Up and Away!

The learners had to collaborate during group activities, such as playing with a parachute, dancing the Greek syrtaki at the international festival, and working on a group papier-mâché hot air balloon. They also took responsibility for their own actions when testing different crafted ‘flying objects’. Additionally, they literally took a different perspective through aerial pictures, gaining a bird’s-eye view.

 

They experienced different art and craft processes, such as using pipe cleaners to shape bubble wands, mono-printing and dripping to recreate the universe, and using various papers to craft different kites or other flying objects. Additionally, they engaged in self-inspired artwork in our maker’s corner.

 

The learners used language in a wide variety of contexts. They described how their kite was made and engaged in role-playing in the cardboard space shuttle or in the class airport. They listened to fiction and non-fiction books related to the topic as well as Greek myths. They memorized songs such as “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” “5 Little Men in a Flying Saucer,” and recited our parent day rhyme.

 

Mathematically, they compared the length of kite tails and measured bubbles with dice. They estimated and counted the bows on kite tails as well as stars. We explored basic and more complex 2D shapes, kite outlines, and basic 3D shapes. The symmetry of kite patterns and many shapes was investigated using mirrors.

 

The children were involved in many explorations using their senses to help them understand the world. They blew bubbles with different wands and even printed them. They experienced gravity: observing how materials like feathers and fabric float while objects like Lego figures fall faster. They also tilted a page with dots of liquid paint to reveal the paint's path. They tested different kites, paper planes, balloon cars and more.

 

Throughout the theme, the children were invited to extend their concentration and make choices. The trips to the nature reserve, the Blaarmeersen, and the beach provided excellent self-care opportunities.

The children each chose a different Greek god and shared one thing that they found appealing about their god of choice. They each had a sense of self-worth and pride related to their chosen god and the linked crafted artifact.