The Creation Station!

Our class has begun a new choice time center, the Creation Station! Here, our young engineers can use found open- ended materials and use their imaginations to create. 

 First, students explore the possible materials in the Creation Station bin. We've collected objects for reuse from around our school and at home. They imagine what it could be, and think about what they want to make. 

 Next, students think about what other tools and materials they may need. Glue, tape, scissors and string are all available for independent use. Going through this process allows students to experience trial and error along the way. Students can be encouraged to brainstorm new ways to try it by talking through problems with teachers and peers. 

Sketching and writing about our ideas can help us as well. Here, a student made a phone using a tube, string and small cups.  

Lastly, students share their creations with the class and we display them before taking them home. Students can choose to work at this center for an extended period of time. On the right, a student made a rocket with a detailed sketch. Another student made a parachute! So, let's use our imaginations! What can you create?

We Made Soup!

                   It's been pretty chilly around here, and we've been warming up by making our own vegetable soup! First, we read the classic tale Stone Soup. After talking about the story, we thought about what we would want in our own soup. We made a list together and chose what we would want. 



     












              Next, we took a walking trip to our local supermarket and bought the ingredients on our list. Our teachers helped us to wash and cut the vegetables. Then students were able to put everything into the pot and watch it cook throughout the day. We tasted the soup together and made a class book about the experience. 

  












                  After having the experience of visiting the Supermarket, students were inspired to create a Supermarket center. We prepared labels and price tags for the food we would sell. Students love to visit the Supermarket center and shop!