Discover the Magic of Rainbows: Exploring Color, Creativity, and Learning

Abstract

Project Approach Plan This fascinating project was created for a pre-kindergarten classroom consisting of nineteen energetic children from ages three through five. Having the opportunity to observe in a Reggio Emilia inspired educational center that encourages and embraces creativity and the power of self-expression, I was able to observe the joy the children felt working with paint and other mediums and creating a myriad of colorful artwork that expressed a part of them. Extending on their love and excitement over colors, I thought it would be a great idea to do a project based on such and what better way to experience colors than through rainbows. Rainbows are something special, unique, mystical and magical. Every child can relate to it and every adult can think back to their childhood. Assuming that every child would be familiar with what a rainbow is and it’s features, I decided to base our project on rainbows. This rainbow project will support children’s growing minds in order for them to better understand and interpret their experiences as they relate to social, emotional, moral and spiritual mind sets. It will also help to boost children’s confidence and make it relevant to the environment they live in or are familiar with. I understand and value the importance of children making genuine choices in order to get them fully engaged and committed to the project, but I think providing them with opportunities to decide on what activities we can do to incorporate in our project and maybe deciding on some subtopics will have their interests and hearts into this rainbow project approach. The following pages provide the curriculum, corresponding content, planning and investigation forms that will be the underpinnings for our exploration of rainbows. Below you will see the anticipatory web that provides guiding questions towards our rainbow investigation and a curriculum map that gives a small synopsis of how this project will cover the development and growth of several content areas: Anticipatory Web Curriculum Web Dear Parents or Legal Guardians: I am writing to let you know about this fascinating project that the class is going to start on. Projects open up vast opportunities for children to acquire knowledge and build on the skills they already know by receiving authentic and meaningful experiences of learning. Our school is based on a project approach method of teaching. Students are able to to do an in-depth investigation on a topic of their choosing. Not only do they gain critically thinking skills, problem-solving skills and socializing skills, but they also feel encouraged and are part of building their own knowledge. After taking into consideration many project topics and coming into a consensus, the class has decided to explore Rainbows! Rainbows have always been seen as something magical and mystical and the children very excited to learn about all that magic and mystery behind their formation and existence. We will be investigating rainbows for the next month or so. Students will learn in the content areas of language arts, math, science, social studies, art and music. Students will be exploring outside to familiarize themselves with the topic of rainbows and the weather that relates to them. We will have a class fieldtrip to our nearest public park and do additional field work. They will also have the opportunity to interview an art teacher and use other books and media to further investigate the topic of our project. I want to incorporate parents and families as much as possible and I am asking for your full support as we embark on this exciting rainbow journey. As parents, I want to encourage you to talk about the project at home, ask your child what are they doing in class and how you can help. I will be assigning several activities that incorporates what you know about rainbows, weather, and myths related to rainbows and taking students on field work. I will also be sending special invitations for families to come to our class and help and share their experiences. Lastly, we will be having a “Rainbow Wrap Up” gathering afterschool to share with parents and families all the children’s, experience together what they have learned and see the significant collaboration of their work in this rainbow project. Please contact me at any time if you have any questions, concerns or wonderful ideas to incorporate in the project. Sincerely, Project Approach Planning Form Project Approach Investigations Plan Project Approach Representations Plan Materials List Poster board, bulletin, sketch and construction paper Cardstock and tissue paper Newspaper, paper towels Markers, pencils, and crayons Multi-colored sidewalk...