Observational DrawingAs we have mentioned before, drawing is a wonderful language for expression, observation/still-life, story telling, planning, brainstorming, communication, reflecting, and more. We set an intention early in the year to include drawing in our processes (of larger projects/threads) and to regularly invite the children to small groups for drawing (still-life, reflections, imaginative, etc.). GiraffesWin's ProcessWin loves the giraffes here at school, so Joci invited Win and her friend Zoe to the atelier to spend some time observing and drawing some of the giraffes. Win was excited to see the giraffes and eager to get to work. As we noted on the copy of Win's drawing [right image], there are some wonderful emergent writing and literacy skills demonstrated in her work: controlled shapes, closed circles/shapes, and a variety of line shapes and lengths. Zoe's ProcessZoe focused on the three different giraffes that were on the table - "The daddy, the mommy, and the baby giraffe." Zoe moved methodically from one giraffe to the next focusing on the details of position (profile vs. straight on), leg placement, length of the neck, and the position of the "fluffy" tail between the legs. Zoe's three giraffe drawings Still-life FlowersBlack felt tip pen, alcohol markers Adaline, 3.5 years Memories of Easter baskets and bunniesMorning meeting yesterday (4/11) was all about the easter baskets that the children received on Sunday! They were so excited to share their easter bunny experiences and talk about what they had received in their baskets. With such high enthusiasm, we invited to draw what they remembered; we asked them to draw so that we could better understand their stories of eggs, bunnies, chocolates, jelly beans, etc. "I saw the easter bunny in the Bahamas." - Adaline, 3.5 years "I had an easter basket." - Eliza, 3.5 years Parents and educators alike consistently ask us how we prepare children for kindergarten with regards to handwriting skills. So much of the work/play we do here at St. John's benefits the children's future handwriting skills - drawing, clay/clay tools, wire/wire cutters, scissors, tearing/crumpling paper, painting, small materials for collage/arrangements, sewing, etc. All of these develop hand strength and coordination.
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