Nature as Art
Over the last few weeks, the children have been collecting and bringing in different natural materials including leaves, flowers, sticks and shells to share with their classmates. They have been observing these items using their senses and have been examining them with magnifying glasses. A recent addition to our materials has been pumpkin seeds from our jack-o-lantern last week which piqued the interest of many of the children. With our collection of natural materials, the children decided to make their own designs using materials that called to them and inspired them. Some friends used only one or two different materials while others explored with up to four or five. Some created wonderful patterns and shapes while others designed images such as flowers and a face. Although they wanted to hang them, they quickly realized that many of the materials were too heavy and might fall off. We reassured the children that before the items were put back, we would take photos of their beautiful work so they can be displayed and shared with others, which they happily agreed to.
The individual art pieces turned out so unique and elaborate that we decided to do a big collaborative art piece, this time on a sheet of canvas. The children chose the materials they wanted to use and placed it on any section of the canvas they wanted. The result was simply BEAUTIFUL!! The teachers were so proud of the children for taking their time really thinking about what they wanted to display on the canvas, and for creating such a gorgeous masterpiece!
Once the children were finished with the masterpiece, we discussed what would happen to the materials if we took the canvas off the table, and some friends remembered that they would fall off as they were not stuck on. The teachers reminded the children that they had taken a lot of photos of the beautiful art piece, just like their individual art work. The children kindly helped the teachers clean up each material, and sort it by putting it back into the right basket. Well done, Nursery friends!
Once photos of their individual art pieces were laminated, we showed the children their work which they were very proud to see. We discussed what a masterpiece could mean and one friend suggested it meant paintings, so we explained that it can also mean other art work as well, not just limiting it to paintings. Other friends said that a masterpiece is something beautiful that should be hung or displayed. As we decided that the nature art pieces were beautiful, we decided to tape it with string and hang it from somewhere. The photos seemed to twirl on the string so the children made suggestions such as putting lots of tape on the back of the photos or sticking rocks or sticks onto the string to make it stay in place.
The beautiful photos are now displayed right outside our classroom and some friends decided that they wanted to attach rocks, petals, wooden pieces and wire onto the string to make it look even more attractive. We will continue to ask friends if they would like to add any more touches to their photo or their piece of string. Please take a look at our wonderful display on the wall and ask your child about their work of art!!
The beautiful photos are now displayed right outside our classroom and some friends decided that they wanted to attach rocks, petals, wooden pieces and wire onto the string to make it look even more attractive. We will continue to ask friends if they would like to add any more touches to their photo or their piece of string. Please take a look at our wonderful display on the wall and ask your child about their work of art!!
As we have been creating and talking about masterpieces and beautiful art work, the teachers have started to read books about art such as "I Spy Shapes in Art" by Lucy Micklethwait. The children enjoyed discussing what each artist designed and finding different shapes (heart, diamond, semi-circle, etc) in their work. We have been noticing specific details such as what colors the authors and artists chose to use in their books. We have also introduced the word "museum" to the children, explaining that museums are a place where many art pieces are diplayed.
Experimenting with Clay
This week during choice time, the children also enjoyed observing and working with oil clay. Some friends called it "goo" while others thought it was playdough. Many children described the clay as "hard" and they used their muscles and different body parts to knead the clay and break off pieces for their peers (a great motor skill builder). The children were so intrigued with the clay and many spent most of the morning at the table. After some time they added wooden sticks and wire to the clay and made wonderful creations such as people, a pony and a lollipop!
Playing in the Community Room
As the weather was not kind to us on Monday, instead of going out to the playground, the children were lucky enough to go the Community Room to play. Teacher Hisako and Teacher June set up the Community Room with an obstacle course and large foam blocks which the children used to build castles and houses with. The children had fun balancing, jumping, and enjoying the environment and waited in line and took turns so well!
Play in the Classroom
The children continued to play productively with a variety of materials in our classroom. As we had some sunny days this week, we opened up the sandbox for children to pour sand and experiment with. The children also used the blocks and Lego to build different objects including houses and a zoo, and magic and white boards to write, draw designs and objects.
As a continuation from our "loose parts in the dramatic play area" last week, the teachers added a tablecloth and a cookie tin to the kitchen area to see if this would influence the children's play. The teachers have been impressed with their creativity and imagination as the children have been having many tea parties and picnics with their friends. Some children even brought their babies and animals to their parties! Again, something as simple as changing the parts in the kitchen can really spark some new, creative ideas among the children.
Outdoor Play
A favorite part of the day for our Nursery friends is outdoor playtime. They enjoy running around with friends, spinning on the spinners, playing in the sandbox and pretending to be pirates on the ship. It is a great time to work on large motor skills, and recently the teachers have noticed the children challenging themselves and can see the progression in many friends' balance and coordination. Well done Nursery friends!!
Thank you for another lovely week! Wishing you and your families a wonderful weekend!
- Julie and Natalie
- Julie and Natalie