Light Table Writing

This post by Joanne Marie Babalis really caught my attention as there was no written text with the very interesting photos that were posted. I really thought this was a great idea for children to practice their writing by tracing their letters on the light table. What really made me enjoy this post was how the children were able to trace their own bubble letters. I remember during my placement in the Kindergarten field, many children wanted help creating fancy letters, and the big demand was bubble letters.

Looking at the document of Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program (FDELK), teachers can see where the child's learning and goals may be:

In the domain of science and technology, children may state problems and pose questions as part of the design process (FDELK 2011, 2.1, p.117). An example in this case would be "I want to make bubble letters, I wonder how I am going to do that". By having the light reflection through the paper, the child will easily be able to trace and draw.

In the domain of science and technology, children may select and use materials to carry out their own exploration (FDELK 2011, 2.3, p.119). In this case the child may have gathered materials from the classroom with the help of the teacher to make their idea come to life. Children have great imaginations and ideas that should be heard, investigated and put into action!

I was pleased to see that this Kindergarten teacher allowed her students to use materials in all the areas of the room. Many places I have been have restrictions on the children such as art materials stay at the art table or blocks stay on the carpet. By allowing other materials into all areas of the learning environment, children are able to explore many different domains of learning into one activity. In this case the light from the table provides the children a work space that is different than a regular desk they may be prone to drawing and writing on.

Looking again into the FDELK document, other domains are seen through this creative science exploration include:

In the domain of language, the child may demonstrate an interest in writing and choose to write in a variety of contexts (FDELK 2011, 4.1, p.88). By providing children opportunities to use materials in ways that may not always be the true purpose provides children an area to explore and find pleasure in such activities. In this case the child can be enjoying the time to explore with the light while tracing, drawing, and painting their name.

In the domain of visual arts, the child may demonstrate an awareness of personal interests and a sense of accomplishment in visual arts (FDELK 2011, V1.1, p.151). Children who are given the opportunity to explore their interests are able to identify their strengths and enjoy their learning. In this case the child was able to paint their name and explore an interest they may have.

From this great exploration of light, children can take their investigations even further. The post can be found at http://myclassroomtransformation.blogspot.ca/2011/10/our-new-light-table.html.
Through a constructionist lens, you can understand the learning that is visible.

Messing About with Light

It all started in class when we got to mess about with light. I thought this was something I already knew and felt it was just a waste of time. Once I got my hands on the materials, I was eager to start messing around. Just using a small drawer from IKEA and various sizes and intensities of lights, a light box was created!

The materials all provided a different effect on the way light was reflecting. I almost felt that I was never given the real opportunity to actually play and discover the wonders of light. I found during this whole experience I was learning many big ideas that I never thought could even be related to light. 















My favourite part about the whole experience was creating "a line of light". I found this quite amazing to create and see. It was something I have never had the opportunity to do, and after making it I felt as if I have accomplished a life long childhood dream!

Through this blog I will reference to Kindergarten teacher's social media and build on their ideas using a constructionist approach. A document that will be referred to often is Full-Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program curriculum which can be accessed at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/kindergarten.html.

Enjoy!