Approaches to Learning What are "Approaches to Learning (ATL)?" ATLs are a set of skills we use when we are learning. These skills, once learned, can be used when learning in any subject, be it Math or Science or Music! They come in five sets: Research Skills, Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Self-Management Skills and Social Skills.
Over the past unit, and throughout the past week, the children have been developing their ATL skills while working on their Unit of Inquiry projects. Today the children brought home a booklet called "The Engineering Design Process" which documents all the steps they took to make their products. It outlines the skills they developed. However, the children can tell you all about the steps they took and what they learned! Have them walk you through the book. This experience has been overwhelmingly beneficial to the children, not only did they develop their ATL skills, but they have been engaged, enthusiastic and motivated to not only make things, but share their knowledge and work together! Try following The Engineering Design Process to create something at home, it is a fun way to develop skills used in many different areas of life.
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Simple Machines in the Past, Present and Future This week we explored how simple machines were used in the past, how they are used now and we predicted how they might be used in the future. Wheels and Axle Today we created cars with wheels and axle. We understood the difference between the cars we had made previously out of recycled materials which didn't roll, just slide; and the importance of an axle. Axles allow the wheels to roll and move! We used skills developed through design, Science and Unit of Inquiry lessons to create these cars. 3D Shapes As in introduction to 3D shapes, we made a shape museum. The children found 3D shapes in all sorts of materials and toys within the classroom, and put them on display in our 3D shape museum. We also made 3D shapes using shape nets out of paper. Once the children finished making a 3D shape, they made a creation and explained what they made, and what shapes they used to make it. Please enjoy the videos below of the children talking about their 3D shape creations!
World Maths Day We had a very enjoyable time during World Maths Day on Wednesday! We made shape puzzles for children in all grades to enjoy. We had a puzzle walk, where we looked at math puzzles and riddles children from other classes had made as well. We were so clever as we could answer math questions on nearly every board! In the morning, we even made our very own Math game, involving counting mats and secret tunnels! After making shape puzzles, the children then used the shape blocks to make a whole city out of shapes. The Kindergarten children's creativity is endless! Math Day Costumes Projects During this Unit of Inquiry, the children have demonstrated their boundless creativity in making complex and simple machines out of the classroom materials. Our Central Idea is: people use simple machines to make life easier.
As this idea has a strong Science connection and the children have displayed much interest in building and creating, I have given them a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) challenge to display and consolidate their knowledge about simple machines. The children have spent time following a design process (imagining, planning, creating, testing and improving) to make two products that have a simple machine. So far, during project time, the children have developed ATL skills such as thinking skills, research skills, self management skills and communication skills. They have been planning, problem solving and working with wonderful results. All children have shown engagement and interest during project time. Please note this is just a "preview" of some of the work they've done on their project. Stay tuned for your child's Learning Story about their project, to have a better understanding of what your child has experienced and the learning opportunities they have gained from this experience. |
AuthorWe are a class of 4-6 year olds at an international school in Singapore! We learn by playing, inquiring and having fun. Our teacher is Ms Bustamante, and this is our learning journey! Archives
June 2020
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