Mindfulness Music experience

We have been practicing focusing our attention and paying attention to our breathing and posture.  During a recent music class, Jason shared some body awareness techniques with us that he has learned.  We explain to the children that engaging in these types of practices will make them happier, healthier, smarter and stronger.  Could that be true?  Ask your children to explain the principles behind this theory...

After we practiced these techniques, Jason taught them a beautiful song about dancing in the rain.  The quality of their attention and their level of engagement in this musical activity was a wonderful thing to witness.

Culminating our Human Body Study

The most essential component of the Project Approach theory is that the theme comes from the ideas and interest of the children. This concept allows for the children to feel highly motivated and actively involved in their own learning as they become researchers and scientists, enabling them to grow as individuals and collaborators. Our Human Body Study has certainly been a tremendous learning experience for all.  Even though it was the Kindergarteners’ choice of study, the teachers have gained knowledge as teaching and learning are seen as interactive processes.

To represent their learning, throughout the study the Kindergarteners participated in creating a 3-D model of the Human Body which they named, Skelly. Using different types of materials from our classroom and homes, they have crafted various internal human body organs and labeled each one. 

Also, on a sheet of paper with an outline-body shape, the Kindergarteners drew and labeled some of the organs and their function within the body. They did the same activity prior to our study, and it was amazing to see how much knowledge the Kindergarteners had gained when comparing the one they did at the beginning of our study to the one at the end. 

And, as a final representation of their joyous learning, the Kindergarteners devised a song to include their new found knowledge of te human body. The children were so proud to perform the song during our Assembly before Spring Break.

THE HUMAN BODY

by Raji and Alicia’s Kindergarten Class of 2012 - 2013

Your brain sends the messages all around.

Your teeth help you chew.

Your trachea takes the air down to your lungs and

Your spine helps you bend.

 Your fibula is connected to your tibia.

The muscles pull your bones and that helps you move.

And your ears help you hear

All the sounds around

And your eyes help you see

All the things in the beautiful world
(CHORUS)

Your phalanges help you pick things up

Your femur helps you run.

The arteries bring oxygen all the way to your body

You veins bring the blood back to your heart 
Again and again and again

CHORUS

Your kidneys clean your blood for you

And your skull protects your brain

Your rib cage protects the insides for you

And your cells make up your skin

           

CHORUS:

Franklin Institute Adventure

Our adventure to the Franklin Institute was the perfect hands-on science destination for the Kindergarteners...and the adults too! We had a lot of fun.  What a great way to culminate our Human Body Study. Thank you, families, for sharing your time with us!