Exploring Play Everyday!

One of my favourite parts of Play Based Learning is taking the learning outside. While my school doesn't have a lot of space on the property for play and exploration, there is a trail system close by that we can explore. This week we have continued our Living Things science unit with lots of outdoor learning. How to animals move?  Students brainstormed the different ways animals can move, and we chose 6 of those ways to put on our big active living cube. Then we took turns rolling the dice - they would call out the name of an animal who travels in that way and then they would pretend to be that animal. Students had lots of fun. After the game, we had a discussion about why animals move in different ways. Why to snakes slighter? Do animals move in different ways so they can get to the food they want? Why are some animals faster than other animals? Crabs and bugs both crawl- but really differently- are they both called crawling? So much wonder, inquiry and questioni...

Connect 4 - Addition game It was just 2 years ago that I began hearing about Math Block and its many benefits. Since I had my Literacy Block up and running smoothly (most of the time), I decided to give it a go! I haven't looked back since.  Geometry with Pattern Blocks Sorting 3D shapes by sorting rules I love that Math Block is designed to reinforce and practice new and old concept- concepts just learned and concepts that were taught in October. It's amazing just how quickly they forget the names of 3D shapes, how to extend a pattern or the dreaded addition strategies!  With Math Block they can practice these skills in a non-threatening way, with a partner, with manipulatives, or by themselves!   Play and exploration is an important part of math practice in early grades. How many of us adults say we 'hate math' because we spent hours as small children using a pencil to write answers to questions? There is plenty of time for memorising fac...

We welcomed some new creepy crawly insects to our classroom last week! The students were instantly intrigued.  We haven't talked about the life cycle yet, however one student has already asked me to show him a picture of it so he could represent it in a drawing.  Other students have been reading and viewing all about butterflies, moths and insects- and others can't get enough of watching them grow using the magnifying glasses! What a joy to have in our classroom... watching the caterpillars grow, and the students grow at the same time! Inquiry at its best Rainbows and Sunshine,  Mrs. Lloyd

Love love LOVE getting little notes from kids... they mean the most! I love the confirmation that Play Based Learning works- and makes kids comfortable, happy, social and clever problem solvers! Sometimes kids remind us what it's all about! Rainbows and Sunshine, Mrs. Lloyd

Where do I begin? It was only a few years ago that our school board brought in Play Based Learning for the Kindergarten level. I was one of the lucky few who were trained in the pedagogy at the very beginning. However I didn't teach K right away, so I didn't have to dive right in. This year, the PBL idea moved up to grade 1. I was excited... Scared... sceptical.... unsure.... But I did it, I jumped right in! I learned what I could, did webinars, read blog posts, searched online, spoke to colleagues. I felt like I was back in university again! Will it work? Will my students be able to read and write by June? Will it really minimize behaviour issues? Is going outside almost everyday in Canada really feasible? Will it be a lot of work? Well.... the answer to all of those questions is YES! Here is a graphic I designed- I wish someone would have told me these things before I started. This is geared more to preparing for writing in Play Based Learning (which I found...