Welcome to N2!
Since returning to school, the year 1/2 neighbourhood two children have been exploring the possibilities of their new learning spaces and ideas of their thinking being provoked.
In the studio the children have been exploring old and new materials. A highlight has been the observational drawing, starting with still life of plants and natural artefacts.
The performance space has welcomed children back with opportunities to use coloured fabric, light and digital technology. This space is beginning to provide a spark for children to explore oceanography. The children shared their thinking and wondering in a group discussion…..
“How did the sea become a thing?” Olive
“How do waves begin?” Esther
“I’m wondering the sun and the sea are having a tug of war to make the tides?” Huon
In the learning commons the children have been telling and writing stories. Ada brought in a map of the world to share with the neighbourhood. The students were then inspired to search their surrounding area in Google Maps. This has begun an exploration into cartography. We asked the children did they find anything suprising whilst searching google maps…..
“I was looking at the Pyramids of Egypt and saw someone riding a camel. I wasn’t expecting to see it!” Ada
“I found my home on Google Maps!” Mia
The construction space allowed for students to explore…..Milo asked if he and a group of peers could work together to create a city. The learning potential in this area is as yet untapped, but we are very excited to delve further into this. One possibility that we as educators can imagine is the chance to bring together the mapping inquiry with the city architects. Students shared their knowledge of cities……
“I built a train station. Because most cities have train stations” Seb
“Because some people don’t have cars” Aslan
“I’m going to build a statue because cities have statues in the middle of them” Olive
After careful observation, listening to the children and discussions within our collegial teams we are beginning to wonder about the connections between the ocean, cities and mapping. Are children drawn to things like maps to help them better understand and feel at ease in their world?