Observation: WeeK#9

During this weeks observation, I felt like I walked into the wrong room. It was amazing! Room 5 had totally transformed over the Veteran's Day holiday. They had many new furniture pieces, rugs, and toys. The room was rearranged and transformed. It was so nice to see how excited the children were when they entered, it was like they haven't see the room before (even though this was the thrid day of the week.) I also stepped into Room 6 to se etheir transformation, and oh my goodness what a good sight. Change definitely does wonders to anybody's perspective. It makes you feel fresh and new.

One activity that they did, was going out side to measure the Bloomer's garden. At circle time, they red a short story out of the Bloomer's binder. They then went to the table and drew what they thought or remembered of the story. Then they went our into the garden and used magnify glasses and looked at the plants and eveything they wanted for a little while. They were then brought over to the Bloomer's garden and measured each child to it to see if it was taller than any of them. The children all laughed when the teacher measured herself. It was a different, yet fun activity.

If I pursued the actvity into the next day I would incooperate some more science activities with the magnify glass sinc they were so interested, or even some more measurement activities since the children don't do as much as math activites versus any other activity. Materials that could be provided would be numbered rulers, or string to see how big things are. Also, some scales ould be fun, they could see how much different things around the classroom weigh.

YaY!!....We are almost done!! :) Have a good weekend!

Observation: Week #8

This week in lab was pretty mellow. Many children were not in class, and the activities were prepared and ready to go. After the normal routine of arrival (table activities) and circle time, the teacher explained the activities that were going to be available. The options were water colors, block area (shape blocks), and blowing objects through a straw. Since there were few children, they were able to participate in all activities if they wanted to. One thing that caught my attention was that the children were excited about little trees (looked like chritmas trees) were out for decoration, and also the object for the water color activity. The children that were at that activity attempted to draw the trees before using the water colors, but one child said, "No. I want to draw the pumkins." The teacher said, "Ok, if that is what you would like to do." I thought it was funny how they were stuck on the object for water coloring activity for last month. Maybe if the teacher would change it up every week, then we'd see more reaction. This activity brings out more small motor skills with the drawing before-hand, and painting the drawing. Also, it helps the children with color recognition.

If I were the teacher in the classroom, I would continue with color interest. Maybe the next week, have each day to pertain to a different color, and have the children bring in an object of that color. Having the children dress in the color each day would be a good idea too. The children would get a sense of each color, and the activities done that day would help then recognize the color later on. Books about favorite colors would be available also.

Observation: week #7

This week in lab was fun! Even though the children seemed very antsy and didn't listen very well, the teacher kept the class under control. The same routine was in play, but for centers and when the children split up, there were different activities offered than usual. The usual trains/blocks were available, but then others went with one of the aids outside to the garden. Here is where they measured and discussed the "bloom + grow" activity. The other activity that was offered was to experience clay. This where I sat and observed and listened in. The teacher had a large tarp laying on the floor and four large block of clay. There were only a few interested in this activity. Possibly the others were intimidated? The children that were interested took their shoes and socks off and sat down with the blocks. It was fun watching them experiment and see what they could do. One child started to poke holes in the block and said, "It's cold!" and giggled. the other child leaned back and rubbed his feet all over it. Whild they did this they seemed so amazed. It was definitely something different than what they've experienced before; nothing like good 'ol playdough. Definitely small motor skills came into play. Since the clay was much thicker, heavier, and much harder to tear and form, the children had to pull and tear with some force causing them to try harder and use more muscle.

If I were the teacher of the classroom I would continue this activity with a clay project the next day. Since they got to experiment with the clay and get a feel for it, I would give a decent amount to each child and let them make whatever they wanted. We would let what they made dry, and possibly paint them. Materials that would be needed would be the clay, and supplies to prepare for a mess and to clean it up. This project would take at least two days. I remember at a young age, maybe 3rd grade, doing a science project on an otter and my dad helped me do a report and sculp one out of clay. It's funny that I remember the little things that I did when I was younger as I go through school and working with children.