Plan for Friday 11/10/13 Blue groups 2nd day term 4.
Introduction to Space
Rationale: Children have shown interest in Star Wars and Space, and are particularly enjoying the ‘dark room’ setup inside the centre (space lego and sensory smells on light box).
The term 4 Program Outlines ‘Group Objectives’ and ‘Intentional Teaching’ include that children will explore space and learn basic facts about the solar system.
Aim: The aim is to introduce basic concepts and key terms associated with space and the solar system whilst integrating two of the terms intentional teaching focus areas, Space and Rhythm and Beat. The a music and movement game, children will be asked to move in a variety of ways to the rhythm of the music being played.
Another aim is to distinguish what facts children already know and believe about space, stars and planets through discussion.
Alterations to Room Plan The room plan will stay as is, only altering the construction table. If desired children can complete an activity at the construction table, or simply experiment with, and explore a change of materials.
Activity: Making moons with craters, suns or other planets and space-like creations
Rationale: This activity will encourage children’s thinking about space and planets as they recreate their own moon, sun or planet.
Children will explore different textures as they choose their materials and imagine the surface they will create when they place and press the foil on top, if they choose to make the moon. Children can also explore other textures and decorative means if they choose to create a sun or planet.
Aim: To encourage children to play with surface and texture while re-imagining the moon and planets.
Through decision processes regarding what planet to make, and what materials to use, hopefully children will communicate their ideas and beliefs with their peers.
Materials:
Paper plates
Aluminium foil cut into square pieces Assortment of 3D bits and bobs
PVA glue
Colour pencils/crayons/texta’s
Scrap paper
Mat Time Activities:
Storybook: Spaceman Piggy Wiggy by Christyan and Diane Fox
Includes concepts of star gazing, space suits, rocket ships, outer space, ‘everything floats’, and landing on other strange planets.
Discussion and youtube clip:
Ask children what they know about space, planets and the solar system
Show ‘Story Bots’ ‘We are the planets-the solar system’ and ‘It’s time to shine-Moon song’.
Game: Spaceship Trip (music and movement activity)
-Make a circle using song
Make a circle, Make a circle
Make it round, Make it round
Hurry up and make it, Hurry up and make it
Don’t sit down, Don’t sit down
Climb Aboard the Space Ship (itsy bitsy tune) http://www.childcarelounge.com/general-themes/space.php
Climb aboard the spaceship, we’re going to the moon,
Hurry and get ready, we’re going to blast off soon,
Put on your helmets, and buckle up real tight,
Here comes the countdown, let’s count with all our might
10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…BLAST OFF!
Imagine what it is like floating through space.
Play music Disney World Space Mountain, and Star Wars theme. children move around the floor imagining they are floating until the music stops.
Children have spotted and floated over to another planet.
Begin music again and actions change..
whizzy whirling twirling
crawling planet
everyone is tall
everyone is small
wriggling worms
Big steps
Little steps
Laughing planet
Loud animals planet
quiet animals
Now it is time to return back home to Earth..
Climb aboard the spaceship, we’re going home to Earth,
Hurry and get ready, we’re going to blast off soon,
Put on your helmets, and buckle up real tight,
Here comes the countdown, let’s count with all our might
10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…BLAST OFF!
Method-
-Begin with the tasks explained under ‘mat time activities’.
-Begin by showing the book, and before reading, ask children what they know about space, the planets and the solar system.
-Refer to solar system poster attached to white board,
-Read the story, then discuss,
-Show youtube clips about the solar system and the moon.
-make a circle, then sing ‘climb aboard the spaceship’
-explain game, similar to musical statues, then play.
-sing ‘climb aboard the spaceship’ again, with altered lyrics to return home to Earth.
-Explain the activity at the construction table.
Reflection Mat Time-
Mat time is always an area that can be improved. A further understanding of the children’s behaviours and attention spans would have helped here. I felt like I continued with the musical statues game for a bit too long. Some children were still enjoying it while others had lost interest. The children got involved in the actions in the song, and I feel they enjoyed the storybook and youtube clip.
