kid writing Archives - Playful Directions

Environmental Stewardship

Posted on May 4, 2016 by forstm

While reading about and discussing animal migration, we discovered that some species are forced to migrate due to changing environmental factors. Walruses must move their families as temperatures rise around the globe causing their needed ice flows to melt. The children were deeply concerned about this. One child explained that this occurs due to global warming. He shared that people all over the world are using gas and making smoke that goes up into the air and makes the temperatures go up. Another child mentioned that sometimes there is trash in the water, as well.

This conversation inspired the children to invent some very creative machines to help clean-up the Earth.

Loft Closed! Pink Bear Spotted!

Posted on October 27, 2014 by forstm

Although this reporter is unsure of the reason behind the above signs, it is clear that the loft is closed. Three children were diligently making signs this morning while they roped off the stairs. Other closed areas included the windows and the doors. When asked to explain the closure, no comment was given.

Eye-witnesses from the nature playground reported a “pink bear” chasing children and attempting to eat their coats. Many of the children ran frantically through the grass and little woods avoiding the bear. Though this reporter did not actually see a bear, a small piece of pink fluff found by the circuit may be a clue to its existence.

The reporters of channel PK are wondering if these two incidents are connected. Could the pink bear be the cause of the loft closure? Does it have a secret lair in the upper loft? Are the children the perpetrators of a massive cover-up involving the bear’s hideout?

Please stay tuned. We will report any information as soon as it is available.

Sink or Float?

Posted on November 6, 2012 by forstm

Last week, our students started working on a sink or float experiment with items that come from trees. Several items were collected including: a stick, a branch, a leaf, helicopters, a walnut shell, and a chestnut. Then, in small groups, the students made predictions about if certain items would float or sink in a tub of water. Once the predictions were made, we tested each item and made our conclusions.

With great surprise, myself included, all of the items floated! When asked why these items floated, many children deduced that it was because of how light they were. Even items that seemed heavy enough to sink, such as the stick, bobbed right back up the the top of the water. The most exciting part about science experiments is that even the teacher can be surprised by the outcome!

After all the tree items had been tested and results were recorded, the students were asked to write a journal entry about one item in the experiment. The entry needed to include a picture and/or a description of the result using their “kid writing”.

Dream Pets

Posted on February 9, 2012 by forstm

This week, we wound up our pet study by finishing the imaginary pet books we began two weeks ago. The children worked hard designing illustrations to support the text. We have many interesting pets represented, including one call a “ham”. Oddly, the “ham” is drawn as a humanoid shape. It also eats bunnies and people. When questioned by a peer, the student responded that the “ham has a funny diet. It eats everything.” Other pets include a lizard, many fish, a puppy dog, and a Pegasus.

All of the completed books will be placed in the author’s portfolio for your viewing pleasure. Remember that we’ll be scheduling Parent Conferences soon for March 2.
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