Weekly Activities

This week Maple group returned to our inquiry about shades of colour. The children built on what they know about adding black and white to make tints and shades; and about creating new colours out of primary colours. First, they reflected on how many kinds of green they could see around them and their ideas sound a little bit like a poem. The children showed a special interest in naming the shades of green they saw, so we looked up some names other people have given those shades to see if they fit. Next, each child made their own shade or two of green by mixing different amounts of blue and yellow. Are they all the same? What happens with mostly blue? What about mostly yellow? Finally, surprise! The colours we mixed happened to be out of vinegar. So let's make our own art canvas with our shades of green in a tray of baking soda! The children were caring inquirers, watching with baited breath as their friends each took turns and celebrating with them

This week, we focused on our Unit of Inquiry's Key Concept of Perspective - "How is colour used in visual arts to represent beauty?" The story of "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds facilitated our philosophical discussions and art activity. The story: Vashti is convinced she can’t draw. Her teacher encourages her to “make a mark and see where it takes you.” Vashti makes a frustrated mark on the page, and her teacher asks her to sign it. The next week, Vashti is surprised to find her dot displayed for everyone to see. Realizing she can draw a better dot than that, Vashti begins creating many more dots, in all different colours, sizes and styles. Later Vashti meets a boy who is convinced that he can’t draw. Vashti encourages the boy to “make a mark and see where it takes you,” which sets in motion a whole new story. Philosophical Discussion: The Dot raises philosophical questions about the definition and evaluation of art. Before re

When we mixed potions last week, some of the children were frustrated trying to make pink. As much clear water as they added to the red, it just still looked red. So this week Maple group did another colour experiment. We made predictions about what would happen if we added white to colours. The children were excited to display their findings. When we looked the at results together the children saw: "I put white and red and it turned pink." "I mixed white with black and it made gray." and "White and purple make light purple." Some of our predictions raised more questions for us. If adding white didn't turn the colours darker, then what would? Thinkers that they are, the children concluded that paint mixing test number two was the best way to find out. The teacher picked the experiment and their predictions show that they were still unsure what was going to happen. While mixing their paints the children exclaimed: "It turne