SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: Self-Portraits, Self-Awareness

Throughout the year the children will be asked to draw a picture of themselves. Often the use of a small mirror will help the children become more aware of facial details. Through this activity the children develop self awareness as well as awareness of others.

As the year progresses it is exciting to see how Noel’s fine motor skills develop and his perspective changes.  In his personal folder you will find Noel’s self-portraits for each month of the 2013-14 school year.  

 

LITERACY/LANGUAGE: Journaling, Career choice

What would you like to be when you grow up? What kind of job would you like to do and why?

“I want to be a Bakery because I very like bakering, because I like cake and cupcakes.”

11/19/2013

LITERACY/LANGUAGE: Bird Study Homework, The Students as Teachers

The Cardinals took great joy at sharing their Research Study. The children had chosen a particular species of bird that they wanted to learn more about and returned to class with their findings. Along with their results, several of the children created a nest for their bird of study. Quite a few Cardinals and their families worked together to create the most outstanding habitat for their bird of choice, an amazing collaborative experience.

Each Cardinal was eager to share their found facts as well as the story of all the work that went into the creation of the nests they crafted. Without any hesitation, each took a turn and stood in front of their classmates and teachers and communicated their discoveries. Once done, they invited their audience to ask questions.  This active involvement of the speaker and the listeners fostered a great deal of developments within each child, from learning how to ask a question or stating a comment to providing a leadership role where their choice and voice was honored.

Here’s what Noel taught us...

The Parrot

by Noel Springer

1) Parrots make good pets

2) They make their nests in trees.

3) They can mimic voices

4) It lives "in jungles"

5) It eats "fruit, bugs"

Noel chose this bird to research “Because when they first hatch from the eggs, they're so cute!”

The experience of presenting his homework provided Noel many great developmental benefits, Literacy, Cognitive, and Social/Emotional. It offered Noel the opportunity to understand the difference between a statement and a question as well as use descriptive language, concept thinking, storytelling, and so much more. Overall, it helped Noel develop effective communication skills. Also, this opportunity allowed for Noel to share his interest which fostered his emotional self.