a magical effect before which difficulties
disappear and obstacles vanish."
John Quincy Adams
Today was "Wacky Wednesday" at our school. It was an inservice day which means the children only came to school in the morning. In our classroom, it was also "Yellow Day" and so most of the children were wearing the color of the day. Although we started out with a regular morning of reading, math and art, I decided to make "Wacky Wednesday" an unusual day: and that we should do something quite out of the ordinary. Why not go on an adventure?
Our school has an obstacle course designed many years ago for the older children in our school...but I have found in past years, it provides a learning tool for my children. Five- year-olds love to move. They love to use their bodies to play, communicate, and express emotions. What better way to channel this kinesthetic language into a constructive learning experience then to create an environment where they can experience a challenge. Afterall, the kindergarten year presents many challenges.... learning to read and write, to add and subtract, to get along with others, and to take turns.
Children in kindergarten are asked on a daily basis to take risks. I don't know how many times a day my teaching assistants or I find ourselves saying, "Just try it". "You can do it". A real standard is "We all make mistakes. That's how we learn. Just concentrate." At times, we might ask another child to help; and it's wonderful to hear these same words being used as the child walks the other child through the process of making a number 2 or creating a pattern. And so today, I thought for a change in pace, we would go out in the woods and take a kinesthetic approach to the idea of accepting challenges. Why don't you join us.
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"Life is like riding a bicycle.
To keep your balance you must keep moving."
Albert Einstein
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Christine, our parent volunteer is explaining how to be a "spotter" to your partner.
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As each child was taking the challenge, the rest of the children were cheering them on....
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Leaving the balance beam behind, we headed over to the stationary bars.
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When everyone had a turn, it was time for the biggest challenge of the day...the climbing bars.
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"I did it!"
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"WE ALL DID IT!"
Accept the challenges so
that you may feel the
exhilaration of victory.
~General George S. Patton~
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Comments: 53
Your article is Featured in the Triple Name Club.
It means so much in their school life to have a encouraging teacher such as you and your parent helpers...kudos
I know Cora had a great time on the obstacle course, that is all she talked about over dinner. Dalton added he remembered going there too and how fun it was. To see the two of them bond over school is amazing.
Methinks this also a great resource for other teachers.
Kudos to you, elizabeth
Roy green is not yellow,but you could carry a banana around with you that would count I'm sure of it.
this has been typed for the second time due to a fuzzy orange cat.he likes to stand on the computer and push the off button.
that you may feel the
exhilaration of victory.
~General George S. Patton~
Love that quote!
That was all about team work and supporting each other - I love that they all made it! You are just plain amazing Miss E.
I'm still learning, you see?! The quotes are all so great..each could help us grown ups as well. Your children all look so happy and they are all so beautiful! Smiles of innocence, excitement, adventure and the sense of achievement writ large on their faces.
I love looking at them holding hands, encouraging each other and learning all those new things in a fun way.
You must be the best teacher they will ever have, Bob! I can guarantee that.
Yes, Judi....they ALL made it through the challenges...some with a little help from their friends.
They ALL did make it...that was the beauty of the challenges. And yes, some relied on their friends. But isn't that what life is all about....it's pretty difficult making it on your own. Lol
Girly Comments & Graphics
I agree. Some of our leaders SHOULD come back to K and learn that which they never learnt or that which they have forgotten.
For the most part they are fearless and willing to give it their best shot.
As for being a photographer...I try!
There is a lesson in your K class, for each and every one of us "big people."
Even those who know this, need reminding to practice it in their daily lives.
May we all live within the bubble of trust, friendship, and sharing that pervades your life and classroom. May we all go back to that simple, clean, trusting attitude.
May it drive my days and my acts.
Bless you EE, you move me always.
You remind me. And I am grateful.
Wilka
I come to your comment at dawn and I blush
And I view the images once more and yes,
Bubbles of trust, friendship and sharing
Really does pervade my life and classroom...
and my only hope is that this next generation
will get the art of living right this time.
inspiring..
and I wish all schools could offer this curriculum..can you imagine what this nation would be if so many kids had this kind of beginning in school..(of course home life is a huge factor,too)
Thanks for stopping by. Tonight was "Open House" at my school and I was privileged to meet
all the wonderful parents of my wee ones. Good strong home/school communication is a must... we need to be on the same page and so it is so rewarding that 21 of my 22 children had folks show up for the meeting. I did do a 10 minute slide show as part of my presentation and many of these pictures were in it.
I showed the slide show this morning to the kids and they were really "tickled" to see themselves.
Great photo essay and those kids are fortunate to have you for a teacher. Keep up the enthusiasm and dedication. They will all be better for having had the experiences which you provide for them.