I'm off to China until September 16, 2013. I look forward to sharing my journey with you.

Be well and I hope this school years brings you many new adventures!

Will Seashells Grow?

 My Garden By Kevin Henkes

I created a seashell garden because in my garden if I planted seashells, I’d grow seashells!!!

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” ~Albert Einstein

The Summer Garden

Artist expression is not something that should be undermined or taken for granted. It is a powerful platform for learning. When art is embedded in a meaningful context, and even when it is driven by simple enjoyment, learning is present.

These are a few of the areas of intelligence that are supported by creative expression;

Development of symbolic representations to convey thoughts and theories,

 Decision making,

Co operation,

Stimulation of memory as children recall previous interactions and knowledge,

Support of literacy, math, and science.

Here are a few considerations when you are looking at your classroom design;

Ensure that the children have easy access to a wide selection of materials whether they are loose materials, paints, clay, pencils, charcoal etc.

These areas should be organized and aesthetically appealing.

Above all else respect the process as much as the product for it is in the process that the learning happens.

An Interesting Assembly of Materials

 Translucent cups, water and scoops, an interesting combination of materials.

The children's questions;

What type of shadows will the cups cast with and without water?

What type of sounds will the cups make with and without water?