The Learning Bin

We could just as easily have done V Valentines, but the vase came out nicely too. I might try and use ribbon or paper strips to create the stems next year, that way it will be more clear that the V is the container for the flowers. Don't forget the complete set of black line masters for A-Z are available at my store, just follow this link: Http:www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Collage-Book-Upper-Case-1535454

We snuck our U Umbrellas in right towards the end of rainy season. I expected more decorative elements to be added to the umbrellas, but perhaps the kiddos were just burnt out of rain.

In my experience most teachers have embraced their inner nerd. I certainly have! One of my current school's core values is to be a life long learner. We've been exploring the core values during morning assembly and it got my wheels spinning. Of course I'm a life long learner, just look at my iPod play list! As a professional educator I read several early childhood publications, and follow several educational forums and iTunes U segments. But I consider that to be a basic level of professionalism, it doesn't reach too deeply into the essence of nerd. My husband and I run or go for walks almost every evening after dinner, and during this time we listen to podcasts. Each of us in our own worlds of specific interests, happy to observe nature and listen to different topics of interest. So my top, most favoured podcasts in no particular order are: The First World War in 261 weeks Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine Mike and Tom Eat Snacks Dan Carlin'...

I was worried that T Tables would be boring, but instead every table was ladened with celebratory foods. I suppose that given the blank slate, imaginations run wild.

Snakes are a regular occurrence here in the jungle. We see snakes slither across our outdoor hallway with some frequency, so the kiddos have a personal connection to them. This was reflected in lots of patterns, smiles, and familiarity.

The kiddos chose what they would like to decorate our screen wall with and a nautical theme won. Kelley fish and beta fish now grace our outdoor wall. The wind moves the plastic strips so nicely. The space has become so much more colorful and fun, hooray reusing!!

Today we began an exploration of plastic bags. Our class goal this week is to create art work that can be places outside without falling apart when it rains. We will use strips of plastic bags to create different animal sculptures and representations to hang on our screen wall in the science and biology space in PK. More pictures to come, but here is a peek at our exploration.