also much work being done in the math department. Adding and subtracting...reading equations and figuring out the answer. Some children are using objects, while others are using pencil and paper. It's really quite exciting watching the way these concepts come alive for them.
One of the 4 year olds, confidently said she'd like to read 312 words. I explained that this was a lot of words but if she wanted to read them then we most definitely could. Her 5 year old friend asked to count for her. And so it began! 1 1/2 hours later with a few breaks she read 312 words...and her friend kept track. This was such a wonderful moment to witness! I typed up the words that evening and sent a copy of them to her mom and her teacher at St. Mary's School in Goderich and both were very proud of her for doing this.
We also have another child reading her very first chapter book, "Nate the Great". She read 32 pages before lunch and decided to take a break and try some other activities for the afternoon.
Other children were working diligently on colouring some flags of Europe. There was a legend at the bottom of the page so they had to read the number and colour and then colour the flags properly. Once the flags were coloured they set to work looking through the "Flag Book" to find the same flag and copy out the country name.
One little guy who is 3 wanted to spell the word "monster truck". So, I carefully made each sound. He told me the letter name and I printed it out for him. He was so happy to have spelled his first word...and one that he chose himself. Next, he drew a picture of it!
There is also much work being done in the math department. Adding and subtracting...reading equations and figuring out the answer. Some children are using objects, while others are using pencil and paper. It's really quite exciting watching the way these concepts come alive for them.
Friday, 18 January 2013
Week 17 - Review
We had a good week, reviewing many concepts from previous weeks. Some of the children began to read more words - and also are working on the ability to copy them into their very own "reading book". They are very excited about this!
Other children have progressed from putting sentences together using the "shape reminders" from last week to developing them on their own and writing them out! It's also quite amusing to listen to them speak in conversation and have them identify the adjective or verb. Today, one of the girls mentioned a "spooky castle" and someone said, "spooky, that's a terrific adjective to describe the castle!"
This week, we also were able to taste a scone & tea! A proper English mid-afternoon snack. The children love being able to use the tea cups and handle them with such care. A good time to review words like delicate and fragile. With the colder weather, it was a nice way to warm up after recess as well.
I introduced to some Brothers' Grimm stories as well to the children, stories written from the country of Germany. Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel, The Elves and the Shoemaker, and The Golden Goose. I always enjoy listening to them re-create the stories on their own throughout the day...correcting one another, or adding on to make it a bit more interesting!
Other children have progressed from putting sentences together using the "shape reminders" from last week to developing them on their own and writing them out! It's also quite amusing to listen to them speak in conversation and have them identify the adjective or verb. Today, one of the girls mentioned a "spooky castle" and someone said, "spooky, that's a terrific adjective to describe the castle!"
This week, we also were able to taste a scone & tea! A proper English mid-afternoon snack. The children love being able to use the tea cups and handle them with such care. A good time to review words like delicate and fragile. With the colder weather, it was a nice way to warm up after recess as well.
I introduced to some Brothers' Grimm stories as well to the children, stories written from the country of Germany. Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel, The Elves and the Shoemaker, and The Golden Goose. I always enjoy listening to them re-create the stories on their own throughout the day...correcting one another, or adding on to make it a bit more interesting!
Friday, 11 January 2013
Week 16 - Review
This has been such an exciting week! We had a new friend, Carson, join us on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Now we have 2 Carson's & 2 Amelia's in the class which can make for some confusing moments for me! We began a new unit on the continent of Europe. We learned that Europe has 47 countries and over 50 different languages are spoken! We learned that Europe is divided from Asia by the Ural Mountains, the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. We learned that Europe has many castles. Castles can be made from stone or wood. The stone castles took longer to build but they lasted longer, some are still standing today! We made a picture of our own castle using some shapes...rectangles, squares, triangles and half an ellipse. Here is a sample...
We also had a great discussion about when the Europeans discovered North America initiated by a student. They took the land by force leaving many natives dead or misplaced. We talked about how we would feel if someone came and took our homes by force...the mutual feeling was not very good. We talked about when the Europeans sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, they brought "illness/disease" with them that the natives had never been exposed to before which also resulted in some of them dying.
We learned about the parts of a sentence. That each sentence has an article (small blue triangle), an adjective (large blue triangle) a noun (large black triangle) and a verb (large red circle). The children worked on building sentences. Here are some that the children built...
We had a fun game of BINGO...which is a terrific way to introduce children to the 2-digit numbers as well as letter recognition! When I called out each number, I said the whole number, then broke it up into groups. For example, O 67, 6 tens and 7 units...so they would see the number as it's been introduced in other activities.
We also worked on letter sound review as well as phonogram blends...this work was especially meaningful for 2 friends who will both be turning 4 in March...it's so nice to see them working together and listening for the sounds and then remembering the 2 letters that work together to make that special sound!
