The children within the Preschool program are always exploring the environment around them with ongoing expression and a sense of wonder.
Prompted by a discussion of the leaves changing colours on the trees during a recent neighborhood walk, the educators decided to bring the great outdoors into the Preschool programming. Gathered around the table, the children used paper plates and colourful tissue paper to create their own fall wreaths. They were provided with various materials that they were able to use freely to create their rendition of a fall wreath. There was no direction provided to the children at all, allowing their creative expression to shine. They enjoyed choosing the colours they wanted and deciding where they wanted to place each piece of tissue paper.
As the children scrunched, pinched, and glued the tissue paper (leaves) onto their plates, they were expanding on their creativity, hand-eye coordination and finger strength. Conversation was had surrounding the different colours being chosen, along with educators encouraging the children to make their own choices and express their creativity.
This activity also gave the children an opportunity to participate in discussion, practice patience, focus, and follow simple steps. We talked about how everyone’s wreath could look different and that there was no “right” way to make it. Continuing the discussion, we talked about how some people hang up wreaths for fall and other seasons as well. Clara said, “We put a wreath up for Christmas too.” It’s fun to decorate for different seasons!
