Inquiry driven learning can begin anywhere and at anytime. This particular learning experience began with a lovely lady named Dolores. Dolores has offered so much guidance, support, and interest to our program and and we are forever grateful. Dolores presented us with a box of honey combs and bee hives…or so it appeared. Her instructions were simple, “Please give this to the children and allow them to try and figure out what exactly it is.”.

So we did just that. We put the box on our interest table with magnifying glasses, paper, pencils, crayons, and various informational texts and allowed the children to examine and explore.

We learned so much about the roles of the various bees within a colony, to how they make honey and wax, and what bees do for our earth. A big thank you to our FDK team next door for arranging this fabulous trip!!

The following week the children created their own bee hive and bee colony in our Dramatic Center. This play experience was so much fun and so rich with learning. The children created their own costumes, while educators extended and merged play with learning by asking children to create their own shape patterns on their wings. Each child was encouraged to label their costumes to let everyone know what type of bee they were. For more information regarding our Inquiry into Bees please visit our top menu in the Inquiry section!

In our most recent blog post, we shared with you a learning experience involving two boys planning to create a ball maze (link: Ball Maze Plan).  As an executive member of CAPE (Council of Associated Primary Educators- learn more about CAPE here), we choose this learning experience to highlight in CAPE’s latest webinar: Demonstrating Literacy and Mathematics Behaviour.  This experience allowed the executive team and members to reflect on the ball maze inquiry to analyze and deconstruct the learning.  This allowed us to delve deeper into the learning by considering what mathematical and literacy processes and behaviours could be identified in the drawings and clip.  To take you through a similar analysis experience (as we engaged in during the webinar), please first take a moment to review the Literacy Processes by Fontas and Pinnell, and the Mathematical Processes on the slides provided  here.   Next, view the children constructing their ball maze and consider how the children are demonstrating the learning behaviours.

Now we ask you to take a moment to reflect on this quote by Dr. Lillian Katz (a world-renowned early years educator)

“…I have observed over and over again that when young children are intellectually engaged in worthwhile investigations, they begin to ask for help in using academic skills-for example, writing and counting, in the service of their intellectual goals”

Take a moment to ask yourself, in what ways might this quote link to the ball maze inquiry clip? While observing children in play, what learning do you see and hear?

This post leaves you with an opporutnity to reflect on this learning experience.   In our next blog post, we hope to reveal some of the analysis of the learning through the comments and conversation from the webinar.

http://www.journeytogetherfdk.com

Gina Marion and Caroline Thornton

Exploration, teamwork and fun is in full swing in our Full Day Kindergarten Program.  Throughout the room a gentle buzz of laughter, conversation and wonder can be heard each day.  We are excited to see the children participating and embracing a collaborative approach to learning.  In turn, the children are demonstrating the Catholic Graduate Expectation of A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good.

After carefully observing and interacting with the children in the past few weeks, we noticed an interest in firefighters, fire trucks and fire safety had emerged.  This interest has been demonstrated by the children through conversation, individual art work and dramatic play.

Educators decided to extend this learning by placing a large cardboard box in the classroom one morning.   As the children entered the classroom, an immediate interest began. They began to ask questions such as “What is that box for?” and “What is in the box?” So together we listened to a story written by Antoinette Portis called “Not A Box.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KXuBcdmktY)  After a class survey, the children decided they wanted to use the box to create their very own “Fire Truck.”

As the children began to talk about the truck, we decided we needed a plan.  We discussed colours and shapes we would need to make our fire truck, how many wheels we would need to give it, how many windows and doors, etc. We wanted to ensure we had the best fire truck for our Junior firefighters!  Once the fire truck was finished, each child carefully signed their name inside of the fire truck as a promise they would take extra special care of it.  After that, we began to enjoy what we created and played!

Educators further promoted literacy skills by adding books to the shelves and reading books related to fire trucks, and firefighters such as “The Fire Station,” by Robert Munsch.  The children were prompted to expand their oral language and thinking when asked questions such as, “What do firefighters do for our community?”, “What colour is a fire truck?” and “What do they use to put out a fire?” Throughout the classroom, children could be seen wearing fire hats, drawing and creating fire trucks, and putting out fires.  A real firefighter was invited into our classroom to talk to the children about fire safety.  Firefighter Rob shared his firefighter gear with the children, and even talked to them about making a home plan with mommy and daddy so everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.

In 2010, the brand new FDK program in Ontario would change the trajectory of my life! I found my passion, and I uncovered who I am meant to be-a Primary/Junior Teacher!

Last week my dream came true! After several years of hard work, some tears and many sacrifices I officially earned my Master of Science in Education at Medaille College!

My message to those who are looking at the road ahead and feeling uncertain, take the leap and begin! Take one day, one assignment, one exam at a time and breath! Trust you will get there…and it will be worth it all!!

Thank you to my family, friends and colleagues for all your support and for cheering me on!

Educators all across the globe are looking for ways to virtually engage and teach young children. I have decided as I create, I will share what I have made. Attached you will find a CVC Bingo Game with a wheel to spin built in!

Feel free to download, copy and/or print! (Click below to access)

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https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1E6_e2tMZdBIe4_LvZfvR7gYesKuqKdc0whqhftpHv84/edit?usp=sharing

A fun CVC ( _ at) matching game using Nearpod!

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https://share.nearpod.com/ZtpZqtMLDfb

Caroline Thornton

Families are finding the silver-lining and enjoying this time together as a family. Meanwhile, parents are looking for ways to encourage learning, conversation and fun with their child at home. The reality is, parents need ideas! A clear understanding of how learning happens in Full Day Kindergarten. How do educators deliver instruction to students each day to prompt new learning and development?

Throughout this blog inspired by our youngest learners, parents can find information on how children learn. Tips and resources are shared to promote fun and engaging learning experiences with family in the comfort of your own home.

Below you will find exciting suggestions that prompt inquiry and play! Books that can be found online, research can take place at home, and resources that’s can be found both inside and outside!

*Parents where the term educator is used, this is you! ❤️

Please don’t forget to check out information and resources provided by the Ministry of Education. https://www.ontario.ca/page/learn-at-home.

Teachers/educators may also be reaching out to children and parents through Google Classroom, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for support and online learning. Together we will support one another and ensure learning is happening! We got this!! ❤️🙌🏻

The Sandbox!!

The Sandbox!