Inspirations from Nature

This week both teachers and parents had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Nature Explore workshop on "Moving to Learn".   In this workshop, we learned that motor development is an essential skill and an important aspect of neural processing and of the development of thinking and reasoning skills.  We often wonder why children cannot sit still when in fact as adults, it's actually very difficult!  By giving children more opportunities to engage in purposeful movement, they are able to gain control of the ways their bodies move; they gain knowledge about the world through physical movement; and they gain experience that allows for more meaningful creative and emotional expression.  We practiced purposeful movement and gained new strategies to incorporate more intentional movement into our homes and classrooms with our children.  Thank you to all who attended - it was a wonderful experience to share a workshop with you! :)

During Wednesday afternoon, myself and my colleagues attended a "Nature-Inspired Indoor Environment" workshop and gleaned better knowledge on incorporating more natural materials into the classroom.  We also learned how to create more peaceful and serene environment conducive to the learning process.  As I evaluated my own classroom, I wondered how I could push the nature aspect just a little further.  Luckily, this week I had been focusing on lessons that touched upon the nature idea - students have been talking about the changing seasons and the natural occurrences happening outside.  When students entered the art studio they began by exploring various types of natural materials.  Our students were naturally inclined to sort the materials and after the materials were sorted, our students began to create patterns as well!  We read "Leaf Man" by Lois Elhert as well as "Fletcher and the Falling Leaves" by Cynthia Rawlinson.  Students discussed the different seasons and were very excited to talk about the changes that they've been noticing outside.  Students noted that the days are getting shorter and it's getting darker earlier.  They've also noted that along with the changing colors of the leaves, the air is just a bit cooler.  Together, with Ms. Gina, we will be creating our own books about the seasons.  Students will really get a feel for what it's like to become illustrators and authors!  We will be also be making a portfolio of painted and textured papers to be used in
a collage book in the upcoming weeks.  Look for a publishing party within the next few months!