In summary, children learn best when they can play, explore the world and interact with adults and peers
— Best Start Expert Panel on Early Learning, 2007
SCHOOL VISITS
THE MAGIC OF MOSAICS WORSHOP
WHAT IS IT?: A 1-1.5hr interactive hands-on mosaic workshop designed for JK/SK - grade 12 students
HOW DOES IT LOOK?:
For young children (JK-grades2/3) - begins with a reading of my picture book, Six Owls and A Party, made with mosaicked illustrations, followed by a short discussion about being an author and an illustrator. The workshop ends with the students making their own mosaic creations.
One of the many learning outcomes behind this activity is to gain a better understanding of the amount of work that goes into creating a mosaic, from cutting the many pieces to putting them in place (one piece at a time).
For older children (grades 4-6) - begins with a discussion about my book, Six Owls and A Party, and what is involved with self-publishing. The workshop ends with the students making their own mosaic creations (using a variety of materials).
For teenagers (grades 7-12) - begins with a discussion about my book, Six Owls and A Party, and what is involved with self-publishing. The workshop ends with the students making their own mosaic creations from beginning to end. They select the layout and/or subject matter as well as the materials used (using a variety of materials).
My Philosophy for teaching young learners is based on the Reggio Emilia approach which views them as unique, naturally curious and creative individuals, capable of building their own knowledge. The teacher acts as collaborator, guiding rather than leading. The environment is comfortable, welcoming and rich in ideas, activities, materials and tools. An environment that reflects unique personalities cultural diversity, varied developmental needs and the teacher's creative abilities, is one that will foster healthy emotional development while setting a strong foundation for the later years (within the framework of an emergent curriculum).
SOME SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES I'VE VISTED
Children's House Montessori School (Port Perry), Dr. S. J. Phillips PS (Oshawa), Sawmill Valley PS (Mississauga), Ormiston PS (Whitby), John McCrae PS (Guelph), Saint Mary Elementary School (Brampton), Cardinal Newman Catholic Elementary School (Brampton), Armour Heights Public School (Peterborough), Queen Victoria Public School (Lindsay), Saint Bernadette Elementary School (Mississauga), Fernforest Public School (Brampton), Terry Fox Public School (Brampton), Humbervale Montessori School (Etobicoke), McLaughlin Public Library (Oshawa), Trafalgar Castle School (Whitby), Ryerson Public School (Cambridge), Transfiguration of Our Lord Catholic School (Toronto), Devins Drive Public School (Aurora), Our Lady of Victory School (Toronto), St. Pius X (Toronto), Hewson Public School (Brampton), Selwyn Public School (Toronto), Fernforst Public School (Brampton)
Mosaic Owls from Selwyn PS (Toronto) Grade 5 class
Working in China
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Saintach Kids in Shijiazhuang (July-Aug., 2018), China (266km south of Beijing)
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Planned and implemented age appropriate activities with ESL considerations (children aged 4-5)
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Worked effectively with a non-English speaking teaching team
COMBINING TEACHING STYLES
Saintach Kids' philosophy for teaching is based on the Montessori approach and is heavily teacher directed, whereas, my philosophy for teaching is based on the Reggio Emilia approach with less teacher direction. Taking this into consideration, when implementing planned activities, I decided to combine the two teaching styles. Most of my activities began with a structured lesson (something the children were used to), followed by a related, fun and engaging, ESL considerate activity.
IMPLEMENTED ACTIVITIES (with ESL considerations)
ACTIVITY 1 ~ The Alphabet Spider Game! Singing The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Identifying letters, alphabetical seriation
RATIONAL ~ Most of the the children were able to sing the ABC song but few could identify the letters of the alphabet
LEARNING OUTCOME ~ Identifying letters of the alphabet, learning to take turns, co-operating with others, reading readiness, learning can be fun
ACTIVITY 2 ~ All about Mosaics! Reading Six Owls and A Party, identifying colours, creating their own mosaic art
RATIONAL ~ Building on previous knowledge and learning new English words, getting creative (with some teacher direction)
LEARNING OUTCOME ~ Enjoying literacy, identifying colours, learning to co-operate, take turns and connecting artwork (mosaic) to their recent experiences (reading Six Owls and A Party)
ACTIVITY 3 ~ Let's go shopping! Learning English words for fruits (peach, pear, banana, etc), enjoying dramatic play
RATIONAL ~ Building on previous knowledge and learning new English words, fostering the joy of dramatic play
LEARNING OUTCOME ~ Identifying new words, working together as a team, co-operating with others, having fun learning
ACTIVITY 4 ~ The Alphabet Puzzle! A mat activity, worked on by an individual or in a small group
RATIONAL ~ Adding to their mat activities, working on seriation skills, identifying letters of the alphabet, puzzles are fun
LEARNING OUTCOME ~ Improving on fine motor skills, identifying letters, reading readiness, enjoying puzzles
