Hard Work Weaving

Today we did some simple weaving on burlap using embroidery hoops. It was a challenge to everyone who tried it to keep up the pattern of moving our needles up and then down without circling the hoop. It was very tempting to weave in only one direction (either through the bottom or through the top every time), compromising the work and forcing us to undo it or cut the yarn at the edges to allow us to remove the hoop. Every now and then, we could hear someone thinking out loud in order to keep the pattern. It was an excellent activity for building perseverance, concentration, fine motor and oral language skills, awareness of step-by-step instructions, pattern recognition, a sense of artistic accomplishment, and working side-by-side with others...

It was easy to set up. We used some burlap purchased in the Fall at Canadian Tire (about $10 for a large roll), embroidery hoops found in the supply room, some extra large plastic canvas needles, and some yarn (thank you, parents, for your donations!)...

Le Gruau

In keeping with our recent interest in following step-by-step procedures (origami, planting seeds to grow flowers), we decided to make oatmeal to eat during first Nutrition Break today. We needed a cookbook, a big pot for the oats, milk and water, our electric burner...

 some sugar...

 two different sized measuring spoons...

 and a measuring cup...

and of course, some chocolate chips for on top!

 Oh and of course, some very helpful chefs...

Painting What We See

There is no sweeter sound to my ears than when a students bursts out with, "I love this!" We have been doing lots more painting what we see in our classroom this past month. If you have received a painting of beautiful flowers lately, chances are it's a product of exactly this. It has been giving us the wonderful opportunities to strengthen our oral language skills as we describe what we see and build confidence in ourselves as artists...

We just love showing what we see through our paintings!

La Peinture

Thank you so much, Mrs. DeFranceschi, for the generous donation of art easels! We were thinking of some special ways to use them in the art centre when the friends decided they just wanted to make their own beautiful paintings. They have all been working so hard on all sorts of artwork this year, using an easel just seemed like a fitting way to celebrate art in our classroom right now... 

 

What a lovely little group of artists!