Dear families of KG1 students,
This week, we began our new unit of inquiry with an exciting provocation. When the children arrived in the classroom, they discovered a roped-off puddle of water! Together, we discussed what might have happened and where the water could have come from. We also talked about why the area was roped off and what might happen if we didn’t notice the water (we could slip and fall). When we asked the children what they thought we should do, they decided to clean up the water so the classroom would be safe and fully usable. Each child was given a small sponge, and together, they helped soak up the water and squeeze it into a bucket. We then used the collected water to care for the plants outside. Later in the day, we reflected on the mysterious puddle and set off in small groups to explore the school, looking for other places where water can be found. We found many different uses for water on our campus. It was a day full of curiosity, teamwork, and discovery and we look forward to seeing where this inquiry takes us as the weeks progress. (NB You should have received an email earlier this week with the outline of this new unit of inquiry.)
In mathematics, we explored the concept of conservation of number. This is the understanding that the number of objects in a set stays the same, no matter how they are arranged. For example, 5 counters remain 5 counters whether they are spread out or placed close together in a row. At this stage of development, children often feel the need to count and recount objects when they are rearranged. It takes time for them to grasp that the quantity only changes if items are added or removed. Practical activities involving counting objects that are frequently rearranged help build a strong foundation for their mathematical understanding.
In literacy, we explored how picture book illustrators use their drawings to give clues about where a story is taking place. For example, if a story happens in a living room, we might see a sofa or armchairs. In a kitchen, there could be an oven or refrigerator, while a beach scene might include the sea and sand. The children then had the opportunity to create their own pictures, making sure to include details that would give clues about the setting of their story.
Below this week you will find some pictures that give a snapshot of some of the learning that takes place beyond our classroom walls, in the playground.
We wish you a good long weekend. Kind regards,
Kristina, Buthaina and Rahma
