Last two weeks in the Purple Room....
Writing is a developmental
task-- learning to hold the pencil, making marks on paper, going from left to
right and top to bottom are all tasks which we do unconsciously, but which our
children have to learn before they can write. Our children are still experimenting how much pressure
to apply with their fingers when writing with crayons, pencils , markers, glue or
paint. They are also discovering that different pressure is needed when writing on copy paper,
construction paper, cardboard and even fabric. They learn these skills by
experimenting, instruction and watching their peers and teachers role model.
Wikki Stix (flexible colored wax sticks) were hard for
children to curve and fit to letter shapes. They had to learn to use sometimes more than one stick
to make a letter. Chenille wires (pipe cleaners) were a little bit easier for them to curve,
however sticking them on paper was difficult until someone pulled out the clear tape. Besides fine motor skills, children also problem solve when learning to write.
All the play dough, sand and clay work, cutting, painting, and other art and sensory activities have helped our kids strengthen their fine
motor skills.
Math concepts these past two
weeks have involved special work with pattern blocks. The children are learning
to classify and sort the colors and shapes, and each child is working on their
own developmental level. Some are working with one color, some are sorting
colors and some are making intricate designs with different shapes.
The Montessori
size cylinders also intrigued the children and they all wanted to try them. This is a
great material to understand size discrimination and estimating. Counting with dots
was a big satisfaction too.
Thank you parents for volunteering:)
Enjoy!! Don’t forget to check
Flickr, where you'll find loads and loads of pictures!
