A Flurry of Fun

With the end of winter just around the corner in these parts, I thought it a good idea for my students to create snowpeople that would resist melting.  After reading various stories about snowmen (Snowballs by Lois Ehlert, The Biggest, Best Snowman by Margery Cuyler, and Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner) we set about to write a list of criteria for making the perfect snowman.  We used empty coffee cream bottles and styrofoam balls as the base of our sculptures adding details such as googly eyes, buttons, fabric scraps, and feathers from a moulting boa I found lying around my house (don't ask!).  Our Grade 4 Reading Buddies assisted the kindergarten children by helping with gluing and the insertion of appendages (we used popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and golf tees for arms).

Notice that the snowman front and centre is sporting a pattern on his buttons.
An incredible little math detail that the young artist included without being asked to.

We proudly displayed our finished masterpieces in the school office so that parents and guests can feast their eyes upon our "Flurry of Fun!"

A New Spin

After reading a number of traditional versions of Goldilocks and the Three Bears I came across this delightful version which takes the classic fairytale and gives it a new spin.  Cindy Meyers' account of Goldilocks misadventures follows the basic traditional storyline but changes things up by having Baby Bear use a wheelchair to get around.  As well, Baby Bear has a very comfy bed that has a remote control to make it go up and down.  Of course, Goldilocks' innate curiousity gets the best of her as she discovers these unique items.  The story also ends in a very different way sending a lovely message of inclusivity and cooperation.

As I introduced the book to the children in my class I asked them what they noticed about the picture on the front cover.  Here are their responses:
"There is Goldilocks."
"I see flowers."
"There is a butterfly."
"They are outside."
"They look happy."
"Where is the Mama Bear and Papa Bear."
"They are outside in the woods."
I was surprised (and delighted) that no one seemed to notice anything unusual in the fact that Baby Bear was in a wheelchair.  


Sometimes I think children should run the world.

Fine-Feathered Friends

I suspect that there are many turkeys out there today letting out a sigh of relief!  To learn about Thanksgiving I read a number of turkey themed stories to my Kindergarten students.  Two of our favourites are 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey and The Turkey Ball by David Steinberg.  We then get crafty by making colourful turkeys of our own.

This is a great pre-reading and sequencing activity as the children construct their own craft following the visual icons.  The results speak for themselves: