Quick overall reflection: We’re now three weeks into our ‘space’ unit – 6 days total, usually 4-6 hours of school each day. During this time, we’ve talked about gravity, the vacuum of space, rocket ships, and the moon. We’ve followed the plan I initially laid out fairly closely, except that we’re definitely going through it … Continue reading “Spacefaring Sam: Phases of the Moon”
Tag: Science
Spacefaring Sam: To the Moon
Circle time as usual – fidgets, stories and songs. I am really liking this part of our school day – it’s simple, and more or less the same each time we do it. I believe that that small bit of consistency is helpful to both me and the kids. Then, Sam told the kids excitedly … Continue reading “Spacefaring Sam: To the Moon”
Spacefaring Sam: Overcoming the Vacuum
Space unit day 4: What Sam Needs is a Spacesuit We tried using playdough instead of fidgets today to keep their hands busy during story time. This worked very well. They stayed focused on the stories, and we ended up reading twice as many books as usual. After circle time, I pulled out the vacuum … Continue reading “Spacefaring Sam: Overcoming the Vacuum”
Spacefaring Sam: The Unforgiving Vacuum of Space
Space Unit day 3: Space is a Vacuum AKA: Whoops, I accidentally traumatized the children I usually set out fidgets on the table for the kids to play with while we sing songs and read them stories. Today though I figured I’d change it up. Instead of fidgets, I pulled out trays and a box … Continue reading “Spacefaring Sam: The Unforgiving Vacuum of Space”
Spacefaring Sam: Rocket ships
Space Unit day 2: What Sam Needs is a Rocket Ship During circle time, the kids were engaged and excited about the books and songs. Normally, Leslie plays guitar while we sing but this time Maya asked if we could get out the instrument box so everyone could play an instrument. We pulled out the … Continue reading “Spacefaring Sam: Rocket ships”
Spacefaring Sam: Trapped by Gravity
Space Unit day 1: Trapped by Gravity After our usual start to ‘circle time’ – singing songs and reading stories, I pulled out a sheep puppet and introduced him as Sam, a new member of our class. The kids were enthralled. They jumped up and ran over, giving Sam hugs and welcoming him. We always … Continue reading “Spacefaring Sam: Trapped by Gravity”
Spacefaring Sam
First task of planning our school: Figuring out our topic. I talked the question over with Leslie, and she requested that we start by focusing on space. Cat’s cousin Maya had just developed a fascination with space and was excited about learning more. Cat has been fascinated by space for a good while, so I … Continue reading “Spacefaring Sam”
Volcanoes!
While studying education I was taught how important it is that we teach children ideas in a connected way. Children learn so much better when what their learning is connected to something they already know, and have been thinking about. Also, it’s best to connect ideas across the different areas of development. If you’re doing … Continue reading “Volcanoes!”
Red and Yellow make Pink
Cat has started to grasp the idea of colors mixing and creating new colors, and I’m starting to see it coming out in her play. It was raining outside today, with no thunder. Cat absolutely loves playing outside in the rain so out we went. Today’s investigations centered primarily around a squeeze bottle. I have … Continue reading “Red and Yellow make Pink”
Dirt Block Demolition
Today was a great day, and a nice little lesson for me in the immense value of following Cat’s lead. Nothing went as I expected in my head, and everything was awesome. The dog needed a walk, so out we went. I had exactly zero activity ideas in mind at this point. I asked Cat … Continue reading “Dirt Block Demolition”