Spontaneous: This morning during outside play, I set a Christmas craft on the table. I called out to Daphne, Pico and Grace to help me. Daphne, Pico and Grace were curious about what I wanted them to do. Daphne asked 'what are we going to Make?' I explained 'that they can make a 'Christmas tree'. I provided the children with plain paddle pop sticks, and different colours sharpie markers to use to colour the paddle pop stick. Pico Grace and Daphne were super excited to colour the paddle pop sticks. I went inside and put on children's Christmas songs. Daphne, Grace and Pico were all singing along to the songs. Novia came and joined the table, Novia saw what the others were doing and was able to imitate her peers. Grace, Pico and Daphne were done colouring their paddle pop stick, Grace asked 'what do we do next Massa?' I demonstrated to the children how to make their Christmas trees using the paddle pop stick with glue. The children had a choice to choose what colour older they would like their Christmas tree to be. When Daphne, Pico, Grace and Novia were done I encouraged the children to write their names on their artwork. Next at the table were Hunter, Jude, Naiama, Jenayah and Dakoda. Jenayah was more interested in gluing the paddle pop stick without colouring it first. Hunter was very interested in drawing with the sharpie marker on the paper. Naiama and Jude were wonderful at making their Christmas trees.
Link to Pedagogical Documentation
EYLF Outcomes
Outcomes: 5: Children are effective communicators Elements: 5.1 Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes. Children in this learning experience were able to interact with their educators to explore ideas and concepts and clarify and challenge thinking.
Theorists
This learning experience can be linked to Gardner's theories. He saw the arts and creativity as playing major roles in children's learning. Children are able to explore many cognitive concepts through their play and creative explorations.
Interpretation
Critical Reflection: This experience was simple for the children, the children had a choice to glue the paddle pop stick without coloring the stick, and the Joeys were able to participate in this art and craft. The Possums enjoyed this experience, they were able to extend and develop fine motor skills, fine muscle strength, coordination, language skills, and imagination. They enjoyed this activity as they are able to concentrate and sing along to Christmas songs. This activity allows the children to experiment with colors, mix colors, and create their own colors to suit their ideas of what they want to produce. Follow Up: More Christmas art and crafts.
