After a recent trip to the State Library, Eva was inspired to learn more about constellations and star maps. Using gold star stickers, we created a dot-to-dot picture of the Phoenix constellation and looked at star maps of the northern and southern hemispheres. Eva then created a collage of stars by cutting and glue various sized triangles using metallic scrap paper.
Our trip to that State Library further introduced Eva to Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night painting. Although Eva was only 9 months old, we saw this art piece when we went to MoMA in New York City.
First we explored some of the van Gogh’s techniques -- circles, swirls and lines -- using oil pastels (these are from Micador). We also studied the painting in more detail through this Starry Night Interactive Animation. The app is amazing, but a little expensive. This video gives you a sense of what it is like.
Eva then used these techniques and colours to create a background for a van Gogh self-portrait (van Gogh head printable from Art Projects for Kids).
I only recently discovered the blog Playful Learning and while I was digging through their archives, I came across this activity. The basic idea is to introduce new concepts like addition and subtraction through story telling. We used our Melbourne Tram and peg people as props for the story. Starting with ten people on the tram, Eva would create a story about the people who got off -- where they went, their names and any little conversations they had with each other.
It was through simple story telling that Eva was easily able to grasp the concept of subtraction and have fun while doing it! Ding. Ding. Next stop, the Museum! How many people are getting off here?
I’m slightly obsessed with this new book -- Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World. The illustrations are just simply stunning, it is such a beautiful reference book. And while many of the plants and flowers are more specific to North America, the animals and life cycles are very relevant.
After picking a withered rose from our garden, Eva used the book as inspiration to create her own “anatomy of a rose”.
After seeing the film Cinderella, I encouraged Eva to write her own review. She gave it 5 stars and wrote down her favourite part: I liked when Cinderella was in the pumpkin. I helped with the spelling, Eva did all the writing and illustrated a picture of Cinderella.
Eva loves being outside and pottering around the garden. Even when we’re at the park or playground, Eva will collect sticks, rocks, bean pods or anything else that takes her interest. The other day, I created a Nature Scavenger Hunt checklist using clipart and simple words. Eva loved it and spent the afternoon exploring our backyard.
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