Natural dyeing

We worked today to make Easter egg dye the old fashioned way. First, we started by chopping up some red cabbage. 

Many children enjoy the fine motor challenge of chopping and slicing with the safety knives. They observed the leaves, testing and smelling them. Ben described the odour as "broccoli mixed with toe jam" which I thought was an excellent description! 

We boiled up the leaves (Pee-you!) and Surprise! The dye turned out to be blue. 

Next up were some beets. These were much more difficult to chop but had a vibrant pink colour. 

They were described as smelling like carrots or like cherries. 

Another surprise! The dye turned out orange. Later, we added vinegar and it turned back to pink. Chemistry is so much fun!

Here, the scientists are decanting the dye into a jar, then they taste tested the cooked beets. Yum!

And finally, we boiled up some turmeric, another pungent aroma. This time the dye turned out exactly as predicted- yellow. 

Now we have a lovely set of primary colours to have fun with tomorrow. The science part is done and the art begins. 

Gaining mastery

With the warm weather settling in, we flung off our coats and went exploring. At the back of the big kids' yard we found a stream draining into the storm sewer. 

Immediately the children began engaging in mastery play- play that encourages manipulation of the environment. They started trying to control the flow using rocks, sticks and dried grasses. 

Feeling powerful over forces such as water and gravity is an important element of child development. Children learn boundaries- both their own and those of Nature. 

It was too lovely to go inside, so we headed to the playground which is finally open after its winter hibernation!

Immediately, the air was filled with calls of "watch me!" 

"Look at me do this!" 

"I can do it now!" 

"I've never been this high before!"

"I was scared but I did it. I'm brave!"

It was amazing how much the children grew over the winter, how much stronger and coordinated they are. They ended the day feeling powerful and masterful. 

Planes glorious planes

The children were flying planes indoors and out as they rediscovered the excitement of motion and flight.  Max and his family found some small easy to put together planes on their travels and generously shared their wonderful find with us.  It was a huge hit as you can tell from the pictures below.

Thank you Max and family.

You may not be able to see them but the children tried flying the planes while swinging.

It was a great day to fly a plane.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Our little learners got the movie star treatment this morning. We had a special visit from a videographer and a director making a movie about FDK. The footage will be edited and combined with footage from Prince of Wales and Baltimore PS to make a video about kindergarten at KPR. 

Many children were miked with a lapel microphone and answered some questions about their work and their thoughts about kindergarten. 

We talked afterwards and most children admitted they were nervous when the camera was pointed at them (the teachers were too!). But they also said it was an exciting experience. 

Who knows- maybe a star or two were born today!

Forest Friday Fun

With some nice fresh snow and a bright March sun, it was perfect conditions for tracking animals.

Some students identified these tracks as deer (but were probably squirrels) and got very excited.

They also identified a bunch of sumac branches that had been nibbled at about deer head height.

Can you spot the vole tunnel under the snow?

We also saw evidence on top of the snow of a vole or mouse visitor.

The children were busy making lots of other obserevations too, like the ice formed around the shed's downspout.

Natalie found a perfect branch and a clean canvas for drawing.

And there was lots of climbing fun too!

What a perfect way to end the week!

Zebra Day

Tuesday was the day we read the very last Letterland story, all about Zig Zag Zebra. To celebrate learning all the letters, we had a Letterland celebration. Andrew brought in his zebra collection and we had lots of fun with it!

Most people in the class dressed up in zebra stripes or in black and white. 

Three girls dressed up as Quarrelsome Queen. She must have her umbrella!

Bouncy Ben dressed up as himself, and Emmett was Munching Mike. Noisy Nick was there too but he was shy for the camera. 

There was lots of black and white fun to be had. We tried on costumes....

And made stripes with marbles and black paint. 

We did zebra puzzles...

And did lots of dramatic play. 

The biggest hit was zebra cookies, with DIY stripes. Thanks for those Mrs C!

All around, it was an exciting day! Luckily there's another Letterland book and we will be learning about special blends (like CH and SH) soon.