What is a decoration to each of us?

The picture attached above shows the children's ideas of what decorations are. Each day, the children are encouraged to add more ideas to our chart. The new ideas will be added in different colours, allowing us to see the growth in our learning. 

I noticed a common theme in the children's answers - hanging decorations. All the children in the wind group celebrate Christmas and this is a conversation that arises each day. The children share their ideas on what decorations to use during these Holidays, their different shapes and sizes, etc. 

To broaden their imagination, I read the book "Night Tree" by Eve Bunting. This story is about a family decorating a tree outdoors with food and nuts for the animals. Eagerly, the children asked for us to do the same. They all showed commitment and determination while working on their decorations.  

Apples, cheese, popcorn and flowers 

The children were given a chance to connect to the animals and their need for food during winter time.

As an assessment on what they thought that the animals might like to eat, they drew pictures of what the tree looked like after they decorated it and we recorded our predictions on what will happen to the decorations on a chart.

The tree is decorated! The children are enjoying a bowl of popcorn while reading the story right next to the tree. 

We were all very surprised!! This is the only decoration that was left on the tree.  

Enjoy,

Anamaria

We Decorate Our World

Decorations are seen differently by each individual and expressed in different ways and forms. During the first week of our new unit, the children got a chance to express what they know about decorations. Most of them think that colour is decoration, as well as objects around the room. 

This exploration will continue for eight weeks, allowing the children ample time to inquire, explore and share their learning with others.  

The line of inquiry that we discussed first was: "Decorations tell human stories and help us know one another." 

This directed our discussion towards Remembrance Day. The children are aware of this Holiday and it is a great connection to our unit on decorations and who we are. The tradition of having a poppy pinned close to our hearts, is a form of decoration, remembering the brave ones as well as sending peace, love and kindness around the world.