慶祝holloween的到來，我們班一起討論要設計一個南瓜怪獸，首先討論鼻子、眼睛、嘴巴的形狀，然後大家分工合作，有人負責貼綠色的頭髮、有人負責貼紅色的嘴巴、有人負責貼黃色的皮膚，看看寶貝們認真的表情，是不是很美呢！
這是我們完成的南瓜怪獸喔！很漂亮吧！
Monday, 12 October 2009
Thursday, 8 October 2009
A News Story from Australia
I was just writing to Elijah's parents and I remembered a news article I say on a website from Australia today. I thought it might be interesting for everyone. Click here.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Art, Play and a Twig
Another enjoyable day in Peter Pan class. The day started well with Owen providing a drawing for "Show and Tell" and Sean showed us his twig. His description and usage of a twig shows that he has an unusual mind. As interesting as Sean talk was, it was almost as interesting to watch Teacher Nico's reactions.
For Cherry's mum and dad who where a bit worried about Cherry's ability to make friends. It would seem that Cherry and Vivian Pan have now become very good friends. I think this has helped Cherry a lot.
I try to let the children play by themselves, as I want them to be more independent and encourage their imagination and problem solving skills. However, often they want the teacher to be part of their game and today I had to play "Hide and Seek" with Emily, Sharon and Sophia, which was difficult in our small classroom. The girls like it immensely and many others joined in and helped. This is an indication of class-time which is often hurried and demanding, I hope you understand if things don't always run smoothly because of this.
The boys are very interested in popular culture. They know all the latest cartoons and all the names and words that go with that. They use this a lot in their play and as they are starting to write more, they use these words in their writing, which is great for their literacy. Nado, who knows how to spell his spelling words, but has troubles with other words, knows how to spell "dinosaur" and can help Elijah spell it.
Art class was interesting this afternoon. We did not get things finished, but setting up for the art class meant I was able to use some numeracy skills (20 children, two pieces of paper, how do I cut it so everyone gets a piece of equal size), spacial skills to understand how the lines and cuts make the lantern, and small motor skills as drawing the lines and cutting them take a lot of effort for their little hands and fingers. A lot of students learned how to use a ruler.
Another great day. I don't always mention all the children, although I do notice all the children. I point out these situations as examples of our day. If you would like more specific comments about your children, let me know.
For Cherry's mum and dad who where a bit worried about Cherry's ability to make friends. It would seem that Cherry and Vivian Pan have now become very good friends. I think this has helped Cherry a lot.
I try to let the children play by themselves, as I want them to be more independent and encourage their imagination and problem solving skills. However, often they want the teacher to be part of their game and today I had to play "Hide and Seek" with Emily, Sharon and Sophia, which was difficult in our small classroom. The girls like it immensely and many others joined in and helped. This is an indication of class-time which is often hurried and demanding, I hope you understand if things don't always run smoothly because of this.
The boys are very interested in popular culture. They know all the latest cartoons and all the names and words that go with that. They use this a lot in their play and as they are starting to write more, they use these words in their writing, which is great for their literacy. Nado, who knows how to spell his spelling words, but has troubles with other words, knows how to spell "dinosaur" and can help Elijah spell it.
Art class was interesting this afternoon. We did not get things finished, but setting up for the art class meant I was able to use some numeracy skills (20 children, two pieces of paper, how do I cut it so everyone gets a piece of equal size), spacial skills to understand how the lines and cuts make the lantern, and small motor skills as drawing the lines and cutting them take a lot of effort for their little hands and fingers. A lot of students learned how to use a ruler.
Another great day. I don't always mention all the children, although I do notice all the children. I point out these situations as examples of our day. If you would like more specific comments about your children, let me know.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Early Morning Classes
We had another great day today, especially in the morning. Today was the first day I've every had three "Show and Tell"s in one day. It happened because I mentioned how much I enjoyed the objects Vivian and Hayden brought yesterday and I preferred students show things that they like and that they made. We were having our first "Show and Tell" which featured Vivian Pan playing the recorder for us. Then the second one came about because I had forgotten to show Nado's dinosaur painting, which he obviously was proud of. Nado said, "They can look, but they can't touch." The third event happened when Richard and Elijah showed their colouring expertise and Vivian Pan and Cherry showed their colouring joint effort.
