Inspired by the book Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague, the Owlet class will spend time this fall learning about different types of communities. Starting with a small circle for each child, then expanding into larger circles of family, school, and neighborhood, the children will learn what it means to be a part of a community. The goal is for the Owlets to answer the driving question: “How can we be helpers in our communities?”
The Preschoolers began their unit by examining the smallest circle of community: their self. At circle time, Philippa read the book The Skin You Live In by Michael J. Tyler. The Owlets learned that all people are different shades and all the colors are beautiful. For self portraits, each Owlet looked through skin toned crayons and found a shade that matched; everyone found the perfect color! Then they looked at a mirror to see what color their hair and eyes are. The Owlets practiced drawing the different shapes of their faces and holding crayons with a pincer grip. Next, the students were offered some loose materials to portray their clothes and hair, including buttons, yarn, feathers, ribbon, and pom-poms. They all turned out so unique and beautiful!
Guest Experts Needed
To supplement this project-based learning unit, the Owlet teachers are currently looking for guest experts to visit their classroom and talk about their roles in their community. Additionally, other classes are currently in need of experts who work in city planning, architecture, and chefs/ kitchen staff or meal services. If you would like to visit as a guest expert, or have a suggestion of a member of the greater community to reach out to, please email Linda Lathrop, Saklan’s Project and Inclusion Specialist, at llathrop@saklan.org
FRIDAY BLOG 