And...one of my most favourite moments is when a child learns to read a book...and that they do so independently without any persuasion from me! This happened this week. On Wednesday, our dear 5-year old friend, spotted a book that her 4 year old friend brought in. She asked, "Do you think I could read this book?" We all said yes, we think you can...so as I was putting lunch on the table...she began to read. "Green Eggs and Ham", you may think - oh she has this memorized, many children can recite it. But this was different. She read it. She sounded out words that she didn't know the look of. And what was even better was that the other children listened as she read this book, they ate their lunch. I ate my lunch. When she finished reading she said, "My mouth is kind of sore, I've never read that many sentences at once!" When she began to eat, she said "Mrs. Kerr, my carrots, potatoes, beans and chicken are cold". I read so long, my food went cold, could you warm them up?"
This is what I love - the ability to have a child read in the moment and not have to tell them to put the book away because the bell went and it's time to eat. If that had happened, she may not have picked up the book again and lost this wonderful opportunity.
So, today when she returned she read "Ten Apples Up On Top" another book by Dr. Suess but one I had never read to them. This was not a familiar story. She read it. Up for a challenge I asked if she'd like to read part of a chapter book. Her response, "Of course!" So, we sat down and she read the first 3 pages of a Magic Tree House Book, "The Knight at Dawn". Her proud self said to one of her younger friends..."Did you know that I can read a chapter book, just like Mrs. Kerr? Except I'm only 5!"
I just love being able to witness this sort of thing each day!
We also had a great discussion about when the Europeans discovered North America initiated by a student. They took the land by force leaving many natives dead or misplaced. We talked about how we would feel if someone came and took our homes by force...the mutual feeling was not very good. We talked about when the Europeans sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, they brought "illness/disease" with them that the natives had never been exposed to before which also resulted in some of them dying.
We learned about the parts of a sentence. That each sentence has an article (small blue triangle), an adjective (large blue triangle) a noun (large black triangle) and a verb (large red circle). The children worked on building sentences. Here are some that the children built...
This is what I love - the ability to have a child read in the moment and not have to tell them to put the book away because the bell went and it's time to eat. If that had happened, she may not have picked up the book again and lost this wonderful opportunity.
So, today when she returned she read "Ten Apples Up On Top" another book by Dr. Suess but one I had never read to them. This was not a familiar story. She read it. Up for a challenge I asked if she'd like to read part of a chapter book. Her response, "Of course!" So, we sat down and she read the first 3 pages of a Magic Tree House Book, "The Knight at Dawn". Her proud self said to one of her younger friends..."Did you know that I can read a chapter book, just like Mrs. Kerr? Except I'm only 5!"
I just love being able to witness this sort of thing each day!
Sunday, 6 January 2013
Update - Authentic Montessori School of Huron
Thank you for your interest in Authentic Montessori School of Huron.
The results of the surveys were positive. There are many families who are interested in an alternative education model for their children. Authentic Montessori School of Huron will be both a licensed child-care facility and an independent school registered with the Ministry of Education of Ontario. Authentic Montessori School of Huron will not receive any funding from the government and will rely solely on the tuition received from families to operate.
Families are looking for individualized attention and education plans for their children, low student-teacher ratios, improved academics that include sport, music and the arts, as well as the development of critical thinking skills. Families have also said that green space, field trips, second-language studies, meal plans and age-appropriate sports are important to their child’s development. Families have also noted that they are interested in a facility that offers care for children younger than the age of 3.
Authentic Montessori School of Huron will follow the traditional school year, September through June, Monday through Thursday. The school day will begin at 8:45AM and cease at 4:15PM, with additional childcare prior to and after the regular school day for those families that require it (at an additional cost). Authentic Montessori School of Huron will also be offering Summer Education Day Camps beginning in July 2014 at an additional cost to families.
Authentic Montessori School of Huron will be offering the following classroom settings.
Toddlers & Twos (children who are 1 – 3 years old)
Casa (children who are 3 – 6 years old)
Lower Elementary (children who are 6-9 years old)
Upper Elementary (children who are 9-12 years old)
It is expected that if you are enrolling your child in a Montessori program you are committing to a 3-year term. The benefit to your child is immense and you will truly appreciate the Montessori method of learning by witnessing the growth and development within your child during these three years.
The results of the surveys were positive. There are many families who are interested in an alternative education model for their children. Authentic Montessori School of Huron will be both a licensed child-care facility and an independent school registered with the Ministry of Education of Ontario. Authentic Montessori School of Huron will not receive any funding from the government and will rely solely on the tuition received from families to operate.
Families are looking for individualized attention and education plans for their children, low student-teacher ratios, improved academics that include sport, music and the arts, as well as the development of critical thinking skills. Families have also said that green space, field trips, second-language studies, meal plans and age-appropriate sports are important to their child’s development. Families have also noted that they are interested in a facility that offers care for children younger than the age of 3.
