"This week, as we were hoping, the children began to expand their play using the Magna-Tiles that we introduced to them before the break. They worked together (without suggestions from the teachers) to build more wonderful creations and it was very obvious that their 2D structures from last week had evolved into more elaborate and large 3D products! In addition, the children created new ways to use the Magna-Tiles such as containers to transport and house animals.
Why are materials such as Magna-Tiles so important in our Nursery class?
When children "play" with these materials, they are also learning. They are gaining experience with shapes and colors. They are also being exposed to the fascinating properties of magnets. When children build together, they are collaborating and and using team work. They are experimenting together to test how high or wide they can build. Many are practicing language using school language such as, "May I have some triangles?" or "Put that one there." Others, who may not be as verbal yet, are learning how to join friends and add to their creations. Children learn to share (right now the long triangles are very popular in our class) so they are learning how to ask for pieces or take turns. They are also building confidence as they stack the tiles higher to form taller buildings or more elaborate castles. We have also found that some new collaborations and groups of friends have formed as a result in what interests the children when they are building!
Why are materials such as Magna-Tiles so important in our Nursery class?
When children "play" with these materials, they are also learning. They are gaining experience with shapes and colors. They are also being exposed to the fascinating properties of magnets. When children build together, they are collaborating and and using team work. They are experimenting together to test how high or wide they can build. Many are practicing language using school language such as, "May I have some triangles?" or "Put that one there." Others, who may not be as verbal yet, are learning how to join friends and add to their creations. Children learn to share (right now the long triangles are very popular in our class) so they are learning how to ask for pieces or take turns. They are also building confidence as they stack the tiles higher to form taller buildings or more elaborate castles. We have also found that some new collaborations and groups of friends have formed as a result in what interests the children when they are building!
Playing with Wire and String
The children have become familiar with wire this term as it has been introduced at the table activities and more recently has been used with oil clay. This week, the children found a large sheet of chicken wire on the table. They were intrigued by what it was and what they could do with it. At first, some friends wanted to build a castle with it. Soon, other friends started to string pipe cleaners and string through it. They used their fine motor skills to poke the pipe cleaners and ribbons through the tiny holes and were so proud of themselves when they were able to get them through. As the interest grew around this interesting new formation, the children were able to each choose their own colored string and picture/shape to attach to it so we could make a class structure. We were so proud of how eager the children were to add their string to the chicken wire and how hard they worked to make such a beautiful masterpiece. After the teachers showed it to the children, they asked if we could hang it on the ceiling so more people can see it. The teachers are trying to figure out a way to make this happen. Stay tuned...!
Finding New Ways to Use Clay
The oil clay has also continued to be a hit among the children as they have really advanced their skills in rolling tiny balls or combining clay to make giant piles with sticks. The teachers shared with the children photos of giant sculptures to show the children that their creations do not all have to be small enough to fit on a tabletop. They were so curious and also gave creative ideas for what the sculptures were that they saw on the monitor. They were extra excited to see a familiar sculpture pop up on the screen: the spider in Roppongi Hills! The children seemed to gain a clearer understanding of what a sculpture can look like as well as the endless possibilities of what they can make. We will continue to provide opportunities for them to attempt and practice sculptures of their own soon. We may even visit a museum in the VERY near future ;)
This morning the children practiced being safe at school. Teacher Jean made an announcement on the loud speaker and calmly asked the children to go under the table to practice being safe. As we have practiced this before, the children were familiar with this and did so very quickly and remained calm and quiet. As soon as the announcement was made that we could come out, the children went back to playing. We talked about it more later and some children said that we need to practice in case there is an earthquake. Some friends said they even practice this at home. Nice practice today, Nursery friends!
A Grand Birthday Celebration!
Today was a big event and one that the children had been waiting for for over a month (since our last class birthday)...Mina's birthday! We had been counting down on our class calendar all week so there was quite the buildup. The children had promised to be very sure to "wash hands with soap" as to "not get sick" so they could attend school for the celebration. The children were excited to sign their names on Mina's birthday card. Her mommy came in and showed a talent that she and Mina have which is balloon art! The children were in awe of the creations and had a great time eating cupcakes afterwords. What a fun way to end the week!
Thank you again for another successful event-filled week in the Nursery class. We have heard that many of you will be at Winterfest. We hope you enjoy the activities and will see you all on Monday!
-Julie and Natalie
-Julie and Natalie