This week we had a fascinating show and share. Sohyun was excited to show us a snail she had found with her dad. First, it prompted a discussion about the meaning of 'Alive' and it was fantastic to hear how the children were able to clarify among themselves what that meant. Finally, Silouan and Antoine concluded that when something is alive, it means it can move, it needs air, and food and it can poop.
After some time just observing the snail, how it moves, how it's head goes in and out, and seeing how the muscles ripple along it's back, some students choose to draw the snail in their journals.
The following day Sohyun brought cucumber for the snail. With her friends, she observed that the snail's 'home' seemed 'uncomfortable'.
"It wants to get out!" they thought. "There's poop in there; it's stinky."
Sohyun, the inquirer, was on a roll to learn more about snails and what they need to be happy and healthy.
Using her knowledge of letters and sounds she typed the word 'snail' into the kids youtube search.
As she listened attentively she sometimes paused to point out the similarities she had observed in the video and her snail.
With her new knowledge, she set out with her teacher and a friend, Hifumi, to prepare a new home for the snail.
They were happy with their results and even more excited to see that the snail seemed happy as it munched on the fresh cucumber.
Later in the afternoon, while the EY2's were off on a visit to the Kindergarten classrooms, our EY1 friends came to visit and were super curious about our temporary classroom pet.
The snail spark curiosity in the students and although not ALL the students were involved in the exploration, those who were, were either consistently occupied with it or dipped in and out as they noticed something different that captured their attention.
As the children engaged, some were applying knowledge or experiences to this new context, e.g. sharing their understanding of how they know that the snail is living. Some were just grasping the idea that living things, big or small, deserve respect. They were making predictions and hypothesising, e.g. will the snail like watermelon? Ms Socheata got some from our kind lunch staff and as we watched attentively, we found out the snail LOVES watermelon and ate every bit.
In addition, we engaged in conversations that help us deepen our understanding of the concept of causation. Who will look after the snail on the weekend? what if no one does?
(Of course, Ms Elaine will make sure we have a healthy snail on Monday :))
Have a great weekend!
