A Day's Trip To Africa
Our October's curriculum theme of Africa came to a close with an exciting trip to Africa, which was planned by the teachers. Each child was given their own "passport" to embark on a journey of discovery and learning.
Immigration posts were set up at the entrances of each class where children collected arrival stamps as they visited the different 'countries'. Excitement filled the air as the children waited in line to get their 'passports stamped and many were overheard exchanging travel experiences.
Ms. Jessica, Ms. Betty, Ms. Inthira and Yuan Laoshi transformed the Watermelon class into a tropical African Savanna with different members of the ape family hanging from 'tree branches'. The rhinoceros, hippopotamus, lions, zebra, elephant and giraffe were given special feature with animal models of varied sizes and picture explanations. Children listened to different animal sounds and were given the opportunity to identify the sounds. Children's sandpaper art work, tribal mask designs and animal mask crafts were also displayed to showcase the art and culture of Africa.
Ms. Christine, Ms. Natasha, Ms Jing Jing and Zhang Laoshi featured all things Egypt in the Apple Class. Maps of Africa and Eqypt as well as ancient and traditional Egyptian costumes showcased the Egyptian delta while Children's work of the Pharaoh's head gear, camels, The Pyramids and tribal masks added to the display. On loan from the Nigerian and South Africa Embassy were Nigerian made textiles and handbags made from reptiles' skin; the presence of these items made the experience more authentic while posters provided a more modern view of the country.
Ms. Fiona invited the children from the higher levels to talk about their knowledge of the African Continent in the Tangerine Class.
Along with African-themed books and videos that the children were exposed to throughout the month of October, the African Day was an appropriate and interesting closure.
