Masks On Monday

This morning's most popular activity was making animal masks. This activity will remain and optional "free-play" activity for the duration of the month. We don't celebrate Halloween. We don't permit costumes at school. We do welcome children to make their own masks and props for dramatic play. The motor skills of tracing and cutting are valuable and this activity encourages rapid development in these areas.While this begins as a skills-based activity, we usually see very creative shifts as we provide additional materials and replace the animal stencils with blanks that can become anything they imagination. As for now, it's raw enthusiasm and some children asking for the first time to learn how to draw and cut. That's really what it's about.

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
Nothing fosters a sense of community ownership better than work and cooperation. Sonya led the squirrel group through our bi-weekly playdough manufacture. These measuring, mixing, cooking and forming skills are taking hold. many of the children have already memorized the ingredients list and can some of the quantities. These skills will provide nearly instant gratification as we transition into cooking edible delights. My wincing has been replaced by a HUGE jug of Purell.

SCHEDULE SWITCH: ART STUDIO ON FRIDAYS
Room 4 Art Studio visits move to Friday. We discovered (quite by accident) that our transitions to/from the Art Studio were quicker and easier for us and the children when done from the grassy playground. In addition, this allows for more continuity in our daily routines in the classroom. Children who miss out on an activity have more opportunities to participate. Also, maximizing our small groups means more attention and quieter, more focused activity periods.

TODAY'S STORY
Danny And The Dinosaur, by Syd Hoff. This artifact from 1958 still entertains. We had it in our classrooms of the 60s, 70s, and for some of you, the 80s. Danny's wish comes true when a dinosaur at the museum comes to life to experience the "modern" world of children. We preceded the story time by taking a survey: "Would You Ride A Dinosaur To School?" By pre-loadinginformation, we prepare them for the story, encouraging more focused attention. The more they know going in the more easily they can make sense of new information as they process it. If you're curious, the result was 9 yes, 8 no. We'll see if it changes tomorrow.