Lunar New Year

The pre-k children have been studying moon phases, the lunar calendar, and celebrating the Lunar New Year, with a focus on calligraphy, traditional stories, and cultural symbols such as dragons, lions, lanterns, the color red, and pagodas. 

The children have been tracking February's moon phases using the Almanac, as seen from Tacoma. We attempted to recreate the phases with a small sphere representing Moon, a globe representing Earth, and a flashlight representing our Sun. We discussed the connection between festivals, celebrations, and the moon's phases.

"The New Moon!"

We discussed dragon and lion dances and their significance. I gave them the STEM challenge: build a lion using STEM materials. 

We took the opportunity to study some of the Chinese culture through folklore, learned some Chinese phrases, practiced counting to 10 in Chinese, and we even dabbled in calligraphy using one of my favorite books, Long is a Dragon, by Peggy Goldstein, for guidance. 

We first worked with markers then moved on to more traditional paintbrushes. 

We wrapped up the lunar celebration with red lanterns and building pagodas. The children were given the STEAM challenge: build a pagoda with materials available to you. We discussed the traditional tiered designs and the children used words such as decks, layers, floors, and stacking to describe their structures. I think they did an outstanding job of meeting the challenge! 

We also discussed Moon Bridges, which this crew incorporated into their structure. 

                                                           Xin Nian Kuai le! Gōng xǐ! 

The Playground of Your Heart

Art class with Ms. Angela. The children were instructed: build the playground of your heart. The Ladybugs creatively immersed themselves in planning, designing, and building their playgrounds by manipulating paper with scissors, glue, markers, and folding. 

STEAM Challenge – How many ways can you make a circle?

The pre-k children were challenged to build as many whole circles as they could using equivalent and nonequivalent fraction pieces. 

They promptly matched equivalent pieces; so, the challenge became to match nonequivalent pieces to build a whole, a challenge they took on excitedly! 

Working with fraction circle manipulatives allowed for ways to explore fractions of a whole, introduced new vocabulary, and promoted focus and concentration.

The children took turns exploring new ways to build whole circles and they would periodically walk around to see what their peers were creating, stimulating excellent conversations using the language of the discipline.

The above challenge was followed by the challenge to build a structure that showcased four fourths with any manipulatives available in the classroom, which was inspired by our integrated studies focus on phases of the moon.

Fun with fractions!

 

STEAM Challenge - asymmetrical

In November and December, we explored symmetry; now, we are looking for objects that are asymmetrical. While it may be simple to point out asymmetrical objects, building something asymmetrical was a greater challenge than anticipated! 

The children naturally started to design their structures, symmetrically.

We discussed asymmetrical in color verses asymmetrical in design.

The STEAM  challenge was to build something asymmetrical and the follow up activity was to draw the structure they built.

The next day, the children were given the same challenge; however, they had to use new materials for building.

 

Building Gingerbread Treats!

We ended the year 2021 with a special day filled with creativity, music, and treats! Thank you for everything!

So long, 2021! Welcome, 2022!