Planting new life

This week, the preschoolers continued to inquire into our unit about living things. 

They completed their animal group characteristics sheet and proudly presented their findings to their classmates. 

It was fascinating for them to see the differences and similarities between the animal groups. While some of the preschoolers already had knowledge of certain characteristics, there were a few facts that became new knowledge for them.

We then turned our attention to another living thing category, plants. The students discussed what plants, trees and flowers need to survive. They were incredibly knowledgeable about this topic, going so far as to share the different materials that their parents add to their plants at home. Materials such as coffee granules, eggshells, and "small white things" which is called perlite. A few students even shared that bird poop is good for plants! This obviously garnered quite a few gasps and giggles.

The preschoolers discovered that the term for all of these materials is natural fertilizer and that they help make the soil even more healthy for the plants. 

It is amazing to see how observant the preschoolers are in their homes, and that they take part in gardening activities with their parents.

We went on to discuss the life cycle of a plant, how it starts as a seed and grown into a plant.

Of course we had to plant some seeds to see the plant life cycle happen in real time!

The students worked in groups to plant flower seeds and came up with unique names for their plants. They used soil to give their seeds a healthy home to grow in. They made sure that they left enough space in between the planted seeds, so that they have room to grow. They gave their  planted seeds water and placed them in the sunlight. We placed them outside on the balcony to make sure that they get enough air. 

The preschoolers are proud 'plant parents' and have been very good with watering their 'babies' everyday!

As. our plant babies grow, the preschoolers will observe the changes and growth. There is so much learning that awaits us!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Ms Theona

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Different Animal Groups

 This week the preschoolers began their finding out stage of our unit of inquiry. They continued to share what they know about living things with each other. They were fascinated by the intriguing information in the books from our school library about plants and animals.  

The preschoolers used their new (and old) knowledge to create mind maps to visualise their understanding of what the characteristics of living things are.

The preschoolers thought about and discussed the main animal groups:

Amphibians

Reptiles

Mammals

Fish

Birds

We even moved and danced like the animal groups!

Using their finest collaboration and research skills, in pairs the preschoolers researched the characteristics of these animal groups:

Where do they live? Do they live in water, in the sky or on land?

How do they move? Do they walk, crawl, swim or slither?

What are their bodies covered in? Scales, fur, hair, etc?

How do they have their babies? Do they lay eggs or are their babies born live?

To organise their information as they conducted their research, they made mind maps. Once their mind maps were done they were ready to start creating their animal group fact sheet.

The preschoolers will continue finding out through deeper research next week. There is still so much to uncover about living things!

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The Easter Bunny visited the preschool class and brought these crazy Busy Bees a cute little chicken bag with treats and crafts! Thank you Easter Bunny (and your PTA helpers!) 🐣

We said a sad "Tschüss!" to Ms Lena, one of the German interns who has been a wonderful visitor in our class over the last few weeks. We will miss her and wish her all the best for the rest of her teaching adventure!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone,

Ms Theona

How The World Works

 This week the preschoolers started tuning into their new unit of inquiry, under the transdisciplinary theme of How The World Works. 

The big idea for unit is that all living things go through a process of change.

To started inquiring into what are living things and what are non-living things.

In groups the preschoolers were tasked with sorting a range of objects into either the living category or the non-living category.

This activity proved to be simple for some preschoolers and quite tricky for others. Those with prior knowledge of the characteristics of living things shared their knowledge with their friends. The preschoolers who found the sorting to be tricky were very open-minded and ready to learn from their friends.

Then it was time for the preschoolers to draw pictures of what they think are living things and non-living things. They filled the posters very quickly with their post-its, showing that they all are quite knowledgeable!

Zoom in to see some of their interesting ideas!

Through discussion, the preschoolers shared what they think are the characteristics of living and non-living things.

While we have quite a way to go in defining these characteristics, the preschoolers sure are on the right track!

Next we continue to tune into our new unit.

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In the spirit of inquiring into living things, we took a walk to see the beautiful spring flowers that are currently in full bloom!

The preschoolers saw many living things during our walk - bees, mosquitos, birds, ants and curious little toddlers.

We also shared in the birthday festivities of three of our friends this week! Thank you Sofia, Kaylee and Malin for treating your friends with yummy cake and treats!

Have an awesome weekend, everyone!

Ms Theona

Imagination and A Farewell

Imagination 

This week the preschoolers discovered an exciting addition to our classroom...

A Secret Magic Door!

Our year-long unit, How We Express Ourselves is an inquiry into how we use our imaginations to express ourselves. Therefore, the arrival of The Secret Magic Door was the perfect opportunity for the curious Busy Bees.

"Where does it come from?"

"Who lives inside there?"

"Did the cleaners put it there?"

"Do the other classes also have a tiny door?"

"Can we open the door to see what's on the other side?"

The preschoolers used their vivid imaginations to try and get some answers about what is behind the door. There were an array of wild, funny and smart ideas. They were very excited for this mysterious surprise and left notes for whatever or whoever is behind the door, asking them to come out.

The preschoolers were asked, "What do you think is behind The Secret Magic Door?" and they used their creative drawing skills to draw what they imagine to be behind the door.

 The preschoolers' imaginative ideas ranged from from candy lands, to outer space and the ocean to heaven. Their drawings showed a mixture of their interests and creative, fantasy ideas. They enjoyed expressing their thoughts and feelings through their vibrant imaginations!

Farewell, Sophie

Today we had to say farewell to our friend, Sophie. We will miss her very much here at DSKI but we will always hold the memories made with her, close in our hearts! Sophie... forever a Busy Bee!

Have an awesome Spring break, everyone!

Ms Theona

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