Enjoying and then Modifying the Race Track

Hope everyone had a wonderful March Break 

It is exciting to come back refreshed and eager to explore a warmer season.  It also sparked a follow - up piece about the activities around the Race Track.  

Once dry, the children emerged with cars in hand to give it a try.

Shouts of glee like " I made it over the Lava Pit" and " that jump was awesome" could be heard as the cars zoomed around the track propelled by the quickly moving children.  They had worked together to create something that many could enjoy and they did.

 After a time of racing Taya identified a need to add in a Start and Finish Line and went right to work to put that in place.

 Evan exclaimed " I won" as his car sped over the line.

                                       
It was soon noticed that some children could not reach over the side of the track so ideas generated and Ross and Austin thought that it could be cut down to make it shorter.
                                      

                                   

With some cars falling into the hot lava, the boys decided a bridge over the Volcano would be a safe thing to build.  They set to work.  Austin held up the cut piece of cardboard and showed that it was just the right size to do the job.  Glue was attempted first but the discovery that it did not stick right away made Ross, Nick, Ethan and Austin move onto tape rather quickly.  

                                      

With the bridge set in place and the other adjustments made, the cars are free to safely race with the children as their drivers and their limitless imaginations the boundaries. 

Tropical fun!

Even if you don't go to a tropical beach this March Break, you can still have some fun!

We started the day with a hula lesson and a dance party. 

Our artists made some necklaces and leis. You can see Jadyn working on her pineapple hat!

We explored some tropical fruits and made kabobs to enjoy later. 

What tropical party would be complete without coconut bowling??

Our snacks were delicious and beautiful. 

We worked off the calories with some limbo. 

Finally, we finished off the party with a group hug for Mrs Young on her last day. 

Wherever you are this March Break, I hope you are safe, happy, and having fun!

321 Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, it is Race Track Mania

A few cars and a desire to find a place to race them set up an opportunity for the children to be creative thinkers and to work collaboratively in a team effort.  Changes were needed when the children had generated more ideas than the space would allow.

Plans for the Race Track began to be made, each with their own perspective.

With a list of important features to be included like ramps, lanes, zig zag road, sharp turns, bumps and hills and a start and finish line the constructing began.  Paper mache was the material that helped things stay strong and sturdy.  It was the foundation and due to the enthusiastic workers took a long time to dry.

 Once dry then the painting could begin with the crucial Lava Pit being red and the ramps to jump over it being black.

 Of course the Lava Pit would not be awesome without an erupting volcano, says Evan.  Rylee took up the task of creating it for him.

 Perfect, it is glued down and the bubbling lava is inside, using red streamers of course.

 The finishing touches of paint are being carefully added and then..... stay tuned for our next steps.

This process has been many things but most of all it has been a shared learning experience that the children have worked hard on together and have enjoyed incorporating many of the ideas that were seen as important by themselves and their peers. The collaborative work and level of respect for each person's contribution was indeed something to marvel at.

Jingle Bells

Boy was the wind cold, but we still got out for a sleigh ride today. 

Our two-horsepower engine was named Mike and Pilot. 

It was smiling faces all around as we sang Jingle Bells in our two horse open sleigh. 

I feel so blessed to have views like this at my job:

Everyone off! 

What's inside?

Our learners put in their scientist hats today and worked with the inquiry process. 

We offered a provocation of old electronics, safety gear, and tools. We asked: "I wonder what's inside?"

The scientists got to work finding out. They observed and explored the items. 

Jaydyn said "look I'm doing it! And I'm a girl! Girls can do it too!" Her pride was evident. 

Taya worked diligently to remove all the screws from an old keyboard. 

Once inside, she discovered a circuit board and took that apart too. She tried to get it back together again, but there were too many loose parts. Instead she broke it down further, prying off the keys. 

Ethan worked on an old discman. We had a challenge that our tools didn't fit the tiny screws. 

Instead he carefully pried it apart and used pliers to bend it open. He was delighted he could break it as he explored!

So what are we learning here?

Curiosity

Cooperation

Using tools

Fine motor skills

Observation

Questioning 

Principles like leverage

A sense if accomplishment

Communication

What could you take apart at home?

Crazy pancake day

Our little learners were excite to show off some crazy hair and hats today. 

The teachers got into the spirit too!

Can you tell who's birthday it was?

Later on, we watched Pancakes Pancakes by Eric Carle and were treated to a wonderful pancake breakfast!

Special days are what we remember about school years later. We hope it was memorable for our little people!