Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Welcome to March!   
Here's a look at our March proposal.   The projection included launching our wood workshop, and we started today.  We are also realizing that there are more printing and paint experiences that we want to include, so that work will also continue.  
Today's introduction to wood included a conversation.  At St. John's, we often begin experiences with conversations.  These allow us to determine what children know and what possibilities interest them.  It gives children an opportunity to ask questions, form theories, and construct knowledge as a group.  We often frame our conversations with pre-determined questions.  Today, we started with two rather simple questions: What do you know about wood?  What do you want to know about wood?

As children talked, they examined various pieces of wood.  After our conversation, children were eager to jump in and build and play with the wood.  Their ideas were creative and fun.  Dagny started with a small town, but later joined in with Tegan and Lily, who made wooden beds that they reclined on while they played video games on their wooden phones.  Hugh and Caleb collaborated to make a boat for the FBI.  Sam started building a two story hotel, and Tommy came over later to give him a hand.

"I was thinking we could print with wood!"     Hugh

What a great idea!  We can combine the various materials that we explore in a multitude of ways.  We jumped on this idea, and went  right to printing with wood and bark.  Children also worked in message center,  and there will be many thoughtful message discoveries in mailboxes tomorrow.  Friday's enthusiasm for altered book continued.  Cate and Maisie started their books today, and Lou Lou and Tommy are looking forward to this work in the future.