Keeping it Simple

As we approach the first days of school, I am reminded of "the unknown" and all that has yet to unfold in the classroom!  I prefer to keep things simple as I get to know the new children in my classroom and the returning students ease into a new daily rhythm.  Returning children are are comforted in seeing familiar lessons and the simplicity of the materials help the new students feel less overwhelmed.  Here are a few lessons on the Art shelves which await the children:

Playdough (inside container with green lid):  wooden board for workspace,  rectangular basket with rolling pin and other tools.

Chalk pastels:  pencil (for writing name); wooden container for the pastels.  

Paper cutting:  cutting strips; envelopes for collecting pieces; tray with scissors. The yellow paper in the back is available if they child wants to glue their paper cuttings and make a collage.

Pin-pushing:  This a valuable lesson which promotes concentration and coordination while enhancing the pincer grasp used for writing.  I have set up triangle, circle and square shapes in the paper holder.  The box holds the pads and pin pushes (tips in cork).