As the summer comes to an end, I am excited to meet the new group of kindergarten students as well as welcome back the children who were in my class last year. Since our program is primarily play based, there is not much that the children take home that demonstrates what we are learning in our classroom. The blog is our way of documenting our learning throughout the year and sharing it with our families.
Our room is set up in nine different learning areas. Here is a sneak peek with some descriptions to get a better idea of what our classroom looks like. I have worked hard to create a calm environment where the children have many opportunities to learn throughout their day.
The Discovery Area (A Place of Wonder) is where children have the opportunity to engage with natural materials. Our program includes opportunities for our class to explore the outdoors and often what we observe and collect on our nature walks will be reflected in this area of the room. Children are encouraged to talk about and document what they see, think, notice and wonder in their I Wonder Journal.
Materials: plants, books, magnifying glasses, objects found in nature, writing materials
The Graphic Communication Area provides an opportunity for children to express their thoughts and ideas on paper. They are encouraged to use pictures and words to tell a story, write a letter, or make a plan.
Materials: Pencils, crayons, markers, paper, stapler, tape, magnetic letters, stamps, sight words, personal writing books, alphabet books and letters, pictures and names of each student.
The Light Area provides an opportunity for children to intentionally select materials and create stories through placing objects on the illuminated surface or in front of a projected light. We explore shadows, transparency, luminosity, colour mixing and silhouette.
Materials: light table, overhead projector, numbers, letters, jewels, transparencies, stones, tissue paper, figurines.
The Dramatic Play centre is filled with materials that are found in our homes. Children often use this area to explore various roles and create stories that help them to better understand their world.
Materials: clothing, scarves, child sized furniture, mirror, writing materials, pretend food and dishes, dolls.
The Hands on Thinking Centre is where mathematical materials are intentionally placed. Throughout the year we will provide the children with materials that will extend and challenge their mathematical thinking.
Materials: math manipulates for sorting, patterning & counting, writing materials, books, dice, dominoes, sorting trays, beads, 5 and 10 frames.
The Calm Corner is a quiet area where children can go to slow down and enjoy some quiet time. Reading a book with a friend or by themselves, retelling stories with figurines and puppets, or practicing a poem help to teach children self regulation.
Materials: picture books, big books, poem charts, retelling materials, prayer table, wonder window, family photos, calming activities
The Art Studio is were children can let their creativity flow freely. At the beginning of the year we will be collecting beautiful stuff that will be used to create artful opportunities. Children develop fine motor skills, learn about various techniques in drawing and painting, and explore elements of design.
Materials: paint, clay, paper, found & recycled materials, glue, tape, scissors, easel, markers
In the Construction Area the children plan and work together to create and test their designs. In this area children learn about cause and effect, balance and stability, gravity, force and motion.
Materials: wooden blocks, tree blocks, boxes, pictures and books, props, looses parts, straws & connectors, writing materials
At the Sensory, Sand and Water Centre children engage with materials which help them to make meaning and collect information about the world around them. The materials that are intentionally placed in these areas often extend children’s understanding about mass and volume and weight and conservation.
Materials: sand, water, snow, containers, funnels, pails, molds, spoons, sieves, measuring cups, loose parts (rocks, shells, gems, figurines.
In the coming weeks I will post about what we are investigating, exploring and creating in our classroom. I look forward to seeing everyone our first full day together!
The Kinder Class 