NZ Teacher

A paper with the words "No Breaking" was needed when a group of children made the tallest tower so far this year. The paper was attached to the tower using the magnetic blocks. We had borrowed extra blocks from the classroom next door which enabled the group to make the tallest tower. Lots of measurement language: taller, bigger, more. And an expression of desire, "We need the 'No Breaking' sign."

Leaves were made with each child's name printed onto them.  In the first week, the children cut around their leaf. The following week they painted white glue onto their initial letter, poured seeds over their leaf and when they shook the seeds off, there was their initial letter, covered with seeds. The leaves were attached to a tree which they had helped to make at the art center. Literacy, fine motor, and an element of surprise.