We made it through our first week of school! It’s always an adjustment getting back into the routines and it’s especially challenging for my new grade one friends as they get used to being in school full days. Eating lunch at school, three recesses, and all of the new expectations that comes with being in full day school takes some adjusting . Our school is BIG! Ecole Sage Creek School has over 700 kids this year. As you can imagine, transitions and recess takes some time getting used to with so many other kids around. I’m so proud of my new students for coming into school with a smile on their faces ready to learn and I’m so proud of my returning grade 2 students for having such a positive attitude and for helping their new friends adjust.
This week was all about getting into some routines, meeting our grade 5/6 learning buddies, using our eyes to observe like scientists do, and celebrating “International Dot Day”. Dot Day is inspired by the book “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds. The book’s message is that every child is an artist and that everyone should not be afraid to make their mark on the word. “Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” This is a great lesson for my kiddos to learn. Click below to see Peter read his book.
Many artists use dots to create their artwork. Kandinsky, was a Russian artist, who loved to paint. When he painted he felt the colours made music. His family and art teachers didn’t understand his form of art that was later called abstract art. We read the children’s book “The Noisy Paintbox”. It describes how Kandinsky was persistent and how he made his mark on the world of art.
After looking at some of Kandinsky’s artwork that focussed on circles, we were inspired to make our own using pastels and watercolour paint. We spent most of the morning creating our own masterpieces!
Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist who uses dots to share her artistic point of view. The Super Kids loved reading a storybook about her journey from her traditional Japanese upbringing to the modern artist she is today.
After looking at some of Kusama’s art instillations, we visited the Queensland Art Gallery website to explore the interactive Kusama art activity. We used our interactive wall to create our own Kusama inspired art.
Dot themed centers also included making dot pictures on the light table, creating nature dots with pebbles, dot themed books, and dot painting.
Scientists observe with their eyes and use tools such as magnifying glasses and microscopes to help them look closely at things. This week the Super Kids used their sense of sight to observe their surroundings and spent time learning about the parts of the eye. Activities like the game Spot It, I Spy books, using magnifying glasses, and using mirrors to observe our eyes, helped the Super Kids understand how observations are very important to all scientists.
It has been a busy beginning to our year together! Enjoy your weekend. 🙂
