Learning in the Ladybugs

Playing "Go Fish", perfect for counting and number matching

working on communication, writing postcards

a sneak peak at one of our auction projects

science trays-this one is sink and float

this one is identifying objects that are magnetic

Research shows that children learn best by using hands-on exploration and using concrete materials.  In the Ladybug room, we are using materials that engage young children and encourage them to explore.  Sink and float items let the children explore the concept of density, playing "Go Fish" is a fun way to learn number recognition, play with your friends, learn to take turns and count items on the cards.  Writing postcards gives us the opportunity to plan what we want to write, figure out if we need help with the actual writing, build relationships with classmates and read our classmates names and other simple words.  After the postcard writing, we need to sort the mail, deliver it to mail slots and think about a response.  The class quilt was an opportunity to plan a drawing, plan the space to draw it in, pick the colors and do a little writing.  It also gave us a chance to build class unity and pride in a job well done.

Every activity that takes place in the classroom has a goal that is bigger than is obvious.  Every piece of equipment was chosen to give the children opportunities to explore different concepts.  Many times it takes multiple exposures to the equipment for the children to fully explore it.  While you won't see the children all sitting and doing work sheets, you will see children learning about themselves, their environments and the building blocks of reading, writing and math.  We are working on the "big ideas".  We are learning what math looks like and feels like, reading for the joy of learning, writing our ideas in books and illustrating them because now we are starting to learn the power of the written word.  While we are working on these things every day, we are remembering that these are young children.  Young children with lots of energy and joy.  Children who are learning to wait, take turns, learn how much is enough, how to verbalize the ideas in their minds and take care of their belonging and material for a whole day at a time.