Thursday, May 9, 2019

Journal Reflections

​"We do not learn from experience.... we learn from reflecting on experience."
                                                                John Dewey,  Educational Philosopher
                                          

Today Louise and James had the opportunity to reflect on their art journal work.  Their conversation took on a definite back-and-forth quality as they shared their ideas.  They also noticed the ways in which their physical books were different and talked about elements of literacy.   Here's some of their conversation:
     Louise - (Looking at sewing work in James' journal)  Why did you sew it?
   James - That was a book challenge .... I got sewing on the dice, so I sewed in my book.   (Noticing that Louise's book is a song book) Have you ever thought of singing the songs in your book?
     Louise - I did... me and daddy wanted "Country Roads," but we couldn't find it.
     James - Do you want to ask someone who can read it?
     Louise - I can't read notes.
    James - I cannot read the notes.  (He notices the different chapter headings in his book) This has to be chapters because I'm finding them all over the book.
     Louise - (Reflecting on how she feels while working in her journal) I feel happy about reading it and I really want to read it to you now.    (She sings.)
​    James - (Reflecting on the challenge of pages stuck together)  Sometimes I just leave it because it is blank.  If it is just glued and it has something in it I've already drawn, I  usually try to figure it our, but if it looks like it's going rip the page or it's too hard, I just leave it.  And I try to draw the same thing on a different page.

James and Louise also thought about titles for their journals.  Louise settled on "Louise's Songbook."
     James - I'm going to call mine the same as Tommy's book..... James' Art Book.
  

Construction Challenge.... with Vehicles

Today's challenge was an exercise in civil engineering.  Hugh was interested in using Matchbox Cars, and came up with an appropriate building goal:  construct at least five roads with at least two intersections.   Once again, the children completed the challenge and once again, almost everyone was involved!

Thinking of Others

Throughout the week, children have been thinking of and preparing surprises for other people.  Between the New Parent Reception and Mother's Day, gift making and message making were a part of each day.  Some of that work continued today.   In addition, children also made chocolate chip bars to be served at tonight's event.  We look forward to seeing some parents tonight and we wish everyone a very happy Mother's Day Weekend!