After our time away due to winter weather that kept us indoors and away from Smart Start, we were thrilled to see our friends again! They were so happy to find the beauty shop and barber shop open again. Excitement was in the air as customers flocked to the shops, eager to refresh their looks and enjoy some well-deserved pampering after being cooped up for so long. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter, as friends reunited and shared stories, while stylists and barbers worked their magic. Business was booming, and the shops were bustling with energy and creativity! We continued to embrace our imaginative play, which has proven to be a wonderful outlet for creativity and social interaction. The children engaged in delightful role-playing scenarios using baby dolls, which allowed them to explore nurturing behaviors and develop empathy. They took turns being caregivers, tending to their “babies” with great care, feeding them, and even rocking them to sleep.
To enhance their imaginative play, friends used large building blocks to construct an array of impressive structures. They collaborated to design buildings that resembled their favorite places and things, including cozy beds for themselves and their baby dolls. The children worked together, sharing ideas and encouraging one another, which fostered teamwork and communication skills. In addition to the big blocks, Picasso blocks were brought into the mix, which allowed for even more creativity and versatility in their constructions. These colorful, interlocking pieces enabled the children to build a variety of unique structures. Their imaginations soared as they transformed simple shapes into elaborate designs, showcasing their artistic flair. Cardboard boxes quickly turned into a central element of their imaginative play. With some creativity and plenty of enthusiasm, friends transformed boxes into various objects. They created a friendly cat, a playful dog, and a mechanical robot! Building these objects involved using tools and fasteners, solving problems, and collaborating as a team.
As the week progressed, the imaginative play continued to evolve, with children incorporating new ideas and themes into their games. The collaborative nature of their play not only sparked joy and laughter but also encouraged problem-solving and critical thinking as they navigated the challenges of building and role-playing together. The experience was not just about play; it was a rich tapestry of learning, creativity, and friendship that blossomed in the wake of winter's retreat. We continued our engaging and creative flower sculptures and winter trees mixed media projects, incorporating colorful buttons to represent flowers and white buttons to represent delicate snow. The various sizes and textures of buttons add a whimsical touch to their art and makes it unique to them.
This week we reviewed the correct techniques for using our paintbrushes, emphasizing the importance of grip and movement. We compare the movement to a ballerina and only using the tiptoes. To insipire the correct technique use, we referenced paintings of ballerinas by Edgar Degas. Drawing from his work, we crafted our own ballerinas using an assortment of materials including craft sticks, patterned cupcake liners, washi tape, and pipe cleaners. Each ballerina took on a personality as unique as each of our students. Bakery and beaded hair design sensory trays offered provided an interactive and enjoyable fine motor experience.
Wiggle Room offered a vibrant array of engaging activities that not only promoted physical fitness and coordination but also fostered a sense of community and creativity among participants. One of the standout activities was balloon basketball, a fun and interactive game where friends collaborated to enhance their throwing skills and teamwork. In addition to balloon basketball, we hosted a lively balloon breakdance party that allowed friends to showcase their unique dance moves while keeping balloons afloat. To enrich our experience even further, we dedicated time to learning about the elegant art of ballet. This exploration of ballet not only provided insights into the discipline and dedication required in the dance form but also allowed friends to connect with the beauty of movement in a new way. Engaging in ballet poses encouraged mindfulness and body awareness, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of dance as a form of physical expression.
During our time of exploration, we also took a creative approach to journaling by designing our very own spider web. Friends reflected on the imaginative journey a big blue balloon might take them on and envisioned what they would look like as a butterfly, encouraging creativity and self-expression through art.
We engaged in hands-on science activities, such as creating our own binoculars, which sparked curiosity about the world around us. This activity not only encouraged exploration but also fostered a sense of wonder as we observed nature up close. We crafted beaded bubble wands to discuss the concept of surface tension, combining art and science in a playful manner. Our adventures also included getting up close and personal with bugs, where we explored the diverse world of insects, examining their unique characteristics and roles in the ecosystem. Finally, in Tasty Science, we delighted in baking cake mix cookies, blending the joy of cooking with scientific principles. As we measured ingredients and watched the ingredients combine, we discussed the chemical reactions that occur during baking, making the experience both delicious and educational.
One of the most enjoyable experiences was the time spent in the sun with friends in our outdoor classroom, filled with laughter and warmth. Sunlight cast a golden hue, making every moment special. We shared stories while munching on our snack, which made our snack time feel more like a feast. After our snack, we engaged in playful activities that sparked our creativity. We blew bubbles, chasing them as they floated away, occasionally catching one. We then played hopscotch and unleashed our artistic talents with vibrant chalks, decorating the pavement with imaginative drawings, transforming our outdoor classroom into a colorful gallery, showcasing our creativity. We look forward to another week of excitement and creativity next week!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ms. Leah, Ms. Jacquita, and the Smart Start team
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