For the future, make sure I remember to set ground rules beforehand, eg, staying on the carpeted area, don’t touch other people.
Make sure all computer related activities are switched on, working and ready to go.
This activity may have worked better in a smaller group, or by splitting the group in 2, one having a story or short video while one plays the game. Although it was still good to see how the children behaved in a large group.
Reflection Construction Table:
The idea was to prompt space-like imagery and ideas around space, with a few examples to trigger ideas and imagination. The children seemed to enjoy the materials on the table, experimenting with the foil, and raising a variety of discussions around the concept of space.
The activity was introduced before the introduction at mat time, though the children still had quite a good understanding, imaginary and realistic, about space.
The table was mostly occupied, with children wanting to make a number of creations before moving on to another activity.
I think this activity went well, though I could have explained more clearly the different ways of manipulating foil in relation to the ‘moon’ activity and feeling the texture of the objects underneath the foil. Although it was also nice seeing how the children approached the materials.
Links to framework
Outcome 1: Identity
Children are increasingly co-operative and are able to work collaboratively with others as they negotiate taking turns and consider spatial awareness when working as a group.
Outcome 2: Connected
Through concepts of space children broaden their understanding of the world in which they live as they cooperate with others and negotiate roles and relationships in play episodes and group experiences.
Outcome 3: Wellbeing Through the space game influenced by musical statues, children will demonstrate spatial awareness and orient themselves, moving around and through their environments confidently and safely.
Outcome 4: Learning
On the construction table children investigate, imagine and explore ideas.
Outcome 5: Communication
Children use the creative the creative arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, drama, dance, movement, music and storytelling to express ideas and make meaning, whilst also transferring these ideas from setting to another.
Introduction to Space
Rationale: Children have shown interest in Star Wars and Space, and are particularly enjoying the ‘dark room’ setup inside the centre (space lego and sensory smells on light box).
The term 4 Program Outlines ‘Group Objectives’ and ‘Intentional Teaching’ include that children will explore space and learn basic facts about the solar system.
Aim: The aim is to introduce basic concepts and key terms associated with space and the solar system whilst integrating two of the terms intentional teaching focus areas, Space and Rhythm and Beat. The a music and movement game, children will be asked to move in a variety of ways to the rhythm of the music being played.
Another aim is to distinguish what facts children already know and believe about space, stars and planets through discussion.
Alterations to Room Plan The room plan will stay as is, only altering the construction table. If desired children can complete an activity at the construction table, or simply experiment with, and explore a change of materials.
Activity: Making moons with craters, suns or other planets and space-like creations
Rationale: This activity will encourage children’s thinking about space and planets as they recreate their own moon, sun or planet.
Children will explore different textures as they choose their materials and imagine the surface they will create when they place and press the foil on top, if they choose to make the moon. Children can also explore other textures and decorative means if they choose to create a sun or planet.
Aim: To encourage children to play with surface and texture while re-imagining the moon and planets.
Through decision processes regarding what planet to make, and what materials to use, hopefully children will communicate their ideas and beliefs with their peers.
Materials:
Paper plates
Aluminium foil cut into square pieces Assortment of 3D bits and bobs
PVA glue
Colour pencils/crayons/texta’s
Scrap paper
Mat Time Activities:
Storybook: Spaceman Piggy Wiggy by Christyan and Diane Fox
Includes concepts of star gazing, space suits, rocket ships, outer space, ‘everything floats’, and landing on other strange planets.
Discussion and youtube clip:
Ask children what they know about space, planets and the solar system
Show ‘Story Bots’ ‘We are the planets-the solar system’ and ‘It’s time to shine-Moon song’.
Game: Spaceship Trip (music and movement activity)
-Make a circle using song
Make a circle, Make a circle
Make it round, Make it round
Hurry up and make it, Hurry up and make it
Don’t sit down, Don’t sit down
Climb Aboard the Space Ship (itsy bitsy tune) http://www.childcarelounge.com/general-themes/space.php
Climb aboard the spaceship, we’re going to the moon,
Hurry and get ready, we’re going to blast off soon,
Put on your helmets, and buckle up real tight,
Here comes the countdown, let’s count with all our might
10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…BLAST OFF!
