Caution:construction zone...........

The kids get so excited when they are able to explore and use these types of tools. This gives me an opportunity to see the children working along side each other, using their language to enlist help, support, and guidance from each other. This type of activity is great for improving their muscle strength. They are using their fine motor skills to hold that golf tee or roll up the measuring tape and using those large muscles to move the foam to just the right spot in the shade or trying to balance themselves on top of the structure. I also think that it makes them feel in control to swing that hammer and pound in those golf tees. It's great to see them beam with pride at the "work" they have accomplished. :)

Observing our environment..........

This was a day that the children were observing and recording the changes that were happening to our outdoor environment. The kids each had a clipboard, paper, and pencil to document what they saw. I asked them questions to help them along. "What is happening to the leaves on the trees?", "Does the air feel cooler than a few weeks ago?", etc. This gives us a great opportunity to think out loud and exchange ideas. I ask them to try to describe and predict what will happen. We have also been reading different books that pertain to fall, such as We're Going on a Leaf Hunt!

A little help from our friends...........

It's hard to capture this in a photo, but I gave it a try. We were working on a very difficult project that probably should have been used for second graders and needless to say most of the kids were having trouble with certain parts of the activity. Ezra seemed to master the most difficult part of wrapping the pipe cleaner around the pom pom to make a "bee." Once he finished his project, he jumped up and started helping the younger kids with the bee making and giving them instructions. "Here, see this, you wrap it around, like this." He was very patient and it was a joy to see. :)

Building...........

Here are a couple more building photos. Ezra said that he made a big airplane. Maddie said that she made a car. Look at that look on Maddie's face. Priceless.