More Recycling and Fishing Fun

We explored the concept of recycling in conjunction with our Magnets theme, and they actually complemented each other very well in many ways (just watch this video for proof).

During Numeracy one day, we had a (lighthearted!) can-stacking competition, which the children dedicated themselves to completely. It was a great way to practice counting, as well as comparison words like "tall" and "short".

Earlier in the week we'd gone fishing amidst the trash (including cans, paper, and plastic bottles) using a magnetic pole. We discussed how hard it was to find and catch fish with all the garbage in the way. Removing it from our pond was only the first step; the next day we sorted everything by type to practice proper recycling.

Our magnetic fishing game was a lot more fun without all that trash in the way!

As for the fish . . . they're simply made out of craft foam with paper clips attached. Each is marked with a different number of dot stickers, 1-10. After catching a fish, the children count the number of stickers, then match it to the correct numeral card.

I have several sets of numeral cards; this "counting" version allows the children to self-check when they're working independently.

I'll admit, it surprised me how excited the children were to engage with this activity on their own (and for quite an extended period of time), and it was excellent to watch several of them demonstrate mastery of the task. We've certainly come a long way since September!

Mural Close-Ups

. . . are finally here!

"R" is for "reef" -- on the sandy, sponge-painted ocean floor.

The children cut  and placed the seaweed themselves, too.

Colorful jellyfish floating by.

Our abstract cardboard fish incorporate scraps from a marble painting project earlier in the year, as well as weaving. (They were inspired by these.)

Cute cardboard squid, as seen previously in-process.

Is that a handprint I spy? :)

Making Paper

We did this activity as part of our study on solids and liquids. It was also a great tie-in with our recycling theme the following week. I try to consciously incorporate "bridges" most weeks -- activities that suit our current focus but also link to whatever we're planning to cover the following week. It gives the children an additional reference point to help them connect with new learning.

After morning circle, we spent some time tearing old paper scraps (more leftovers from this project) into very tiny pieces and left them to soak in a tub of water.

A few hours later, the paper had absorbed a decent amount of water (and those big pieces in the photo above had been re-shredded!). I used an immersion blender to pulverize the wet scraps a little at a time. The children thought it looked like ice cream! (But we all agreed it was probably best not to take a taste.)

Unfortunately, there are no photos of the blending step, as I was teaching on my own this particular day. However, the fact that we managed to finish this project, just one teacher and 22 little ones, tells you how fun and easy it is!

Finally, we spread our paper mush out on some towels and patted it out like a pizza crust. We also pressed dish towels on top to absorb the excess water. Once our paper "dough" was nice and flat, we placed another thick towel on top, as well as some heavy bins. Two days later, voila -- we had paper! Not sure what we'll use it for yet, but I'll be sure to share once we figure it out!

Recycling in 1-4

In honor of Earth Day, we've been learning how to recycle. Yesterday we practiced sorting materials into plastic, metal, and paper. We also cleaned out our messy (pretend) fish pond and talked about how trash can hurt the fish. That's one reason why it's important to throw our trash in the waste bin, instead of on the floor or ground. Some trash can even be used again to make new things, or recycled! 

School-Home Connection: Recycling

We'll be watching the video below at school soon, but feel free to watch and talk about it at home, too!

Our Nests

. . . turned out great!

(To refresh your memory: These are the paper nests we made as part of our Owl Babies story study.)

Story of the Week: Owl Babies

This week in Literacy we've been reading Owl Babies by Martin Wadell while learning about living things (like trees and owls).

The children absolutely LOVE this story. As soon as it's over, they're begging to have it read, "Again, again, again!" I'd say it's their favorite of all the books we've read this year. The recurring line, "I want my mommy!" really resonates with the children and provides a great opportunity for participation, practicing sight words, and using English.

I printed out these puppets, then laminated them and attached them to craft sticks to use as props while reading the story. During centers the book and puppets were placed in the Reading Corner for the children to interact with. And, boy, did they ever!

Comparing sizes to determine which puppet is big sister Sarah.

In the story, Mama returns swooping softly, but here she's flying very fast! (lower left corner)

Post-Owl Babies Reading Corner boom! It has been one of the most popular centers this week. The children suddenly can't get enough.

On Sunday we made owls that now sit atop the tree we constructed last week. (About our tree: the children "combed" brown paint onto butcher paper for the trunk and branches. The leaves were made using coffee filters and watercolors.)

Four little owls, sitting on a branch.

Our tree, hanging on the back wall windows.

We labeled the parts of a tree to review last week's buzzwords.

Yesterday we also worked to construct nests using old brown bags and the scraps from our owl cutouts. 

Our nests aren't quite finished drying, but you can find instructions and see a completed project here. Hopefully we'll have pictures of the finished product for you soon.

Have a great night!

School-Home Connection: Watch and listen to this video version of Owl Babies.