With all the interest in the textures of the things we see on neighborhood walks (things like the spiky cactus, and the rocky soil), Cindy offered explorations with acrylic mediums that offer different sensory representations within the paint. The West Wing children began with one collaborative, warm-toned painting and one cool-toned with additives made for…
While making shadows in the atelier, a group of children theorized that the shadows would be stronger if the the room was darker. We tested this theory by using black fabric to cover some open spaces. The group was challenged: How could they darken the space even more while still having the overhead projector on? Ozzy…
In the Atelier, a light and shadow exploration is offered by incorporating overhead projectors and multiple white materials. As with all materials, we wonder how the experiences will support the children in building relationships. Initially, some children move to the overhead projector and begin to manipulate the materials to project on the walls. Others are…
We recognize the children’s growth in the EW and see representational work emerging. When this happens, I often wonder how we support the intention of community contributions as well as recognizing the individual work the children create. In the Atelier, plastic mesh and wire are set up as a medium to introduce wire as a…
On our first day back in the new school year with Stuart, our intention going into Sound and Movement was just to reconnect with Stuart and his instruments. He brought back his djembe and guitar, instruments the children became familiar with last year, and a few familiar games. Jacob taps the djembe very lightly and…
The children were appearing stuck in representing their ideas of the boy and girl masks and the teachers were wondering how they might support them with materials beyond paints. Following a West Coast Collaborative tour with Clarissa Esguerra of the LACMA exhibit on the work of artist Marc Chagall, the teachers were inspired to share with…
The East Wing children have been discussing NSW and how we could represent our community. They have considered animals/mascots that might best represent who we are and have worked together on ideas for a school flag. We shared this information with Stuart and while in conversation, Palmer and her red gloves reminded the teachers about…
When children begin to expand their knowledge of the multiple materials available and they move from the exploration stage to the implementation process of representing their ideas, the teachers wonder how they will apply what they’ve learned to their current interests. Currently, small groups have been looking at circuits, testing the electric flow through batteries…
The East Wingers are revisiting work that was started last year. Following a budding interest in storytelling, we ended the year looking at mask making, face painting, and costume design for the theatre. With this interest continuing, we took a new look at some of our paper mache mask formations. In small groups, we met…
In the Atelier, we introduce water, liquid food coloring, and eye droppers to the children as an avenue to explore the different hues and values of color in an open-ended way. As the children squeeze, pour, combine, and measure, they share their discoveries and make connections with each other. Fiona: Look what I’m making.…