I told the students three stories this morning to help them get ideas for their writing lesson. This worked great as we had a lot of good writing. Nana, Cherry and Vivian all opted to not draw anything, and just write stories, Nana's story was especially long. Elijah, Sharon and Emily turned their writing into books and Brian turned his into a much smaller version of a book. He often does this and will have to ask him what he is making the next time he does it. Everyone did very well.
Teacher Jojo asked me what was the best way to explain to you (the parents) why the early morning class was necessary. As you know, the office would like to promote the early morning class as an opportunity for the children to learn things to help them do well on their test. For obvious reasons, many of you feel this is not very important, and I cannot help but agree with you. However, I feel that the early morning classes may be useful in one way. In our class, we are trying to provide an environment where the children develop their abilities and pursue their interests. We hope that the process unfolds naturally. We assist them and provide help where we think it is necessary. You may like to think of the early morning class as an opportunity for you children to practice what they have learned in a more academically vigorous fashion.
As I said to Teacher Jojo, I am really amazed by Peter Pan class. Every student has a really high and natural English ability. However, maybe not every one can see this ability like I do, and the extra practice they have at being able to express their understanding would be of benefit to them.
Got to go, it was supposed to be an early night, and I haven't even started working on my assignment this evening,
Good night all, Glen.
I told the students three stories this morning to help them get ideas for their writing lesson. This worked great as we had a lot of good writing. Nana, Cherry and Vivian all opted to not draw anything, and just write stories, Nana's story was especially long. Elijah, Sharon and Emily turned their writing into books and Brian turned his into a much smaller version of a book. He often does this and will have to ask him what he is making the next time he does it. Everyone did very well.
Teacher Jojo asked me what was the best way to explain to you (the parents) why the early morning class was necessary. As you know, the office would like to promote the early morning class as an opportunity for the children to learn things to help them do well on their test. For obvious reasons, many of you feel this is not very important, and I cannot help but agree with you. However, I feel that the early morning classes may be useful in one way. In our class, we are trying to provide an environment where the children develop their abilities and pursue their interests. We hope that the process unfolds naturally. We assist them and provide help where we think it is necessary. You may like to think of the early morning class as an opportunity for you children to practice what they have learned in a more academically vigorous fashion.
As I said to Teacher Jojo, I am really amazed by Peter Pan class. Every student has a really high and natural English ability. However, maybe not every one can see this ability like I do, and the extra practice they have at being able to express their understanding would be of benefit to them.
Got to go, it was supposed to be an early night, and I haven't even started working on my assignment this evening,
Good night all, Glen.
Monday, 5 October 2009
And for today
We had a really good day today. Luckily for the rain, it gave us more time in the afternoon and the children could engage in activities they enjoyed. It was fun and almost everyone was speaking English. I know Oscar's parents are worried about his English, but you would be happy to know I eavesdropped on him and his friends playing and they were all speaking English. Other things I saw in the afternoon that I thought were interesting, Emily sitting and looking as if she was reading a book. Not a picture book, but one of my books, no pictures and all words. I don't know if she was actually reading or not, but a good literacy sign. Some of the children took my phone (I am happy they did this, so don't be upset) and used the camera function to take pictures around the classroom. I was trying to get a photo of Emily reading the book. Vivian, Candy, Owen and Yoyo seemed to really enjoy this activity, and I wish I had more memory on my phone, as I only have one or two photos from their afternoon escapades and I was really interested to see what they could produce. If anyone has an old cell phone with a camera function, or an old camera, and would like to donate it to the class, that would be much appreciated.
