Who broke the tent? Can we fix it?

Ms. Szymaszek’s Investigations:

Who broke the tent?  Can we fix it?

February 20-24

 

On Wednesday, February 22, one of the children brought in a flashlight and wanted to test it in a dark space.  The darkest spot the child found was under the message center, which was deemed unsafe. “We should just make our own tent if it’s not safe under the message center.  Ms. Amy, why didn’t you think of that?”  Upon this child’s suggestion, we pulled over chairs and a blanket to create a tent using things we found in the classroom.  Frustration was sensed when the tent kept breaking, so the conversation continued during group time.  “We need some paper clips to fix it, and a bigger blanket.”  Upon these suggestions, the children created a tent, and rebuilt the tent the following day.  “We need 5 chairs, the blanket and 5 clips.  Oh, and the thing for the middle.”

I thought I was making a line. Why is it a circle?

Ms. Szymaszek’s Investigations:

I thought I was making a line.  Why is it a circle?

February 20-24

During the week of February 20, the children had shown an interest in the spinning lazy Susan.  The children were introduced to the lazy Susan in the block area, initially building on the lazy Susan with the small citiblocks.  Next, the children explored with mirrors.  Interest was at its peak when sand was introduced on the lazy Susan.  The children discovered that they could create circles and stars by using their fingers.  “Look, when I wiggled my finger I made a star!”  To create a dramatic effect, black sand was introduced using funnels.  The children alternated between black and white sand to create a unique design.

Can we make our own book?

Ms. Szymaszek’s Investigations:

Can we make our own book?

February 13-17

During group time on Friday, February 10, one of the children read the story Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. To continue our exploration with drawing using various materials, the children were inspired to draw their own pigeon pictures.  Using thin markers and white paper, the children began to tell their own story:  Don’t let the pigeon do group time.  Some children have used stickers to tell the story, while others have drawn their own pigeon pictures.  To keep with the style of the story, “speech bubbles” were use by teachers and the children to add words to their pictures

Will a bandaid fix it?

Ms. Szymaszek’s Investigations:

Will a bandage fix it?

February 13-17

We continued our exploration of plants indoors by measuring the amaryllis.  “Oh my gosh that is huge! How did it get so big?”  We measured the amaryllis and found that it grew taller than our ruler.  In the process of measuring, the amaryllis stem broke, and a hole through the stem was noticeable.  “Look, it’s leaking something!  It looks like water!”  We talked about whether the plant would continue to grow, or what we could do to fix it.  “Would a bandage fix it?”  “No way, I don’t think so.”  “Let’s try it!”  We put two bandages on the amaryllis and will watch to see if it continues to grow.

I made a birthday cake for you!

Ms. Szymaszek’s Investigations:

I made a birthday cake for you!

February 6-10

 

On February 6, a chalkboard divider was left after rest time in the block area.  The new flat blocks were left in a basket nearby.  Before the divider was moved, the children started to build on the chalkboard.  The children first set the blocks standing up on the ledge of the board, and then laid blocks flat on top of this initial layer.  The children worked continuously until almost all the blocks were gone.  “Look, I made you a birthday cake with all the candles!”  The children continued to build on the chalkboard until they ran out of blocks, stopping only to rebuild when the board wobbled and blocks fell.