September 18, 2013

Why do we draw?

Today, a dear friend James Armstrong came to visit the 1-2s.  While professionally James is an architect, his naturalist hobbies have brought wonderful skills, learning, and exhibits to the students of 1-2 A&M. As part of our ocean study, James brought in two tanks of tide pool creatures and seaweed specimens for the students to observe and draw.  Before letting them loose with paper and pencils, James took the time to show the kids the way to really see something - the way you do when you draw it.  He taught us there are three reasons to draw: to help ourselves understand something, to explain something to others, and because we just can't help it!  

Live specimens of hermit crabs, mussels, barnacles, seaweed, periwinkles, green crabs, tiny shrimp, oysters, and moon jellies were on hand for our students to study, sketch and record observations about. At other stations, magnifying glasses and viewing boxes were used by children to look at some of the critters and plants up close as we drew.  And, we had many biofacts (on loan from the New England Aquarium) for kids to take a closer look at with microscopes: baleen from whales, a chambered nautilus shell, a seahorse, a sea sponge, a sea star, coral, a sea urchin set, a chiton shell, a limpet shell, and even a sperm whale tooth.  We thought we might even get to see a hermit crab move into a bigger shell, but it was too shy.  

Please enjoy the slideshow below of our science naturalist adventure!

James Armstrong's Visit

September 11, 2013

Dear Families,

We’re off to a wonderful start in the 1-2s!  While we are still learning some names, we have had lots of great experiences to launch us into the new school year!  We have completed self-portraits for our doors, explored math materials, and started to explore the ocean.

On this website you will find general information about our schedule as well as homework policies and ways to contact us.  We hope this will be useful and we recommend referring to it throughout the year.  Be sure to check our webpage for updated information, class logs, and pictures.  We encourage you to check in and see what your children are learning at school.

As our program overlaps frequently, our classes have the opportunity to work together on many projects and areas of curriculum affording them the chance to make many more friends.  We have already started a scientific study of the ocean that the kids are really enjoying. 

We are looking forward to working together with you toward a year of growth and learning!

Sincerely,

Beth Altchek & Kristen McEnaney  

Native American Structure Projects

We were so impressed with the model Native American structure projects that the students made! There was quite a variety of structure types including igloos, pueblos, teepees, chickees, wetus, long houses and even an earth lodge. It was clear that kids went to great lengths to use whatever natural materials they could to give their projects a very authentic look. They will be on display this Friday at our Strawberry Thanksgiving celebration.

Structure Homework Projects

Town Forest Structures!

Today we went to the Town Forest for our long anticipated structure building. Our groups were very enthusiastic, as were our group leaders, and six great structures were built. Some groups used the skeletons of existing structures to build their own while others just pulled some materials to add to their new creations. Lots of downed twigs and branches were used for structure and support with pine needles woven into gaps for insulation. Enjoy the photos of our final Town Forest adventure!

Town Forest Structures