From metamorphosis to symmetry

The Alpha students watched as their caterpillar eggs hatched into larvae and became caterpillars. As they wait to observe the next step of metamorphosis in real life, the children are learning its sequence through the use of puzzles and other manipulatives. Learning about butterflies led to introducing the concept of symmetry. Creating symmetrical designs using paint and folded paper was magical, as was preparing a butterfly snack with symmetrical wings.

Abounding Creativity

Creativity is never in short supply in The Experiential School! The students used open-ended materials without feeling intimidated. Blue playdough, sea-like glass and sea creatures were originally offered as an opportunity for the Junior Kindergarteners to create models of ocean reefs. As frequently happens though, the boys and girls took it a step further, creating everything from the original reefs to pinch pots, pleasing designs and jeweled sculptures.

Junior Kindergarteners used small parts to create original designs, dyed colorful rice for the sensory table, began work on a giant diorama of the sea, and worked collaboratively on the dry erase easel - all opportunities to express their creative ideas.

Science, math, literacy and more

Learning is all in a day’s fun in Junior Kindergarten! It may include an experiment to see how an octopus uses its ink for camouflage, creating and documenting original patterns, or sequencing upper or lower case letters. Whichever it is, the students are developing a love of learning, because it is fun! 

Using a spoon to capture ping pong balls marked with lowercase letters and carrying them over to match them to the corresponding uppercase letters was challenging. It developed coordination, balance and perseverance, as well as letter knowledge! 

In Alpha, four-year-olds construct with a variety of blocks, involving creativity and engineering. Sponge painting on a tee shirt was a chance for the students to demonstrate their understanding of the water and land on Earth. Some of the children’s cutting skills have now advanced to cutting smoothly around a spiral.