Throughout this summer, the children at RisingOaks | St. Patrick have been enjoying a variety of engaging, hands-on experiences that have supported their learning and development through play.
Ocean-themed water play- the children explored blue water, sea creatures, boats, cups, and ramps as they scooped, poured, and experimented with how water helped the boats glide down the ramp. They extended their play by using toy cars and turning the ramp into a racing track, exploring early STEM concepts such as gravity, motion, speed, and cause and effect.
ICE Cream parlour pretend play- We also created an exciting ice cream parlour in the classroom, where the children used play dough and glitter to create colourful pretend ice creams. They explored different roles as ice cream makers, shopkeepers, and customers, taking orders, serving treats, and making special ice creams for their friends and educators.
Tim Hortons café pretend play- Our classroom was also transformed into a pretend Tim Hortons café, where children used real cups and stirrers, a cleaned milk carton, a DIY coffee machine, reusable cups, and purses to take on the roles of baristas and customers. Through taking orders, preparing drinks, waiting in line, and engaging in conversations, the children strengthened their communication, language, social, problem-solving, and fine motor skills.
We also organized a lemonade stand inside the classroom where the children learned about kindness, sharing, and cooperation while making and serving "lemonade". The customers (children) could pay with a hug, high five or a big smile.
Through all of these experiences, the children developed confidence, creativity, imagination, communication, teamwork, responsibility, turn-taking, cooperation, and a strong sense of kindness and community. These joyful learning opportunities showed us how children learn best when they are actively involved, making choices, exploring their ideas, and working together. We are so proud of our little learners and their caring hearts, and we sincerely thank our wonderful families for their continued support and encouragement.
We are so proud of their creativity, teamwork, and caring hearts, and we sincerely thank our wonderful families for their continued support and encouragement.
