Trapeze Thursday

TODAY'S ACTIVITY (photos to follow - check back soon)
Trapeze Arts comes to Room 4! Today marked our first session of the year of this enrichment activity. We began with a round of fun stretching execises that involved walking up walls (literally) and flying on our stomachs (imaginatively). Slater demonstrated and guided the class through feats of gymnastics and elevated balance. These activities are so fun that they also serve as an indicator for listening, comprehending and following directions. Nobody doesn't like gymnastics!

BALANCING BLOCKS
I've commented before about the relationship of blocks to math in counting and symmetry. The children are keen on buildings that are suitable for balancing. This group of kids worked very cooperatively to construct a challenging "course". They moved slowly, deliberately so as not to disturb the structure or one another. Aside from a few chuckles, they were so engaged and so careful that they were nearly silent in concentration. Balance is a gross motor activity that is valued for developing spatial awareness and coordination, both important for brain development.

Liam's drawing of the Block House. His use of perpendicular and bisecting lines not only resemble the features of the blocks, but seem almost like blueprints.






TODAY'S STORY
Whistle For Willie, by Ezra Jack Keats. Probably the favorite Keats book this week. Peter (also of Peter's Chair) wants to whistle so much. He sees another boy whistle and the boys dog comes immediately. Peter tries and tries as he goes about his day of exploring. When he sees Willie the dachshund approaching he hides inside a carton and blows again and again. Finally, a whistle comes out. Willie looks about and rushes over when he sees Peter. His admiring family appreciates his whistling almost as much as Willie, who sits up when he does. Our class adores these 'slice of life' stories, especially when they involve children and animals.