A "Frame" of Mind

We had a wonderful outdoor adventure today, on this warm spring day! Each student went out with a paper frame, a clipboard, paper and a pencil.  They had to put their frame on the ground, and then investigate all the items that they could see inside the frame. Using a frame allowed them to really focus their attention on this small area of nature.  Once they had seen what was in the frame, they had to draw or write about the items.  Some saw small ants, a little caterpillar, leaves, grass, lichen and lots of seeds. It was such a wonderful way to be out exploring nature at it's best!

Pizza for May

Don't forget...the last day to order pizza for May is Friday, April 25! Please visit Stonecrest's schools School Council Website for more details.  Pizza day is every Tuesday.

Playing Games

We played a number recognition game in groups of 2. Once each child cut out his or her own set of number cards, they each flipped over a number card, and compared the value and decided whose number was the highest.

It was interesting to see how they decided who had the card with the highest value.  There was so much application and learning going on in a very simple game.

Yummy Baking

Last week, we made Easter nest cookies.  After assembling, measuring and mixing in all the ingredients, each student got to roll his or her own cookie, rolled them in tinted coconut, and then added 3 mini eggs.  Once baked, these cookies were scrumptious and looked absolutely fabulous!  The delicious aroma wafted around the school, other students were begging for a nibble!

Spring has Sprung!

Nothing says Spring like...worms and caterpillars!  Today, the students were thrilled to find a variety of worms and caterpillars on our yard.  We briefly researched what each of these creatures needed for a habitat, and then returned outside to find the items that would make their containers a little more like home!  We will continue to wonder and learn more about these creatures over the next few days and weeks!

Setting the Eggs

This is such an exciting time of year!  Today, we set 12 eggs in the incubator. These are hens eggs received directly from a local farmer.  Chicken eggs take 21 days to incubate.  As a result, our hatching date will be May 6 or 7th-just in time for Education Week.  The incubator simulates the habit of hen in the sense that it turns the eggs on a regular basis. Each day, we will have to check the eggs to ensure that they are turning, and spray them with water to maintain the overall moisture level.

Easter Bunny in Training!

On Monday, we began decorating some eggs.  We used shaving cream and added a few drops of food colouring.  We tried to choose colours that when blended, would make a new colour.  The students had a blast using stir sticks to initially blend the colours together through the shaving cream, then they rolled the hard boiled egg through the streaks of colour.  After covering them in colour (and shaving cream), the eggs sat  for about 10 minutes.  Then, Ms. Byrne wiped all the cream off to reveal beautifully died Easter eggs in pastel colours!

Fine Motor Development

We are always trying to think of ways to develop and enhance fine motor development in a way that is fun and inviting for our students.  That way, they are working on those skills without even knowing it!  This week, there were a variety of activities available including stacking Fruit Loops onto different sized sticks. Also, we have a bin full of pony beads that they have enjoyed stringing onto page rings.  

How Full is Your Bucket?

There is a wonderful book with this title.  This charming book explains to children how being kind not only helps others, it helps them, too.  Using the metaphor of a bucket and dipper, the main character understands why the happy people makes him feel good, while the others leave him feeling bad -and how he himself is affecting others, whether he means to or not. This is a beautiful book with a powerful message presented in a way that our youngsters can understand- that the way we relate to others has a profound effect on every aspect of our lives.  We have used this book in the classroom and have talked about what sorts of actions are "bucket fillers" and what sorts are "bucket dippers".  Maybe your child has made reference to this.  When they hear or say nice things to others, the students have the opportunity to share that and "add a drop in the classroom bucket". Congratulations to all our bucket fillers!