This week we began our new Unit of Inquiry - How the World Works. For this unit, we will be exploring The Central Idea that ‘'light behaves in different ways.’ To introduce this unit, the children came to school to find out that their classroom looked different! They experienced a dark classroom with different materials all around. They were encouraged to find ways to play and explore with the things that were left for them. The children quickly discovered torches and used these to explore their new look classroom. It was exciting to listen to the conversations that the children were having, explaining that 'I see some rainbows,’ 'that looks like a firework’ and 'I can see someones body.’ Through this inquiry, the children were beginning to experience different ways that light behaves and how it is used, and we will use these observations as we work through the unit further, thinking about the form and function of light and how it changes. Here at ISS, education empowers all learners to become skilful thinkers and creators. In K1, we have learners who are able to both pose and solve problems, and express themselves using multiple forms of literacies. As a way to reflect on their Dark Days experience, the K1s developed digital literacy skills by learning how to take pictures on the iPads. We discussed what makes a good photo, should it be blurry or clear? Do we see the whole ’item’ or just half of it? After taking pictures of the room and having discussions on why they wanted to take pictures, the K1s sketched out their favourite photo they took on paper using chalk. The results were just amazing! The K1s never fail to impress me on a daily basis. Finally, this week we are learning how to become independent learners who take ownership of their knowledge. The children now have individual learning goals, a.k.a foot steps. Each step will help them to become more knowledgeable and independent as they practice skills all by themselves! The students decide what area they want to practice, and then we work together to create their goal. We record the goal on their footprints and they practice these independently. At the end of the week we reflected on how the goal went. They all agreed they got better and quicker at their goal and were ready to take the next step. Happy Halloween!
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I have the best job in the world! Supporting children to learn about the world around them, to ask questions and to develop confidence in themselves is a real privilege. This week, the children once again amazed me with their thinking and their ability to apply the knowledge that they have acquired so far this year to new activities. They worked over the course of 2-3 days to create full body self portraits! Throughout this activity they used full body mirrors to create a self portrait that really reflected who they are; from how they look to their favourite styles and discussions on how they are the same and different to those around them. These portraits are now posted around the classroom with some quotes that the children have said. Next time you are in school feel free to have a look at your childs' self portrait! Again the children had the opportunity to get messy when they made cloud dough. First they crushed chalk which would be used to colour the cloud dough, before mixing the materials themselves. They never fail to impress me with their determination and enthusiasm! Finally a big thank you to everybody for accompanying us to the Family Picnic. The children had an amazing time. Have a look at some of the photos captured below. |
AuthorWe are a class of 4 and 5 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 2019
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