The morning session was pretty good too. Lots and lots of talking. Gary put up his hand and told us that he had a PSP. Oscar had a Ben 10 toy for show and tell. Even though he doesn't like to speak much, he is not so shy that he cannot get up in front of class. He is very interested in popular culture, so even if he doesn't speak, I am sure he is learning from what the others say to describe his toys. Vivian Pan had some drawings for show and tell which is a really good thing to bring to show and tell. Hayden also brought something he had made from his blocks, which allowed us some group fantasy time.
If you have any questions or ideas, please let me know.
The morning session was pretty good too. Lots and lots of talking. Gary put up his hand and told us that he had a PSP. Oscar had a Ben 10 toy for show and tell. Even though he doesn't like to speak much, he is not so shy that he cannot get up in front of class. He is very interested in popular culture, so even if he doesn't speak, I am sure he is learning from what the others say to describe his toys. Vivian Pan had some drawings for show and tell which is a really good thing to bring to show and tell. Hayden also brought something he had made from his blocks, which allowed us some group fantasy time.
If you have any questions or ideas, please let me know.
Thursday, 1 October 2009
A Long Absence
First I must apologize for my long absence from this blog. The work I need to do for my university course, as well as the work I need to do for Peter Pan class, has left me tired and drained. As my university course is becoming busier, I cannot see the situation improving.
A very big thank you to those of you who promptly return my survey. Although for the moment that is the end of my data gathering for this project, it is possible that I will need your assistance in the future. In fact, for another course, I need to interview some parents about attitudes to play in the kindergarten classroom. If anyone is interested in participating in an hour long interview, please let me know.
Regarding our class, I feel everything is going very well. All children are showing great signs of improvement and you must all feel proud as it is your hard work at home that has made this possible. I would also like to thank you for your feedback, as this helps me focus the class so that the students can receive the greatest benefits.
For example, the parents of two of the boys replied to my comments about their writing. I noted that these two boys did not enjoy writing, and their parents explained that they are not too worried, as they are young and writing will come with time. I agree totally. In our class there are a number of students who are writing well. I do not force them (or anyone) to write and they write well because they enjoy writing. When the others enjoy writing, then they will write well too. I will share a post that another of my university classmates posted on a bulletin board,
A very big thank you to those of you who promptly return my survey. Although for the moment that is the end of my data gathering for this project, it is possible that I will need your assistance in the future. In fact, for another course, I need to interview some parents about attitudes to play in the kindergarten classroom. If anyone is interested in participating in an hour long interview, please let me know.
Regarding our class, I feel everything is going very well. All children are showing great signs of improvement and you must all feel proud as it is your hard work at home that has made this possible. I would also like to thank you for your feedback, as this helps me focus the class so that the students can receive the greatest benefits.
For example, the parents of two of the boys replied to my comments about their writing. I noted that these two boys did not enjoy writing, and their parents explained that they are not too worried, as they are young and writing will come with time. I agree totally. In our class there are a number of students who are writing well. I do not force them (or anyone) to write and they write well because they enjoy writing. When the others enjoy writing, then they will write well too. I will share a post that another of my university classmates posted on a bulletin board,
In terms of early literacy children will learn at their own rate, some will need more help than others and will learn in different ways, but they will all get there eventually. My daughter had a lot of trouble with literacy up until about Grade 6 when she could finally start reading books that actually interested her (they were quite political in content) and now in Grade 9 is reading far above her expected level and excelling in English. The major factor in this was engagement and what she percieved as relevance. (I'd read to her from about 2 weeks of age). She is a perfect example of allowing children to use a variety of modes (she did a lot of drama, some dance, could instantly read music even when she couldn't read words well, and would write enormous numbers of very creative and complex stories on the computer which were chapters long, - she just didn't pay any attention to the spelling!) She also drew a lot of plans and maps as a way of organising herself. I think an important issue is to trust in the child and not to panic and impose your own perceptions of what you think they should be doing and when.Obviously this is my own personal opinion, but it may be of interest if you have children at the beginning of the literacy journey.
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