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Nursery 2 Optimistic
Welcome to N2 Optimistic! Based on our class name, we are always looking on the bright side and embrace mistakes to be part of the learning process!
For Term 1, the topic was Colours of the Rainbow. For Term 2, the topic was on Life Cycle of a Plant and for Term 3, the topic was Wild Animals.
Term Overview
Term 1
Theme: Rainbow
Topic: Colours of the Rainbow
During a class activity after a storytelling session of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, different colours of paint (red, blue, yellow, pink, purple, grey, white, black) were distributed for the children to decorate their very own caterpillar. When they were painting their caterpillars, some of the N2 children pointed to a colour and said,”I want that!” without saying the name of the colour. I went up to them and asked, ”What colour is that?” and the children were unsure and clueless of the correct name of the colour. Hence, for this term, children gained more knowledge of the different colours through singing to a colour song and made their own rainbow collages.
Term 3
Theme: Animals
Topic: Wild Animals
I chose this topic as my N2 children’s favourite book is “Ayobami and the Names of the Animals” by Pilar Lopez. When I introduced the book to them during story-telling, they were beyond fascinated and interested in the different types of wild animals such as hippopotamus, leopard, crocodile, snake.
Term 2
Theme: Plants
Topic: Life Cycle of a Plant
Our school’s garden is filled with different types and species of plants. One day, a child asked me, “Teacher Joey, why is the flower becoming bigger?”. The question sparked the curiosity of other children in the class and they began to realise that the flowers in the garden did grow taller. Hence, the topic of the life cycle of a plant was chosen as children co-construct their knowledge based on their questions.
Term 4
To be updated in September 2020
Lesson Documentation
Term 1 Theme: Rainbow
Topic: Colours of the Rainbow
N2
Lesson Overview
Teacher Joey started her lesson by showing the Nursery 2 children a video of “I Can Sing A Rainbow” and get children to sing along. The lyrics of the song is about the colours and the colours pop out when the colour names are sung, which helps children identify the different colours of the rainbow through the song.
The lesson focuses on the learning area of ‘Aesthetics and Creative Expression’ as children get to create their own rainbow collage using their imagination and creativity. After listening to the song, the children will be able to express their creativity by making a rainbow collage with different materials like felt, foam, coloured paper, foil and washi tape.
The lesson also focuses on the learning area of ‘Motor Skills Development’ as they use hand-eye coordination to place the materials on the template. They are also developing their sensory motor skills as they touch and feel the texture of the different materials.
Lesson Objectives
Children will be able to:
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Identify the different colours of rainbow.
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Make their own rainbow collage with their creativity.
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Practice fine motor skills as they paste the materials on their rainbow collage.
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Develop sensory skills as they touch and feel the different textures of the materials like felt, foam, coloured paper, foil and washi tape.
Teaching Technique used
Guidance:
According to the National Childcare Association, guidance refers to positive discipline which includes setting clear, consistent limits that have reasons and striving to foster self-esteem and independence. Guidance should be used to support and enhance a child’s social and emotional development. To practice guidance, the teachers build positive teacher-child relationships and models cooperation and empathy. For example, giving each child a time of undivided attention and using positive encouragement like, “You did such a great job keeping the table neat and tidy! That was a helpful thing to do.” to build a closer relationship with the child.
Teachers should also plan developmentally appropriate lessons and lessons that are flexible and more accommodating to individual needs, thus reducing the need for children to engage in mistaken behaviour. For example, children with shorter attention span and engagement might struggle in a more structured classroom setting. The teacher can make simple arrangements such as placing a snack corner where children can sit whenever they need a break.
Importance of Guidance in our school:
Our staff in Nurturing Rainbow Preschool values the importance of a safe and secure classroom environment for children to explore freely with the help of guidance from teachers. Through guidance, it encourages positive behaviours in children which helps them to complete their tasks effectively. The flexible lesson structure also accommodates children of different needs to accommodate each and every child.
Teaching Technique:
Guidance
Guidance Strategy 1 (0:00- 0:17): Ensuring Smooth Transition with Hello Song
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Before the lesson, Teacher Joey demonstrated the teaching technique of guidance by singing the hello song. This ensures smooth transition as the song adds to the positive climate. Teacher Joey engaged the group of children by singing to direct and capture their attention. Adding on, she reached out for physical touch which adds to the warm classroom climate.
Guidance Strategy 2 (0:18- 0:44): Establish Classroom Rules
During tuning-in, Teacher Joey demonstrated supportive guidance by introducing the golden rules with the visually-stimulating rule chart. She involved children in setting rules and the rules are simple, positive phrasing and easy for children to follow. She sets appropriate classroom expectations and this helps create a positive social climate in the classroom.
Guidance Strategy 3: Create Engaging Experiences
(0:47-1.00) Teacher Joey brings out a rainbow neon light which captures the children's attention. It is aesthetically pleasing and helps set an engaging classroom environment.
(1:27-1:31) Teacher Joey introduces the colour wheel for the child to spin and say out the colour name.
(2:47-3:07) After doing the main activity, Teacher Joey brings out a rainbow template and got the child to match the colour name to the colour.
Teacher Joey takes on the role of an intentional teacher and observed children regularly. She made sure her activities and materials connect to the children's interests as the materials are colourful and of different textures (Berk, L. E., 2013).
Materials for rainbow collage
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Guidance Strategy 4 (1:08-1:25): Introducing Songs
Songs and melodies add to the positive climate. (Dombro, A.L., J. Jablon, & C. Stetson., 2011). Introducing the song, "I Can Sing A Rainbow" allows children to understand the concept of colours of the rainbow in a fun and engaging way.
Guidance Strategy 5: Provide Short and Clear Directions
(1:27-1.32): Teacher Joey said," First you spin the wheel, then you tell me the colour name okay."
(1:51-1:56): Teacher Joey said,"Later you spin the wheel again, then you choose the next colour."
(2:39- 2:48) Teacher Joey said," Can you match the colour name to the colour?"
Guidance Strategy 6 : Asking Questions
Teacher Joey ask questions to provoke children's thinking.
(1:37-1:39) Teacher Joey asked,"Blue is which one?"
(1:44-1:47) Teacher Joey asked "Can you tell me what colour is this?"
(1:59-2:03) Teacher Joey asked, "Can you tell me what things are red in colour?"
Guidance Strategy 7: Give a verbal cue
(2:09-2:19) Teacher Joey asked,"Can you tell me what things are purple?". She gave a verbal cue by saying, "For example, a fruit!"
By giving assistance such as a cue or a hint, it helps children to work on the edge of their current competence with guidance.
Guidance Strategy 8: Ask children meaningful questions about their interests.
(2:21-2:38) After teaching the child about the material of felt and foam, Teacher Joey asked the child,"Which one do you like more? Felt or foam?"
By asking children meaningful questions about their interests, it encourages them to open up and talk about their feelings.
The child proceeded on to say, "I like this! It's soft, so soft."