Patterns

After the autumn holidays, we jumped right back in and started our second unit, Patterns. We began this unit by exploring the patterns on our clothes. During the entry point, we observed clothes with stripes, dots, zigzags, numbers, checkers, and even dinosaurs. All the patterns had different colours too. After exploring the patterns we were wearing, we designed our own patterned shirts or pants for Mr. Frog. Later, we got to make our own patterned sweaters by writing patterns in shaving cream. 

In the second week, we examined patterns from different countries and cultures. Everyone brought a pattern from their home country, and we observed them with all our senses. We saw patterned pig statues from Russia and clothes and fabrics from India, Hungary, Ghana, and Slovakia. It was fascinating to see the differences and similarities between the patterns. During this week, we also focused on patterns outside and in nature. During our pattern walk, the learners saw, shared, and described so many different patterns. We also had a special visitor this week—Dhven’s mom came to school and brought henna with her. We all got a henna pattern on our hands; it was so pretty and a little ticklish. 

In the third week, we focused on butterfly symmetry and patterns in art. We used a mirror to reflect our patterns and practiced mirroring butterfly wings; this was really fun. We discovered that the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama uses many patterns in her art and got inspired to make our own. This week, it was our turn to share at the assembly. We practiced a patterns song, and the performance was amazing; everyone was very brave! 

In the fourth week, we got to know Elmer, the patchwork elephant. He likes making the other elephants laugh and made us laugh a lot too. We learned that he is a special elephant, full of patterns, and played many Elmer games. We even worked on a group project where we made a patterned elephant together. Later that week, we had an early visit from Sinterklaas at night, and he dropped off some letter cookies for us to practice making our names with. This was a yummy surprise. 

In the fifth week, we were getting ready for the real Sinterklaas visit. We learned a very pretty English Sinterklaas song, made a portrait of Sinterklaas, and even helped him deliver presents by boat to the right houses. On Tuesday, we made him a drawing and put out our shoes, and luckily for us, on Wednesday, we got a visit from the real Sinterklaas and were surprised with some very fun math learning toys. They have brought us much joy so far! Since Theo was moving to Australia this week, we researched the country, schools, and nature a little bit. Then it was already time for the exit point. We all picked out our favourite pieces of art from this unit and set up an exhibition for the parents to visit. We started the exhibition with our pattern song and then guided our parents to our own art. 

In the sixth week, we were all in the festive mood because we started learning about New Year and different ways to celebrate the new year and bring light to the winter days. For this, we crafted our own tealight candle holders for some extra light and warmth. We also practiced our New Year’s poem and made our wishing star for the winter show for the parents. Everyone was very excited for this and did amazing. 

During the last few days of the seventh week, we created our own "magic" scratching paper. We also researched life in London, as this is where Luca is moving. Afterward, we reviewed all the sounds we learned throughout the year and sorted objects into the right piles based on their beginning sounds. It was a fun way to end the year together! 

We wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a happy new year. We can't wait to see what 2024 has in store for us.