Inquiring Minds: Mrs. Myers' Kindergarten

Introduction

• Excitement in creating a new environment for kindergartners every August.
• Focus: Inspiring exploration, curiosity, risk-taking, and learning.
• Divided classroom into specific areas supporting Literacy, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Art Studio

• Emphasizes 21st Century Skills: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Collaboration.
• Features:
  • Easels for painting.
  • Various art media: oil/chalk pastels, charcoal, markers, liquid watercolor.
  • Shelves for materials like glitter, feathers, pom poms, pipe cleaners, etc. (require permission/time introduction).
  • Rolling cart with tempura paint, watercolor materials.
  • Sculpture area with clay and other materials like wire, playdough.
  • Loom for weaving with natural and room-found materials.

Science Area

• Loose parts for exploration.
• Table for items brought by kids from outside or home.
• Exploration invitation with rocks and crystals.

Literacy Area

• Materials for reading, writing, and literacy concepts.
• Library for exploring stories and non-fiction.
• Writing materials for story creation and exploration of interesting topics.
• Table for literacy concept exploration (e.g., alphabet books, letters).

Building/Engineering Area

• Features building blocks, loose parts, and clipboards with paper for planning.
• Integration of math and science concepts.
• Books about building and architecture for inspiration.
• Engineering section with Legos, K'Nex, Magnetix, and marble runs for collaborative skills development.

Math Area

• Shelves with math manipulatives and loose parts (shells, buttons, glass beads).
• Table with math provocations (e.g., measurement exploration).

Dramatic Play Area

• Currently a kitchen but adaptable to other themes (e.g., bakery, space station).
• Encourages use of 21st Century Skills, writing, reading, and math.

Craft/Engineering Area

• Formerly a writing area, now focused on crafts and engineering projects.
• Writing used for planning and approval of material use (e.g., paper tubes, feathers).

Overall Room Setup

• Tools available at each table.
• Room designed for growth and expansion into more learning and exploration activities.
• Future posts will detail student responses and the start of the year.