Joy of Growing

Some creative additions in creating self portraits.

Learning Who am I/Day 1

Dear Partners�Today we embark on the journey of learning by doing with the child. As shared in my last post the key features of this platform are�Age-group 3-5 years�Theme based�Short Units�Enquiry based�Open-ended�Daily exploratory strands�Low on tech and resources�We are all set to start with day -1, let’s make a promise, as an oath before we start on this unique pathway! Whenever our adult mind tells us to make the outcomes of the activities readily available to the learner, very gently derail these thoughts. Let the flight of imagination of a child’s mind have it’s run, let the learner come to you for reassurance until then let ‘joy of learning’ take a seat in the learner’s mind and heart.�Exploratory strand-Who am I�Duration- One week (Five days)�Day One �Knowing myself- my name, gender, place where I live and my preferences�Materials required: Old newspaper, pastel colors, for natural paint – a bit of turmeric, for natural brush- a pencil, some grass�Duration: 40-60 minutes�Tuning in-This is the part where the enquiry is set in motion. Finding out what the learner already knows (the existing knowledge) and building new facts from here. The conversation starts with some simple probing questions and some aid like a favorite toy of the learner, would you like to share the name of this toy (preferable a stuffed toy), is this a he or she, where does he live/sleep, what are his favorites and so on.�Once the context is set, offer to play a game with the learner where you find more about the learner and draw a portrait of the learner.�Activity-Drawing, coloring, and labeling self portrait�Take an old newspaper sheet. Spread it on the floor. Tell the child that it is the time he needs to lie down on it so that the portrait outline is drawn, trace the outline.�Make a conversation while tracing the body parts e.g. I am tracing your___can you help me name the part? Ok these are your arms and let us discover what all activities you do with your arms, can you name a few! Keep on talking about all body parts as you trace them.�Once the tracing is done, help your child name all the body parts they know. Help them discover the names and functions of body parts they do not know yet.�Moving to step two-Ask the learner whose body outline is this? Let us write your name on it…Dave it is. How old are you Dave? Let us write your age here as well. So, what is your gender, ok you are a boy. Let us write this as well.�Step 3-Where do you live Dave? Let us write the name of the city….!�Step 4- Which are some of your favorite things Dave, let us draw them as well on the newspaper sheet. So, you like milk, porridge, cookies, pasta, bread. And so on.�So, who are the people you like to spend time with Dave, let’s draw them as well on this sheet.�Let us do a quick recall of this Dave and let us create a story of Dave. Dave is four years old, he lives in Hong Kong, he is a boy, he has two ears, two eyes, to legs, two arms…wow so many body parts in the number of two. And one nose, one head and one forehead.�Why do not we color this sheet using a natural brush made of some grass and a stick with turmeric powder added to little bit of water. After it is dried, we will put it on a wall where everyone can see your artwork.�That is it, for today Dave. Thanks for helping me know so many things about yourself. It was great fun!��Learning outcomes�Probe and enquiry into: Physical features and Sensory organs-names & functions�Literacy: arms, torso, legs, face, head, hands, feet, fingers, ankles, toes, knuckles, elbows, knees, eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and skin and whatever you want to add.�Numeracy: Number one and two�Fine motor development: Scribbling and painting�Extensions: The learner can add details to the drawing, with facial features and dressing up the self-image drawing on paper.�P.S. We will be happy to see your moments of joyful learning experience @ [email protected]�joyofgrowing.wordpress.com�Twitter handle

Joy of Growing! The early years are the most important. An early childhood educator talks about experiences and common mistakes that parents, teachers and society are making and affecting the child's future.

Let’s stay safe!

Great recommendations for Indian education reformation!

HRD Ministry drafts new National Educational Policy: 19 changes recommended From compulsory BEd as a minimum qualification for teaching to the duration of Under-graduation in India, National Educational Policy Chairman Dr. Kasturirangan introduced changes before the HRD ministry.

ASER data shows early education is crucial, one-size-fits-all policy doesn’t work While helping children get a head start in the early years is important, it is critical to ensure that all stakeholders — parents, teachers, policymakers and textbook developers — understand that the key words are “quality” and “developmentally appropriate”.

A great way to start the new year!

The best children's books that will encourage your child to be kind to others Read these books about kindness, and you'll be priming your child's brain to grow into a kind, compassionate soul. We all know the world could use more of those!

We teach😊

Must try!

I am so in love with this magical forest technique! We might have to try this in art class.
https://www.artcampla.com/new-blog/2016/11/14/magical-mark-making-forest

Time to register for this world class learning and sharing experience!

International Association of Art in Early Childhood International Association of Art in Early Childhood

With the changed family structure and roles, allowing children to become independent at an early age will enable them to become future ready.

This economic principle is the secret to my family’s morning routine When back-to-school season rolls around, remove the moral hazard from your morning routine.