On Monday, Preschool was introduced to their new Unit of Inquiry:
Transdisciplinary Theme: Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: Local Environments are used and valued in different ways.
Lines of Inquiry:
- Natural and human-made elements of the local environments.
- How people use local environments.
- Actions that benefit or harm the local environment.
To launch the unit, we took a trip exploring the different parts of Rokko Island. Who knew it had so many sides to it; we were almost swept away by the windy seafront and then got our hands dirty scavenging on the side of small hills as we walked around the Island's green belt. Preschoolers were on an exploration mission, clad with a small plastic bag, they were in charge of collecting a series of small objects from their trip. It was a great deal of fun and after 2.5 hours of trekking around Rokko Island there were a few tired explorers!
Upon their return, Preschool discussed their observations and sorted their findings, showing their understanding that different environments constitute of different things:
- seashells and seaweed are most likely to be found close to the sea
- boats could be seen in the distance for carrying things from different places
- there is water in Okinawa and Hawaii just like on Rokko Island
- they could see mountains in the distance
- pine cones and acorns were close to each other, maybe even from the same tree
- they heard cars but also birds
We continued focussing on the Central Idea in Language, with Preschool reading "Oh, the Places you'll go," by Dr. Suess. They used their senses to look at all the places the main character went to in the story and then in Art recreated some of these images using crayons and water colours.
Maths
Preschool wrapped up learning about 2D shapes and was introduced to 3D shapes. Their teamwork and cooperative learning skills were tested as they attempted the Marshmallow Challenge. The task simple enough: 18 minutes to build something in a team of three using 20 pieces of spaghetti, 1m of string, 10 pieces of tape, one marshmallow and a pair of scissors.
They had to use their knowledge on shapes to put together a structure but most importantly do it together as a team. It was impressive to see them work so well together and discussing their steps!
Maths
Preschool wrapped up learning about 2D shapes and was introduced to 3D shapes. Their teamwork and cooperative learning skills were tested as they attempted the Marshmallow Challenge. The task simple enough: 18 minutes to build something in a team of three using 20 pieces of spaghetti, 1m of string, 10 pieces of tape, one marshmallow and a pair of scissors.
They had to use their knowledge on shapes to put together a structure but most importantly do it together as a team. It was impressive to see them work so well together and discussing their steps!
Reminders for next week
- 3-Way Conferences: please contact me if you have any questions regarding the conference times. Remember your child should be present.
- Project week on Friday.
Preschool is definitely starting to feel tired after the fast learning pace of these last six weeks and are all looking forward to the upcoming break! However, before it is time to unwind and rest, we have another action filled week ahead of us!
I will leave with you few more pictures of the past week!
Sabina Michelotti
Playing Firework Tag
Baking
Nature Related Show&Tell
