Poppy Environment: Curriculum Spotlight

Children's Interests and Curriculum

Games with Rules

 This semester the Poppies were very interested in creating and participating in games with rules. They were interested in the structure of the games, especially those games that had powerful roles embedded within them. Games with competition and also games with cooperation were explored.

Construction

 The Poppies explored construction through a variety of different mediums. They explored large construction, where they learned how to use tools such as hammers, drills, saws. During this time the Poppies became familiar with creating plans or “blueprints” of their large construction ideas. These blueprints allowed the Poppies to work in detail on their constructions, and then come back to them later to make changes and edit their work. The following semester the Poppies continued on to “tiny construction”. This work focused on the Poppies interest in using tiny tools such a sewing needles and thread. They enjoyed collecting “beautiful” and “special” natural objects they found in our yard, or recycled materials form our loose parts collections. They would collect these materials then find different ways to attach them to built tiny constructions such as people, their accessories, animals, vehicles and much more.

Cooking

 The Poppies took part in a variety of different cooking projects this semester. They explored the five different groups such as grains, protein, fruit, vegetables, dairy. They worked on writing out each recipe and all of their ingredients every week, then they would cook! At the end of the semester all of the recipes were complied and send out to the families so they could enjoy our recipes and share some of our experiences.

Home and School Connections

• At the end of the semester the Poppies put in some hard work to make the school beautiful for their families. They presented all of the different projects they had been interested in and working on. The families and children were all able to mine and develop a deeper sense of community.
• We made a book that described all of the curriculum and projects we had been working on during the school year. We also included photos of the children and their work. This book helped to better connect with the families by giving them a more in depth look at the work the children have been doing.

Main Areas of Development; Early Learning Foundations/DRDP

Games with Rules: The Poppies were extremely interested in creating and playing games with rules this semester. They developed their self-control of feelings and behaviors as well as their engagement and persistence. Many of these games were played in groups where the Poppies really exercised their social skills. While working and playing in their outdoor environment the Poppies observed many different life cycles while working in the garden. They learned about caring for other living creatures. Safety and care routines… Cooking: This project allows the children to become comfortable using tools for measurement.