Happy Valentine's Day!

Our little readers were excited to read their valentines this morning!

Valentine deliveries

There's been a lot of excitement around the Valentine's Day mailboxes. As each set of cards came in, the children read the names they so labouriously had written, and wished a little bit of love to each member of our familiy of friends.

I was impressed at how much they wanted to help each other deliver the cards. No one had to work alone.

Gravity + ramp = motion

As a part of the ramps and pathways inquiry, we introduced some long clear tubes to the building carpet.

At first, the boys experimented with how they could use them.

Once they discovered that a marble ran through them smoothly, and that you could see the action, it became ramp time! Click HERE to see a video of Charlie's experiment.

Snow ball building

Some new scoopers came in handy today at the water table, which was filled with snow.

As they worked, the children built their hand muscles used in writing and cutting. They co-operated towards a common purpose, and they spoke a lot to each other. 

They shared their observations about the snow and their difficulties getting the perfect snowball. As a team, they helped each other solve problems.

Remembering a picture from one of our building books, the children were inspired to build an igloo.

Ethan was very proud of his creation, and was careful to say it wasn't just a pile of snowballs. It was an enclosure, with space inside for a family to live.

Grab Bag

Some children are exploring bird-eye building, making structures with intricate walls but no roofs.

More bird's-eye building

The new Lego centre was a hit (what a surprise!)

Some performers making tickets to their Let It Go show.

Nick helping out his buddy.

The workshop remains a popular centre for boys and girls alike.

Taya spent an afternoon measuring all our tables and chairs, then made a list.

That serious face is trying to determine the best way to strap her "skates" to her feet. "The headphones help me think," she says.

Let It Go

Some of our Frozen aficionados decided to present a concert of "Let It Go". They are busy in rehearsals this week. Today they were focusing on costuming and dance routines.

Lauren was busy learning the melody on the metallophone. She wrote down the notes so she could remember them. Click HERE for a video of her early efforts!

The girls whirled and danced to their favourite song, lost in a fantasy of ice, royalty, and power.

Through the eyes of the child

During this week's break dancing class, a few students were invited to document the experience with a toy camera. The photos are have a poignant, almost nostalgic quality that remind me of old Polaroids or fancy Instagram filters.

The subject matter is revealing as well. As smaller people, the floor is much closer and other kindergarteners seem much taller. What can you tell about the photographer by looking at the photos?

Here are a few photos taken by Sharon during the same time. Notice how the perspective is higher and the subject matter different. Every person brings their own unique qualities to an experience.