Authentic Montessori School of Huron will follow the traditional school year, September through June, Monday through Thursday. The school day will begin at 8:45AM and cease at 4:15PM, with additional childcare prior to and after the regular school day for those families that require it (at an additional cost). Authentic Montessori School of Huron will also be offering Summer Education Day Camps beginning in July 2014 at an additional cost to families.
Authentic Montessori School of Huron will be offering the following classroom settings.
Toddlers & Twos (children who are 1 – 3 years old)
Casa (children who are 3 – 6 years old)
Lower Elementary (children who are 6-9 years old)
Upper Elementary (children who are 9-12 years old)
It is expected that if you are enrolling your child in a Montessori program you are committing to a 3-year term. The benefit to your child is immense and you will truly appreciate the Montessori method of learning by witnessing the growth and development within your child during these three years.
I am currently looking at space located within the Municipality of Central Huron that can
address all of the needs outlined above. I am awaiting approval from the Ministry of
Education regarding this site and will keep you posted with exact details.
Understandably, tuition is a deciding factor for the majority of families. Most families felt it was important to have a tuition based per child with additional sibling discounts. Tuition can be paid in full, monthly or bi-weekly with post-dated cheques. There is a program registration fee of $300 to be dated for June 30, 2013, which is to accompany each “Expression of Interest for Enrollment Form” (see attached). Please note that the cheques will be returned if the school does not become operational, no later than July 15, 2013.
Tuition includes all aspects of school life. It covers all classroom materials, field trips, sports activities, and meals including snacks. Philanthropy and volunteerism will be promoted and encouraged. Any fundraisers to benefit a not-for-profit will be an extra expense to the family if they choose to support it. In the past, we have had cookie bake sales, hosted an art auction, and cooked “A Taste of ...” Meals, supporting agencies such as Children of the Promise (a Haitian orphanage), Autism Ontario, Down Syndrome Association of Canada, and Samaritan’s Purse.
Tuition is the same for all programs and ages. It has been set at $7850 for 10 months, September through June. This will equate to 170 instructional days per calendar year. Discounts of 10% for one sibling, 25% for the second sibling, 50% for the third sibling and if you have more than 4 children attending Authentic Montessori School of Huron, your additional children are complementary.
Child 1 - $7850 Child 2 - $7065 Child 3 - $5887.50 Child 4 - $3925 Child 5 – no cost
I am asking that you carefully consider whether this is a cost you are willing to commit to. Please inform me by sending me an email and I will forward you the “Expression of Interest for Enrollment Form”. I ask that you return this to me no later than February 15th, 2013 to the mailing to the address below. I am asking for all interested families to submit this form as this will be how I will move forward with plans for teacher hires, class sizes, menus, etc. You will receive a complete Enrolment Package via Canada Post no later than March 21st, 2013 with pertinent information for the upcoming school year.
With sincere thanks,
Angela Horbanuik
Box 1509
Clinton, ON N0M 1L0
519-482-8697
authenticmontessoriofhuron@gmail.com
Understandably, tuition is a deciding factor for the majority of families. Most families felt it was important to have a tuition based per child with additional sibling discounts. Tuition can be paid in full, monthly or bi-weekly with post-dated cheques. There is a program registration fee of $300 to be dated for June 30, 2013, which is to accompany each “Expression of Interest for Enrollment Form” (see attached). Please note that the cheques will be returned if the school does not become operational, no later than July 15, 2013.
Tuition includes all aspects of school life. It covers all classroom materials, field trips, sports activities, and meals including snacks. Philanthropy and volunteerism will be promoted and encouraged. Any fundraisers to benefit a not-for-profit will be an extra expense to the family if they choose to support it. In the past, we have had cookie bake sales, hosted an art auction, and cooked “A Taste of ...” Meals, supporting agencies such as Children of the Promise (a Haitian orphanage), Autism Ontario, Down Syndrome Association of Canada, and Samaritan’s Purse.
Tuition is the same for all programs and ages. It has been set at $7850 for 10 months, September through June. This will equate to 170 instructional days per calendar year. Discounts of 10% for one sibling, 25% for the second sibling, 50% for the third sibling and if you have more than 4 children attending Authentic Montessori School of Huron, your additional children are complementary.
Child 1 - $7850 Child 2 - $7065 Child 3 - $5887.50 Child 4 - $3925 Child 5 – no cost
I am asking that you carefully consider whether this is a cost you are willing to commit to. Please inform me by sending me an email and I will forward you the “Expression of Interest for Enrollment Form”. I ask that you return this to me no later than February 15th, 2013 to the mailing to the address below. I am asking for all interested families to submit this form as this will be how I will move forward with plans for teacher hires, class sizes, menus, etc. You will receive a complete Enrolment Package via Canada Post no later than March 21st, 2013 with pertinent information for the upcoming school year.
With sincere thanks,
Angela Horbanuik
Box 1509
Clinton, ON N0M 1L0
519-482-8697
authenticmontessoriofhuron@gmail.com
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