Home Away Home Family Day Care

Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

Today, the children explored and learned about the Islamic New Year through a variety of engaging experiences. We began by watching a short educational video that explained that the Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The children showed curiosity as they observed symbols such as the crescent moon, mosque, prayer mat, lantern, dates, and prayer beads.

To extend their learning, I created an Islamic New Year sensory tray using coloured sand, stars, pearls, a crescent moon, and camel figures. The children explored the tray through touch and imaginative play, discussing the different objects they could see. Some children pretended the camels were travelling through the desert under the moonlight, while others carefully arranged the stars and pearls to create patterns.

The children also participated in a counting activity where they counted crescent moons and matched them to the correct numerals. They carefully observed each picture, counted the objects, and circled the corresponding number. This experience encouraged mathematical thinking while connecting learning to the cultural theme.

Throughout the activity, children demonstrated concentration, curiosity, and respect as they learned about a celebration that is important to many people around the world. activity

Nature Leaf Creatures( did you check our snail and spiders and butterflies and caterpillars ladybugs?)

Today, children engaged in a creative nature-art experience using collected leaves, seed pods, and natural materials. They carefully observed the shapes, colours, andr textures of leaves before transforming them into imaginative creatures including snail ant spiders, ladybugs, butterflies, caterpillars, insects, and birds. Children demonstrated concentration and problem-solving skills as they selected materials that best represented wings, bodies, antennae, and other features.

As they worked, children used markers to add patterns, spots, faces, and details, extending their designs through drawing and storytelling. They proudly shared their creations with peers and educators, explaining what their leaf creatures were doing and where they might live. This experience encouraged children to connect with the natural environment while expressing their creativity and individuality.

Measuring and Comparing Length

Today, the children explored the concept of measurement through a hands-on investigation using rulers, measuring cubes, linking blocks, and everyday objects. They eagerly measured a variety of items including the table, window, their hands, toys, and even their own body lengths. The children carefully counted the cubes and compared which objects were longer, shorter, or the same length.

As they measured, the children demonstrated persistence and concentration, lining up the blocks end-to-end and counting each unit accurately. They used mathematical language such as long, short, bigger, smaller, more, less, and same length. The children enjoyed matching objects with the correct number of cubes and comparing their findings with friends.

Through measuring the table, window, and their own bodies, the children developed an understanding that length can be measured using non-standard units. They showed excitement when discovering that larger objects required more blocks and shorter objects required fewer blocks. This investigation encouraged problem-solving, prediction, counting, and early numeracy skills in a meaningful and engaging way.

Bird Watching and Creative Expression

During our walk to the park and school pick-up, the children noticed a beautiful little bird sitting on a branch. The bird had a bright yellow tummy and looked similar to a sparrow. The children stopped to observe it carefully and were excited to see it so clearly. We discussed how winter has caused many leaves to fall from the trees, making it easier to spot birds and other wildlife.

Inspired by this real-life observation, the children explored birds through art. I provided potatoes for bird stamping, and the children used paint to create bird prints on paper. They carefully added eyes, beaks, and legs to their birds, showing creativity and attention to detail. One child chose a different approach and drew a bird family sitting together on a branch, demonstrating individual choice and imagination.

This experience encouraged children to connect with nature, observe their environment, and express their ideas through different artistic mediums. It also provided opportunities for conversations about birds, seasons, and the changes we notice in nature during winter.