We finished our work today with a bag full of valentines and a myriad of experiences from the week. On Monday the children noticed more cultural and art works relating to African studies or creating Valentines. One of our students started the morning by sharing a book about ballet and showing us 6 basic feet positions. After practicing a bit of ballet dance to the tune of classical baroque music the children explored hieroglyphics, heard about the Maasi customs of Eastern Africa, and listened to the audio story of the "Turtle of Koka". We have been singing this story almost everyday and it has made our transitions from the work to outdoor periods much smoother.
On Wednesday we read a book about George Washington Carver called, A weed is a flower by Aliki. After reading the story, one of our students recognized that there was a picture of Professor Carver close to our peace table. The children offered many reasons why he is very deserving of peace studies after hearing the story. We finished the discussion by looking at his eight cardinal virtues.
All parents and families will be welcome to see our works and classroom changes on Friday, February 27th for our annual Black History Month luncheon. There is a signup sheet on the inside of the door to the classroom and we ask that you share a traditional African, African-American, or African-Caribbean dish for this event. You may also come as early as 11:30 to set up for the luncheon and stay later for cleanup. The luncheon will begin promptly at 12.
During the classroom work time we have asked the children how many different patterns they can make using the large sensorial materials. We have also encouraged children to fully clean the new orange juicing and carrot peeling works before returning them to their places on the shelves. Some children began writing their names in new notebooks while others tried decoding their names with a hieroglyphic chart.
Today's work time was shortened by a few special events, but we were very thankful for them. A parent reader shared the story of the Gruffalo's child and Oh! The places you'll go complete with character voices and sound effects. Ms. Jane brought costumes from her brother's wedding in Nigeria last summer and gave a presentation of a traditional Igbo wedding. A few volunteers bravely dressed as the bride/groom and their parents. Some children were upset that they did not have a chance to wear the costumes, but we will ask Ms. Jane if we may have this presentation again.
In the afternoon children took turns sharing valentines before observing an experiment. The children were amazed to see the effects of vinegar, food coloring, and baking soda pour out like a volcanic erruption. The instructions for the experiment have remained in the classroom and will be available for others to copy and try at home.
Next week there will be no school for children on Monday and Tuesday. I will be out of the classroom until February 26th and one of our school's most trusted substitutes will join our team for my period of absence. I trust that the children will continue to practice their favorite works and enjoy the discoveries that come through this practice.
Have a wonderful long weekend,
Ms. Joanna Boone