Imagine what it is like floating through space.
Play music Disney World Space Mountain, and Star Wars theme. children move around the floor imagining they are floating until the music stops.
Children have spotted and floated over to another planet.
Begin music again and actions change..
whizzy whirling twirling
crawling planet
everyone is tall
everyone is small
wriggling worms
Big steps
Little steps
Laughing planet
Loud animals planet
quiet animals
Now it is time to return back home to Earth..
Climb aboard the spaceship, we’re going home to Earth,
Hurry and get ready, we’re going to blast off soon,
Put on your helmets, and buckle up real tight,
Here comes the countdown, let’s count with all our might
10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…BLAST OFF!
Method-
-Begin with the tasks explained under ‘mat time activities’.
-Begin by showing the book, and before reading, ask children what they know about space, the planets and the solar system.
-Refer to solar system poster attached to white board,
-Read the story, then discuss,
-Show youtube clips about the solar system and the moon.
-make a circle, then sing ‘climb aboard the spaceship’
-explain game, similar to musical statues, then play.
-sing ‘climb aboard the spaceship’ again, with altered lyrics to return home to Earth.
-Explain the activity at the construction table.
Reflection Mat Time-
Mat time is always an area that can be improved. A further understanding of the children’s behaviours and attention spans would have helped here. I felt like I continued with the musical statues game for a bit too long. Some children were still enjoying it while others had lost interest. The children got involved in the actions in the song, and I feel they enjoyed the storybook and youtube clip.
For the future, make sure I remember to set ground rules beforehand, eg, staying on the carpeted area, don’t touch other people.
Make sure all computer related activities are switched on, working and ready to go.
This activity may have worked better in a smaller group, or by splitting the group in 2, one having a story or short video while one plays the game. Although it was still good to see how the children behaved in a large group.
Reflection Construction Table:
The idea was to prompt space-like imagery and ideas around space, with a few examples to trigger ideas and imagination. The children seemed to enjoy the materials on the table, experimenting with the foil, and raising a variety of discussions around the concept of space.
The activity was introduced before the introduction at mat time, though the children still had quite a good understanding, imaginary and realistic, about space.
The table was mostly occupied, with children wanting to make a number of creations before moving on to another activity.
I think this activity went well, though I could have explained more clearly the different ways of manipulating foil in relation to the ‘moon’ activity and feeling the texture of the objects underneath the foil. Although it was also nice seeing how the children approached the materials.
Links to framework
Outcome 1: Identity
Children are increasingly co-operative and are able to work collaboratively with others as they negotiate taking turns and consider spatial awareness when working as a group.
Outcome 2: Connected
Through concepts of space children broaden their understanding of the world in which they live as they cooperate with others and negotiate roles and relationships in play episodes and group experiences.
Outcome 3: Wellbeing Through the space game influenced by musical statues, children will demonstrate spatial awareness and orient themselves, moving around and through their environments confidently and safely.
Outcome 4: Learning
On the construction table children investigate, imagine and explore ideas.
Outcome 5: Communication
Children use the creative the creative arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, drama, dance, movement, music and storytelling to express ideas and make meaning, whilst also transferring these ideas from setting to another.
Plan for Wednesday 16th October ‘13
Outdoor Space &Weaving
Rationale- After the introduction of Space, children were inspired to further their learning, and to continue ideas of space in other activity stations. The Space creations construction table, as well as the dark room are still high interests areas in the room by many.
Aim- To encourage children to think about space in a different setting through games and a sensory experience. This interest may also integrate into other outdoor activity areas through role-play.
ALTERATIONS TO OUTDOOR PLAN As this space alters from day to day, also dependent on the weather, there will be no major changes to the current plan. Additional areas will be added, and the mat on the crate which has recently had musical instruments may be used as an area for weaving.
Activity- Moon Sand
Rationale- Related to space theme through title, whilst providing a different sensory experience. Incorporates maths as children count and measure the ingredients.
