Valentine's Day.... Yes, I know it's April

 So this year, I found some crafts on Pinterest and they turned out great!  The first one was a heart painting project using a toilet roll.  We bent the toilet roll and used it as a stamper.  Voila!  Hearts!







We also did a craft from www.marthastewart.com and the kids loved it.  I had a little group that made several hearts and actually really enjoyed peeling and sorting the crayons too.
We peeled and sorted the crayons into cups.  I used a pencil sharpener to get shavings from the crayons. The kids were then able to choose their colours and sprinkle shavings between large sheets of wax paper.  I then ironed the wax paper (teacher only!) and the kids watched the crayon colours melt together.  There were many 'ooooo's and 'aaaaah's and 'cooooool's.
Once cool, we traced and cut out heart shapes and hung in the window.
Very pretty :)



On Valentine's Day each member of the class brought a piece of cut up fruit to contribute to our Friendship Fruit Salad.  We talked about how each fruit is different but when mixed together, they make a wonderful, tasty treat.  This is just like our class!  We are all very different/unique but together we can do wonderful things!

Why a Blog?

I think I'll start my blog with a bit of info about me.

I am a Kindergarten teacher and mother of two small children (3 and 1). I have been teaching since 2005 and everyday I learn something new. Actually, I learn many new things each day! I would like a way to document them and share them with other teachers . Hence, the blog!

I am a bit of a perfectionist. I like to do things 'right'. This year, I have been struggling a bit with my job. I have just returned from a Maternity Leave and am now teaching Full Day Kindergarten (it used to be half day). The program is also changing. We are now beginning to teach a more play-based program, which is fantastic. I love the idea of learning through play but have had a hard time letting go of some of the structure I was used to.

I have gradually released some of my 'things'. I have taken the names off of centers so the children can choose their activities more freely, allowing for more 'self regulation'. I have taken a step back and am encouraging the children to do more problem solving on their own before I intervene to help. I am also getting much messier!!!

Now that I have let some things go, and have settled in to our new, more play-based classroom, I am having HEAPS of fun! I want to share some of the things I have been trying and learning. They may not be new to you, but they are 'new' to me.

I am learning an so very much about teaching, learning and about myself this year! What fun!

MM