Beginning a Study in the Hemlock Classroom : RAINBOWS

 The appearance of rainbows inside the classroom (from prisms on the windowsill!) has created a stir of energy and discovery in our classroom.  As it is early days, we are ready to begin a STUDY of those rainbows.  

The study at this level begins with what the children KNOW.  As they have a lot to share, we sit together and BRAINSTORM the various ideas that the children have.  We don't tell each other NO, we accept all ideas, and we write them down.  Mixed in with the scientific knowledge ("water comes down and rainbows come up") there is magic ("unicorns make rainbows").  We listen to all ideas and write them down without judgement, as developmentally there is still magic in these children's imaginations. As a group we are learning acceptance and tolerance for other's ideas. 

We explore rainbows by mixing colors and watercolors, observing the rainbows made from prisms when the sun is out and question where they are when they don't appear, and read simple imaginative stories about rainbows and colors.  The children enjoy the process of painting with colors that run and mix and create new colors,  arrange colors that they find into rainbow order, and draw their own rainbows with markers.  

Painting has turned into a FAVORITE activity, and I need to make sure that everyone gets a turn that is interested!  It feels like everyone is interested!  

This week, we asked the children what they WONDERED about rainbows.  Asking a question to seek knowledge is not easy!  We helped the children by modeling asking our own questions:  "Where do rainbows go when it's not sunny?"  and beginning their comments "I wonder....." and letting them fill it in.   Often I read the children's statements back to them as a question, as it is very early in our process of questioning.  

Now that we have some thoughts about the direction of our study, we will continue to experiment with colors and document what happens, watch the sunlight and shadows, and even try to find out the answers to our questions through ASKING THE EXPERTS.  We will find some books, check in with Sara the Science Teacher, and come to our own conclusions. 

Stay Tuned!