Our camping interest is still lively and seems evergreen. Our friends like to hang around in the tent, either adding books or playing with puzzles, animals, blocks and much more. It is considered to be the most cozy area in our classroom :) With many families going on recent camping trips as well as some choosing to camp in their backyards, we have more opportunities to keep sharing our fresh experiences. The excitement they have while they narrate their stories is so special to them!
Last week we worked on "things to carry on camping" collage that required them to cut and paste the items they would like to take with them on the trip.
We also made our own fire with colored tissue paper and tan bark collected from outside that we used as wood.
In the collage cutouts, there was a picture of a solar panel, and our kids did not ignore it. They asked wanting to know what they are putting on their collage. We spoke about the solar energy and some items/gadgets that can work with solar energy. We also spoke about the cooking and the heat of the sun. We spoke about how people take advantage of the sun's power when electricity is not there.
The next day we got a solar light and in their words, it was the most amazing thing some friends ever saw :) It was a small light that could be used in the tent for reading or any purpose where light is needed. We began by switching it on..it did not work. We went through the solar process explanation again, and decided to choose a spot outdoors where it could capture/ drink the heaviest sun rays.
Checking that it does not work since it has not been kept in the sun...
Watching how sunlight falls on the black part, and saves it in the form of energy there...
After a couple of hours confirming if it worked...Tada! It was one awaited moment and they were super excited to see it glow.
We continued to feed our light the awesome sun rays and we continue to enjoy seeing it glow.
The other day day we had fun hearing and meditating with a singing bowl near the tent. They were introduced by the concept of vibration. We have been using blenders and hand blenders where they have already felt the shakes and vibrations. This was just another addition to their already existing knowledge. We even tried closing our eyes and hearing the deep soothing music that was the result of vibration arising out of the tap on the bowl.
Additionally, we had two astronauts landing inside the tent saying that their spaceship has come to check out the tent :) How sweet!!!
That week even Trixie visited our tent...
We also did a few art/ sensory projects with the color theme of the week - Blue and Purple. Our purple color lovers loved this week. Yes, we have many 'purple color' fans in our room.
We enjoyed the shaving cream. We added the primary colors and the children figured out their ways either to choose only one color to work with or mix two and see the new color transformation.
O and C making blue bear claws :)
Symmetrical design was equally loved and many made more than one of the art.
S dropping paint...
The result after folding the paper in half and rubbing the palm over...
L opening the half of the paper to see her design!
Firetruck visit...my, my, my, the excitement knew no bounds...to begin with we discussed how and what we should behave and do when the firetruck and the firefighters are around to show and tell. We read a couple of books and most interested in watching the pictures, discussed the little things we might expect to see.
Well the time arrived and here it is....
Introductory talk and information of what to do when in an emergency (call 911)
Watching the ladder move forward...everyone exclaimed whoooo! Wow! And cheered to their fullest :c)
O respectfully asking a question to the firefighter...
Checking out the cool superhero costume :)) (helmet, shirt, pants, boots, and the oxygen mask and cylinder). Our friends asked super many questions related to the oxygen and breathing. The firefighters explained to them in such a simple language.
L trying to put on the hat...he said it is so heavy!
C tried it too...
O wanting to wear it as well...
Purple room inquisitive boys checking out the attachments and cool things on the firetruck with their ever growing questions. I love their ability to think and ask and get their doubts clear resulting in an expansion of self learned knowledge :)
The time to get to be on the truck and check out the inside lights and buttons...
Time to say Goodbye :( . And yes they even honked us when they left the driveway :)
It was fun to see them be funny as well as talking about not being scared of them with so much costume on which might look scary to the little children. They said they were there to help and showed us the technique of 'stop drop roll' in case of fire catching the body. They cracked jokes and made everyone laugh. At children's request, they even started the lights and sire. it was pretttttyyyy loud. They were a great team and we felt sooo proud of them.
Firld trip to Branham Park was no less exciting. The thought of being able to walk there made them feel the entire fun. On our way and even on our way back we spoke a lot about road safety and being attentive. Altogether they were a great team, very cooperative and understanding.
We set up in pairs and reminded them to hold hands all the time. Everybody followed this till we were back in our classroom. Great thumbs up.
Our get set go ...
Checking out the roads and pavements. They said the floor was cracking...
Reading street signs...
Fun on the truck/ bus...
A cozy hideout...
The most loved...tire swing!
Face/ hand painting with teacher Rosemary...some even did on their own.
Lunch time...
It was so exciting to see some of our friends back, spending some time with us!
Rest on the grass...
Checking out the clouds...
Say cheeesseeee!
Heading back to school, still full on with bundles of energy...
Being our own self-guards and monitors...
Drawing about the best thing we liked on our field trip...
Overall, it was a busy week with two special activities, but we kept our fort up with our energy and enthusiasm.
Have a great 4th of July weekend!
Hugs,
Teacher Rashida.
