Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Diversity of Materials

As we worked on our light piece today, we did so with a slightly more critical eye.   Up until this point, children had used a lot of shiny beads.  That is certainly understandable, as beads lend themselves to be strung on wire and are always popular with children.  As Louise and Leigh came to work on the structure, we asked, "What kinds of materials have children used the most?"   Leigh quickly said, "Shiny stuff.  Beads."  They quickly accepted the challenge to look through the materials collection and find items that had not been used before today.  As Joslin and Alexandra joined later, they also were ready to work with new materials.   Children also added to the complexity of the process by layering materials by including two distinct materials on the same wire.   Joslin used a totally new technique of putting her chosen item on a large loop.  From that point, she was able to form a slip knot to attach it to our frame.    Louise  highlighted the importance of learning from each other inner collaborative work by saying,  "I know how to cut wire because Sally taught me."   A bit later:
    Jill - What else could we use that hasn't been used before today?
    Joslin - Keys!
   Alexandra - I have some shiny keys at home, but I don't play with them because they are real keys"

'Tis the Season!

 Some of our other experiences today were related to the holiday season.  Children worked on multi-media compositions that featured holiday colors, and of course, shiny stuff.   Some children built upon the trees that they drew yesterday and re-created them with watercolors and collage materials.   Children also made name tags, which will be put to good use when we send home some of our work next week, just in time for the holidays!

It's a Brigitte day!

Jessica had the day off to pack for her upcoming move.  While we missed her, we were happy to have Brigitte with us.  The children especially enjoyed learning French songs with her, including one very silly one.   Brigitte will be with us again on Friday, as Jessica moves into her new home in Takoma Park!