The Wonderful World of Kindergarten

Welcome to our Reggio Emilia inspired classroom at Dr. David Suzuki School.
JoAnne Pizzuto, OCT & Jocelyne Brent, RECE, BASc (Hons)
Showing posts with label school connection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school connection. Show all posts

Sunday, 20 March 2016

The Water Filtration System Resurfaces!

It all actually began last year. 
Dirty water led to a water filtration system that led to many discoveries.
It was Logan, who is now an SK friend, that started the interest in the water filter system this year.
We were having a conversation at the carpet, and he recalled, 
"Member those layers we made before? The ones when the sand was the bottom? An' we put water in it?"

The 'teacher brain' was all excited at the countless connections Logan inspired.
The SK's who were with us as JK's last year began buzzing and remembering and excitement grew.


We talked about the water filter system and discussed how we might filter the 'outside water' in Winter? 
Ice was gathered and set in the water table so that it would melt overnight.

 

Sure enough, the ice melted into water that was dirty.
This dirt could be filtered out.
The water filtration system began to resurface.
 Once again, materials were gathered from our environment.


  Large rocks were set in place to become the first layer.


Smaller rocks and stones were set in place to become the second layer.
   
 
And finally, sand was gathered and set in place to become the third layer.
Why do you think we lined the layers with thin waffle-like placemat fabric? 


Logan and friends give the water filtration system a try. The melted ice is about to be cleaned.

 

Many friends came to explore what happens to the water when it is filtered.
They explore ways to move the water through the filtration system.
They have many discussions and make many decisions.
They use trial and error to move the water.
 
 


Exploring ways to move water
Ingenuity in water movement!

Excitement and curiosity built and the children found more dirty water.
How does the dirt freeze inside Winter ice?
  

For many days, the children explored the water filtration system.
Winter in our area provided warm days, rainy days, snowy days, cold days.
Water came from snow, ice and lovely muddy puddles!

 
 
 
 

When a cup is filled with the filtered water, the water is cleaner.
Which layer took out the most dirt?

We are excited to be environmental stewards of the Essex County Watershed
How do you help protect your drinking water?

Tuesday, 16 June 2015

More Gifts for the Children in Costa Rica!

Our children really listened to Miss Pizzuto when she talked to them 
about the children in Costa Rica.
She will be visiting them this summer to teach and learn.
They don't have toys like our children do.
Could there really be a child without a stuffy?! 
Our children would make sure every child in the world had a special stuffy...
but for now they are beginning with the children in Costa Rica.
Bright and colourful fabric markers were set out. Fabric was cut into different sizes. 
The children set right to work to make stuffies that are sure to be special to every child.
"I know...I'm going to make a giraffe!"
 
One idea inspired another...
and so on...
and so on!!!
 
The children determined that the stuffies should be very colourful and very happy!
They are so excited to know that their work will put a smile on another child's face 
and joy in their heart!
 
The next thing to do was to cut two pieces of fabric. There were two steps to do.
Step 1: Cut around the drawing to make the front of the stuffy.
Step 2: Cut another piece of fabric the same shape to become the back of the stuffy.

After that, the two pieces could be sewn together...most of the way.
Can you guess why?
Two wonderful retired teachers came to help.
Mrs. Elliott and Mrs. Gundy were the perfect ladies for the job. 
They understand childhood excitement and how to help the children know what 
needs to be done step by step.

 
Great team work Mrs. Elliott and Mrs. Gundy! 
 
One by one, the children came to have their stuffies sewn, then visit the stuffing station, then sewn closed. Did you guess that is why the front and back were only sewn together most of the way? There has to be a place to put the stuffing in.
Then the final step is sewing the front and back together all the way.
 
  
For several days, this was one busy centre!
 
   
 
 

 
 

 
 
  
Wow! The whirr of the sewing machine has filled the room
for Miss Pizzuto to be able to fill her suitcase with stuffies!
 
Way to go! The children in Costa Rica will be so happy!
 
 
 
From our hearts to yours...