Day Sky / Night Sky Week

Day-Sky/Night-Sky Week is primarily a Science-based theme in which the children identify and discuss what they see in the sky during the day and at night.  Once again, Literature is a main component of this theme as we read a variety of fiction and non-fiction books on the topic.  The direction and depth of the study is driven by the children interests.  This week we discussed the sun, moon, clouds, stars and rainbows as is typical.  The children were also interested in discussing thunder, lightning and tornadoes.  We talked about how and why we have day and night.  Planets and Constellations were briefly discussed as well.  This class is very interested in knowing Spanish words, and so they wanted to know; "How do you say sun, moon, stars etc. in Spanish?"  Thus Spanish was also incorporated into the week by the children. We will continue to review these words in coming weeks.  As the photos illustrate, the children enjoyed a variety of related activities during free play.  The art table was a place of exploration and creation on a daily basis.  "Star Sandwiches" and "Moon Cakes" were great fun to make and eat!

Looking Deeper:  Exploration and Learning through Play

This week I would like to talk about the importance of focusing teaching and learning on the "whole child"!

Day Sky/Night Sky is always a high interest theme for the children.  Perhaps this is because they are fascinated by the things in the sky that they see each day and night but never really touch.  These things though common are indeed other worldly and therefore hold a fascination!  The sun, stars and beloved rainbow are truly magical!  Inevitably during the week, the children talk about their fears surrounding "thunder and lightning"!  We spend important time talking about these fears that are so common and universal.  I share that I too once feared "thunder and lightning" when I was a child. We talk about common sense safety rules, such as always be sure that you and your grown-up go inside at the first sighting of lightning!  We also talk a bit about what causes thunder and lightning, and that while thunder sounds really scary, it cannot hurt you. Discussing, honoring, and demystifying fears are a very important part of learning for young children.  That is why teaching and learning must go beyond mere cognition and focus on the "whole child"  These conversations are crucial to children's holistic growth and development! 

Welcome to our HVCC student teachers who joined us this week.  Emily is a first year student and she will be with us on Tuesday morning.  Brittani is a second year student and she will be with us every Wednesday and Thursday.

Have a fun and restful weekend!