Peer Feedback Keitha

Keitha’s Reflection One: 12/08/13

http://ladycarrot3.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/reflection-one-spade.html

Keitha I enjoyed your reflection of the boys digging the holes in the sandpit. I liked how you observed the boys were exploring the use of the spade, to collaborate, work together, and problem solve to achieve their desired outcome. When children are enabled to set their own goals, they are learning to be independent and as you mentioned they become responsible for their own learning. They also value what they are learning more, as they have decided on the way they are going to do things and what the desired outcome is to be.

A suggestion for extending on the experience is when they have mastered the use of the spade to perhaps introduce other tools for them to use. This is to work with other forms of technology and figure how this is going to make their goals easier to achieve. I think this could further their collaboration with each other, with problem solving new challenges, further development of motor skills, and strengthening the relationships they have already built.

I really enjoyed how you observed how the physical activity of the boys seemed to clear their minds, and enabled them to calm themselves and work better with their peers. I think this is important for children with boundless energy to have physical experiences to be able to focus this energy. 

Feedback of Keitha's Reflection Two: 16/08/13

http://ladycarrot3.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/reflection-two-stereo.html 

Keitha I really enjoyed this reflection where the children are enjoying the learning experiences from music. I love how the children have their own access to the stereo and can choose what they want to listen to at any time, this to me as you mentioned creates such a feeling of ownership over their learning but also a contribution to the centre and the learning of others. Having to negotiate the use of the stereo with others develops relationship skills, such as turn-taking, problem-solving, responsibility for the well-being of themselves and that of others, and of course their communication skills. I thought it was fantastic that G kindergarten has a strong curriculum focus on music and as you state the children’s natural curiosity is sparked towards music and sound when they can choose for themselves.

A further learning experience to extend and support this learning if it already isn’t in place could be to introduce music from around the world and then to research where this music has come from. This could inspire learning in other areas to find out more about other countries and the people. I really love how you mentioned the sound of laughter and joy when the music is playing; this is what play and learning is all about.

  

Feedback of Keitha's Reflection Three: 20/08/13

http://ladycarrot3.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/reflection-three-paintbrush.html

Keitha what an amazing experience for the children, I really enjoyed reading about the enjoyment the children gained. To use proper paintbrushes and rollers and be able to experiment how they want in such open indoor and outdoor settings supports their use of imagination. With no pre-determined outcomes I really believe allows the children’s imagination and exploration to run free, this definitely makes the experience more meaningful to the children. As you mention this gives them so much pride and ownership in their mahi, and being able to explain to their peers what story they are painting is such an empowering skill for the children.

A further learning experience I thought of was to engage in a higher level form of technology to support and extend the fantastic learning they are already gaining. Being able to take photos of the artwork they are creating and taking this home for whānau to enjoy as well, enables the children to recall their experience and add to the storytelling they have already started. This offers another medium to extend on the authenticity of their painting, and to develop their skills in communicating their feelings and pride in what they have achieved.