We see lots of paper waste from time to time. Recently, we find ourselves with an abundance of paper waste accumulated from various craft learning experiences. Hmm ... isn't it time for us to rethink together? We should pause to contemplate on our actions and its effects on the environment. For instance, we use simple language to discuss how recycling and reducing paper use help the environment. We come up with an idea, inspired by Henri Matisse, to see an opportunity to combine sustainability with art, instead of discarding these materials. Henri Matisse, known for his vibrant paintings, begins experimenting with paper cut-outs later in his career. This technique, known as drawing with scissors, allows him to create stunning collages by cutting shapes from painted paper and arranging them into dynamic compositions. His work serves as a perfect example of how creativity can transform simple materials into masterpieces. Before starting our art project, we read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. This story about a boy and a tree helps the children understand why it’s important to save paper and take care of nature. We share our thoughts about the tree. However, during our discussion of this story, mostly we empathize with the tree's sacrifices. Margo shares about the feeling of the tree and how she feels for the tree. This emotional depth allows us to connect with both characters, the tree and the boy. Being interested in exploring our range of emotions, we include this question, If I were the boy, how would I do differently? to provide us with opportunities to further reflect upon our own behaviors and relationships. Not long ago, we visit the beach. We have a wonderful time playing in the sand, collecting seashells, crab shells and enjoying the ocean. We decide to use these memories to inspire our collage project. We cut out shapes from the colored paper. We encourage ourselves to think about how different shapes and colors could represent different parts of the beach. We arrange our cut-outs on a canvas, working together to create the collage. Margo eagerly participates, cutting blue paper for the water after she finishes cutting yellow paper for the sun. Her enthusiasm and insight into the importance of reusing materials highlights the significance of our efforts to promote sustainability. As we work on our project, Margo, shows a deep understanding of our recycling efforts. When asked, Are we saving the trees by reusing all the paper we have right now? Margo thoughtfully replies, Yes, because we have to help the trees. We want our trees to be beautiful. This project is more than just an art learning experience; it is a comprehensive one. We learn about an interesting work of an important artist, Henri Matisse, who practices fine motor skills through cutting and arranging. Furthermore, we get engage in discussions about recycling and sustainability. In this way, we experience an action of re-purposing materials. It bring to us the joy of creating something beautiful from materials that would otherwise go to waste. During one discussion about giving back to our Earth, we explore the origins of water. We begin with a question, Where does the water come from? Nora replies, From the waterfalls. Her idea of water coming from waterfalls provides a window about what she understands and opens up opportunities for further learning and discovery. Margo engages and answers, From the lakes. She brings her understanding of how water is collected and stored in nature. This offers a strong foundation for exploration of water sources, and the broader water cycle, which provides us with opportunities for meaningful learning experiences. Now Vivaan, Felix and Brooks contribute their thoughts. Vivaan says, Water comes from the ocean. Felix follows, Water comes from the rain. And Brooks adds, From the rain. Each child identifies a specific source - ocean, lakes, and rain - indicating that we recognize the diversity of water's origins and have exposed ourselves to different aspects of water cycle. This collective exploration can foster a deeper comprehension of how these sources interact and sustain life. Vivaan brings another thought, When it is rainy, it is gray, and when it is sunny, it is white. Felix adds to the conversation by noting, Sometimes the clouds are white and have rain inside. Vivaan's statement reflects his understanding of the relationship between the color of cloud and weather conditions, recognizing that gray clouds are often associated with rain, while white clouds are typically seen on sunny days. Felix's contribution adds complexity to the discussion, indicating his awareness that white clouds also can contain rain. In other words, he suggests that cloud color does not always directly correlate with weather outcomes. Vivaan and Felix's observations and contributions to the conversation reveal our developing understanding of weather patterns and cloud behavior. Vivaan's distinction between gray and white clouds and Felix's insights about white clouds holding rain demonstrate our curiosity and growing knowledge about the natural world. Water comes from the rain - this phrase brings a conversation about rain. Vivaan shares his understanding by explaining, The clouds are white, but sometimes the clouds are gray when they have water inside. His acknowledgement about the changing colors of clouds based on their water content shows his growing understanding of weather and natural processes. Wall-E is chosen for our movie day to portray a future where Earth is overrun with waste and pollution. When further asked to share our views, Nora and Vivaan highlight the importance of taking care of our environment. Through this movie, we learn about the consequences of neglecting environmental issues and the need for responsible waste management. Kindest,
Children & Friends.
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