Paper-Thin Teaching Moments

This morning, we visited Sam, the art teacher. Sam welcomed us into her space and explained that the Owls would be making paper (click the link for an involved description)! She described how she had prepped for the project by collecting scraps of construction paper and mixed them together with water by way of blender, which created a pulp. To our excitement, the pulp came in different colors!

Sam demonstrated the rest of the process, which involved friends mixing the pulp in a water basin and using a deckle and mold to strain the fibers out evenly and give it the rectangular shape of the paper that we know. We sponged out the excess water, then transferred the water paper-pulp to a lint-like surface and removed the deckle and mold, thus completing our creation of paper! Each friend made one, and thoroughly enjoyed the process.

Tamara also continued discussing the topic of babies with the Owls. Some were even working on drawings of themselves when in utero. A conversation ensued, with Sadie saying, "I went in Mommy's belly. Kaya went in Mommy's belly, too." Tori said, "I have pictures of when I was a baby in my photo album. Mimi nodded, "I have pictures of when I was a baby in my photo album too!"

In the dramatic play area, there was an interesting buzz over a game that was occurring. While playing animals, one friend declared that he was dead, and he had a gravestone. A conversation started with the asking of the purpose of gravestones. "When people die, you write your names on them." "They say dates." "They show where the people are." Finally, Mike asked if they were to help remember the people, and there was resounding agreement. 

The conversation of death reemerged when a friend again declared that he had died. We began to talk about what we do when people die. We talked about feeling sad, and we held a small funeral, which consisted of friends standing around the friend on the ground, and shared happy things. And as quickly as the topic arose, it vanished. The Owls then focused intensely on making the dramatic play area into a zoo. While these moments moved quickly through, they were important moments to have. As teachers, we understand that these moments are opportunities for helping children to understand their world. We do not hesitate to facilitate conversations, holding on to the intention of letting friends know about the importance of respecting the deceased in a way that is developmentally appropriate for our young Owls. Feel free to talk with your child or with us if these issues re-surface because they can take courage, and we are all part of the community.

The return of the "zombie"

And finally, a message from Dr. Lucas:

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Other Owlings:

Bunny in the zoo