Aim- The aim is for children to enjoy and explore a new sensory experience. Children will continue negotiating ‘turns’ and spatial awareness as they share their descriptive and imaginative vocabularies.
Materials- 8 cups Flour 1 cup baby oil Large Trays Table
If extended, moon sand utensils, moulds, textured objects or even glitter.
MAT TIME
Song- ‘Climb Aboard the Spaceship’
Climb aboard the Spaceship, We’re going to the moon
Hurry and get ready, We’re going to blast off soon,
Put on your helmets, and buckle up real tight,
Here comes the countdown, let’s count with all our might,
10,,9…-1…Blast Off!
Use song to open and close game- Musical Statues in Space
Storybook- ‘Teatime in Space’ by Caroline Castle
Introduces some more concepts about space to think about whether they are true or false.
Short film- Story bot- the solar system.
METHOD
REFLECTIONS
Activity- The children responded very positively to the moon sand and we negotiated as a group our space, taking turns for measuring, taking turns for having a turn, and how many people should have a turn at a single time. Children are becoming increasingly competent at communicating their needs and safety. The children are starting to extend these ideas further to considering the needs of their peers.
Mat Time- I felt this activity was much more successful this time after taking into consideration the flaws in my first attempt. With the computer already to go, the songs burnt on a CD to create louder volume, and being more confident in remembering the song and setting the scene the difference was obvious.
LINKS TO EYLF
Communication through role-play, negotiation and considering ones needs with a strong sense of self identity.
Learning through hands on experience and willing to participate.
Outcome 1: Identity- Children displayed their sense of identity and also belonging as they begin to initiate negotiating and sharing behaviours, made evident during the moon sand activity.
Outdoor Space &Weaving
Rationale- After the introduction of Space, children were inspired to further their learning, and to continue ideas of space in other activity stations. The Space creations construction table, as well as the dark room are still high interests areas in the room by many.
Aim- To encourage children to think about space in a different setting through games and a sensory experience. This interest may also integrate into other outdoor activity areas through role-play.
ALTERATIONS TO OUTDOOR PLAN As this space alters from day to day, also dependent on the weather, there will be no major changes to the current plan. Additional areas will be added, and the mat on the crate which has recently had musical instruments may be used as an area for weaving.
Activity- Moon Sand
Rationale- Related to space theme through title, whilst providing a different sensory experience. Incorporates maths as children count and measure the ingredients.
Aim- The aim is for children to enjoy and explore a new sensory experience. Children will continue negotiating ‘turns’ and spatial awareness as they share their descriptive and imaginative vocabularies.
Materials- 8 cups Flour 1 cup baby oil Large Trays Table
If extended, moon sand utensils, moulds, textured objects or even glitter.
MAT TIME
Song- ‘Climb Aboard the Spaceship’
Climb aboard the Spaceship, We’re going to the moon
Hurry and get ready, We’re going to blast off soon,
Put on your helmets, and buckle up real tight,
Here comes the countdown, let’s count with all our might,
10,,9…-1…Blast Off!
Use song to open and close game- Musical Statues in Space
Storybook- ‘Teatime in Space’ by Caroline Castle
Introduces some more concepts about space to think about whether they are true or false.
Short film- Story bot- the solar system.
METHOD
REFLECTIONS
Activity- The children responded very positively to the moon sand and we negotiated as a group our space, taking turns for measuring, taking turns for having a turn, and how many people should have a turn at a single time. Children are becoming increasingly competent at communicating their needs and safety. The children are starting to extend these ideas further to considering the needs of their peers.
Mat Time- I felt this activity was much more successful this time after taking into consideration the flaws in my first attempt. With the computer already to go, the songs burnt on a CD to create louder volume, and being more confident in remembering the song and setting the scene the difference was obvious.
LINKS TO EYLF
Communication through role-play, negotiation and considering ones needs with a strong sense of self identity.
Learning through hands on experience and willing to participate.
Outcome 1: Identity- Children displayed their sense of identity and also belonging as they begin to initiate negotiating and sharing behaviours, made evident during the moon sand activity.