Sound Waves and Vibration

An object produces sound when it vibrates in matter. This could be a solid (for example, earth), a liquid (water), or a gas (air). Most of the time, we hear sounds traveling through the air in our atmosphere.

Sound travels differently through a solid object than through a gas. Because the molecules in a solid are packed much closer together, vibrations are passed along much more easily from one molecule to the next. As a result, sound waves travel faster through solids (such as a length of string) than through gases (like air).

Our friends in Preschool 4 explored the science behind the Power of Movement...sound waves!  When the wooden stick hits the spoon, it creates vibrations which make sound waves.  These sound waves travel up the string and to the ear instead of just spreading out into the air around you. The yarn acts as a conductor -- an object that allows sound waves to travel.

MUSIC WEEK!

This week we have been exploring the Power of Music. Often, we think that music only impacts language development. While music does support literacy skills and language learning, it also stimulates many other critical areas of development including social-emotional skills, physical development, and cognitive skills.

"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music." ---Billy Joel

This week has been full of fun music activities, and our friends have been singing, making instruments, having parades, and more. Music is the strongest form of MAGIC!

The Infant 3 Band!

Making high and low pitch sounds in Preschool 4!

Xylophone stepping in Toddler 3!

Mr, Graybeard, the Science Guy!

The science guy came by today to show us some cool experiments using dry ice and water. We learned the different states of matter, played in bubbles, and explored carbon dioxide. What a perfect scientific Monday!

Literacy Provocations!

For children, a ‘Reggio Inspired’ provocation is an open ended activity that doesn’t have a prescribed outcome. Instead it is designed to stimulate ideas, initiative and imagination for children. Simply put, a provocation is a deliberate and thoughtful decision made by the teacher to extend the ideas of the children. Teachers provide materials, media, and general direction as needed, but the children take the ideas where they want. This allows children to develop skills of creativity, inventiveness and flexibility in thinking, planning and reflecting.

This summer we are exploring literacy provocations, in which the teacher reads a book and lets the students create whatever comes to mind while being read the book with the materials provided. The reading of book provokes the thought process and lets the imagination run wild. Take a look below!

Painting with....Toes!

Our babies friends sure had fun with this one...painting with their little toes. Since infants are prone to trying to eat art materials, our teachers came up with a creative way to let them paint. Talk about sensory, gross motor skills, art, and creativity wrapped up in one! 

#ThePowerOfPlay

KBC Bus Safety!

Kindergarten Boot Camp is in full swing, as we had a school bus and bus driver speak to our boot campers about bus safety. Here are some of the most important things we learned today:

1. Walk straight to your seat
2. Sit with your legs facing forward
3. Speak in quiet voices
4. Keep the aisles clear
5. Always listen to the driver
6. Get on and off the bus slowly
7. Never stick anything out of the window
8. Always walk in front of the bus 

Thank again Mr. Jerry and our BGA Family for helping us Be All We Can Be by learning bus safety!

Babies, Toddlers, and ART!

Let's admit it...

Art can get a little messy, which is why some parents choose to stay away from art projects with their infants and toddlers. If the mess is what's keeping your child from expressing his/her inner Picasso....have no fear! The best mess free art project idea is here!

PAINT IN A BAGGIE!

It's the easiest art project around. Simply put washable paint in a large sandwich baggie and zip it up. If you want to be extra cautious, you can tape the bag closed as well. Let your infant/toddler squish the paint around, mix colors, and get his/her senses tingling! Viola! You've just opened up a whole new world for your child.