Guided Discovery

In Room 221 we learn about our supplies and routines through guided discoveries. A guided discovery is a short, interactive lesson where we practice and discuss how we can take care of each other, ourselves and our materials. Although guided discoveries take up a lot of our time at the beginning of the year, it really helps set the stage for a year of respect, caring and learning. They will help make our jobs easier as the year goes on. This afternoon we did a guided discovery with crayons.

First I gave the children bowls of older crayons to share. They were asked to use the crayons in three different ways. Third grade artists immediately and enthusiastically got right to work with a quiet buzz. I watched in awe as their creations unfolded. After discussing, we realized that there are a tremendous number of things we can do with crayons. We can:

*draw lots of things
*draw an outline
*color in
*color dark, light or medium
*write lightly, color over it, and it looks darker
*mix colors
*do rubbings
*shade
*smudge
*doodle
*create straight, curved or zig-zag lines
*draw borders
*create designs

The children practiced these techniques by designing a name tag for their cubbies. (You can see their creation when you come for Curriculum Night on September 11.)
Finally, the community discussed how we take care of ourselves, eachother and the crayons while we are working. The children will remember to share. They might use words like, "May I use that?" "Of course." "When I'm done with it." They will also use crayons gently and clean up after themselves. Ask your child what they will do when they are using crayons.