Our Latest Learning Fun
How Our Activities Connect With Learning Goals
Our school supports, inspires and cultivates ccuriosity. Here are a few examples of how our activities connect to our learning goals.
Last month we explored farming and of course learning about farming was not our real goal. We use our theme as a fun method of tying our learning goals together. While we did learn so much about farm animals, produce, tools, life cycles and much more, we were also able to discover new concepts, vocabulary, explore many textures, try farm tools, grow beans and make our own butter, just to name a few.
​We included activities to build our writting skills, scissor skills, balance and patterning as well. Each month we build upon our skills while keeping things interesting with a fresh topic, pretend zone, science area, STEAM activities, songs, stories and fun!
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​​Life Cycles
We were able to take care of 5 Caterpillars! We learned so much as we watched their metamorphosis and kept an observation journal.
We also grew a bean which introduced us to another life cycle! From decorating our potter to sprouting and planting, then caring for our garden, we were able to express our art, be responsible for a plant and enjoy the fruits of our harvest.
​​Textures/Sensory
Sensory activities are not just fun, they give us opportunity to use our senses, sort, compare contrast.
​​With our farm theme we were able to explore feathers, wool, various seeds, animal sounds, scents, dough, butter and eggs in many forms.
​Many sensory activities utilize our hands, tweezers, tongs, pipettes and more which builds our fine motor skills needed for writing.
Imaginative Play
We had our own little farmer's Market.
Pretending to host and shop at our market allowed us to practice writting orders, set up displays, sort produce in many ways and use our math skills as we counted, added and subtracted produce items and dollars.
​The market was also a great way to stretch our imaginations, navigate roles and turns while socializing and having fun.
Our market has been a restaurant, a science lab, a veterinarian's office, a library & will continue to change throughout the year.
STEAM
STEAM activities are always the class favorite!
​Our favorite this month was our egg experiment. We got to form hypothesis, note our observations and finally discover our results. In this experiment we dissolved the egg shell in vinegar to reveal an egg with a tough membrane & a bouncy feel.
Our arts this month include many nature elements, 3D crafts & weaving. Our projects are process versus product focused and we often include free expression art where the students choose their own materials and style!
​We have STEAM activities every day!
Connecting to Life
The class was amazed to discover that farming and farm animals look very different across the world.
We like to connect our learning to places around the world. We include other cultures in our explorations as this allows us to experience new cuisines, languages, customs and so much more!
While learning about farming we learned that cow's milk isn't the most common milk served in all countries. We also tried our hand at making butter and cheese!
​​Movement
Movement is so important in developing our motor skills, getting exercise and having fun. Our day is filled with movement activities; we love to dance, race, climb and play!
This month we practiced saumersaults!
We had "fill the pail" relays.
We had fun galloping like a horse, strutting like a rooster and other animal movements.​
​Movement moments help build on our large motor skills & proprioception.