Visual Arts - The Art of Doing

     Art happens to be one of my favorite subjects and I personally enjoy drawing, painting, and ceramics.  These are wonderful ways for children (and adults) to explore creativity and to examine the world around us.

    Art also gives us the opportunity to examine the works of others and to discuss them.  We can ask questions about what is being represented.  What do we see and what do we think about what we see.

    While working with your child and looking closely at art, you and your child may begin to develop a love of art.  

    Both looking at art and talking about it are important.  So is the doing of art.  Remember to provide your child with materials and opportunities to be a practicing artist!

    When I was very young, I really enjoyed coloring.  I still do.  I love symmetrical patterns like mandalas and bright colors.  

    Art is one of those things that makes us different from animals (with a few exceptions).  People who make arr are called artists.   What would you like to do:

• Draw with a pencil on paper
• Paint using brushes and watercolors to paint a picture on paper.
• Cut paper or other materials, such as cloth, into pieces, then glue them onto a surface to create a collage.
• Make a statue out of clay.

Choose an activity for today and just do it.

World History and Geography - The World

        This is how our world, the planet Earth, looks from space.  It looks like a beautiful blue marble with swirls of white and patches of green and brown.  What an incredible view.

Questions to ask/discuss:

• Look at all that blue.  What do you think it is?
• What are those patches of green and brown?
• What do you think those swirly white patches are?
• Do you see that there's a lot more blue than green?

Oceans, Continents, and Clouds, oh my!

Language and Literature - Read, Read, Read

    Reading and writing are important skills that help young students in other areas of study.  There are a couple of ways to help the student to acquire these skills.  The first is systematic in its approach teaching the student to recognize sounds (phonics) and decoding the letters into those sounds.  Spelling, writing, and punctuation are emphasized in progressive degrees as the child matures in these skills.

    The second approach tends to be more entertaining for children as the adult reads poetry, fiction, and nonfiction aloud; followed by a discussion.  The meanings and messages conveyed in these pieces are explored; allowing the child to interpret and express for themselves what they learned.

    Read often.  Pointing out the words and images associated with those words.

    Your kindergartener will also develop oral language skills; including speaking and listening.  Ask your child to talk about the books that have been read to them.  Allow your child to ask and answer questions about the reading.  Ask your child to retell or summarize the story.

    When I was a teenager, I often read to my youngest sister the works by Maurice Sendak.  My favorites include  Alligators All Around and Pierre.  

Read-Aloud Activity:  set a regular time for reading aloud.  Make sure there aren't any distractions - like television.  When you read aloud, have fun.  Be expressive - giving different characters different voices.

    For this week, let your child look through the book before you read it; allowing time for the child to skim the pages and look at pictures.

    Special Note:  reading can be fun for you too.  Choose something you will enjoy reading to your child.

After posting this quick lesson I came across some great information that I wanted to share with you.  It is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library a Nonprofit organization.  Follow the link below to get more information.

https://g.co/kgs/rv4Nhv