Finding Balance

Throughout our year, we've been inquiring into balance. We've done yoga, balanced blocks in the construction centre, and done challenges trying to balance cups, books, and toys on our heads. Yesterday we headed out to the woods to try some balancing on the logs. 

We went over some safety rules, such as "No higher than your knees unless a teacher is in arm's reach" and "No balancing over rocks or on wet logs", and dove in.

The children were delighted by the natural playgound in the woods.

"Look I'm a monkey in the tree! I'm like a baboon - I can go on the ground and in the tree!"

The climbing was literally a balancing act for the children. They had to balance their feelings of safety and comfort with the will to explore and take risks. As a result, they were filled with a sense of accomplishment. They were only a few feet off the ground, but it seemed much higher from up on top.

"I can climb up here because I've done it before."

"Look I'm checking each spot is strong and steady before I crawl on it."

"It's easier to crouch down and crawl. I can keep my balance that way."

Not only was it a wonderful moment out in the crisp spring sun, it highlighted just how strong and confident our students have become. They have learned to take safe risks and to enjoy the satisfaction that comes with pushing personal comfort zones. This is the foundation of all learning - no one learns when they are completely comfortable. A little bit of risk that throw things off balance can go a long way.

Opening Doors

Curiosity is the core of our program. It is what we hope to instill in each child, and what drives all of our learning. At the heart of it all, I'm here to turn children into researchers, who wonder and explore, who search for answers, and who can share them with others. As my students grow up in this Information Age, I want them to think critically about information and weed out the nonesense. I want them to keep opening new doors and going down new paths, each and every day of their lives. 

Proud teacher moment...

Today, Kenadi was sounding out words for a sentence about ants. We worked through the sentence and occasionally we would come to words that contained special blends, Kenadi knew that she could find them on our word wall. After sounding out a few words, Kenadi walked over to our levelled books and got one out. She told me, " I had to spell 'got' and it wasn't on the word wall. I remembered I read it in a book, so I went to get it, so I could copy it." - Way to go Kenadi!!!!

Hippity Hop, Hippity Hop

The Easter Bunny left us a clue this morning! He said to look where we find books. We quickly checked the classroom, then headed to the library.

 There was another one!

I smell magic! - Seth

 This clue sent us to the office next.

Where is that Easter Bunny?

 Then to Mrs. Fowler's classroom.

 And to the gym.

That bunny jumps really high!

 Then to the custodian's office.

 And finally to the trike shed.

 When we got inside, we used our five senses to observe the Easter eggs and to guess what was inside.

 It was donuts!

The children were filled with excitement to hunt down the treasure. We love nurturing the little spark of magic and wonder in each child. They believe for such a short time, and we, as kindergarten teachers, get to reap the joy this brings everyday!

Happy Easter!

Fresh Co.

Today was our long, awaited trip to Fresh co. The children were divided into groups and with the assistance of our parent helpers (thank you so much Volunteers) they toured the different parts of the grocery store (some of us even got a behind the scenes tour) talking about healthy choices. They then were able to choose as a group, some healthy snacks to bring back to the school. Thank you to all the families who sent in a donation to help us purchase our healthy snacks, we had quite the feast! 

Ring ring

Look what Ms Carter found! What is it?

We asked this question to the children as a provocation. We wanted them to learn about observation, explortaion, problem solving, team work and using prior knowledge to make connections.

JJ - It's a phone. It rings itself like this "Ring Ring Ring".

Maddy- I know how it works. You turn these things and then it's a phone. My mom used to have one.

David- You talk on this. Mine at home doesn't have this thing. (dial) Is that a clock? No, it's not the same.

Adam- It's a phone. It has different calls.

Landon- It has a telephone on it.

Amelia- Look! It turns like this!

Ava- It's an old phone. It's all dusty.

Hunter- What's that sound? (taps phone and we can hear a quiet ringing) I think it's that wheel. What's that plug for?

Once the interest was piqued, we brought out the tools and encouraged the children to take the phone apart so we could investigate further.

They inquired into how to use the tools as well as about the contents of the phone.

Kenadi- Look, it's 22cm.

Look at the focus, fine motor strength, problem solving and precision needed for this task:

Marley- That's a ton of wires! It's there so it can ring.

Soon the children discovered they could make the phone ring by tapping it with the screwdrivers. I always get so excited when children figure out new ways to use old tools.

What will we take apart next?

Joyful noise

With spring in the air, joy is in our hearts. 

It's such a simple thing- the freedom to play in the fresh air. 

Yet it brings so much happiness. 

After months stuck inside, I've noticed a shocking difference in the children. 

They are suddenly more observant. 

More confident. 

More strong, more balanced. 

As we returned to school after visiting the park today, the children spontaneously chanted "No more snow! Sun is here!" 

My smile was wider than all of theirs put together. 

THIS is why I love my job.