Ayisha Hassanali

A collage of children inserting and twisting a key in a lock and cutting paper with scissors

Refinement of Movement

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The children are seen here using some of the Refinement of Movement activities that are provided in the Under 3 classroom. The lock and key activity promotes eye-hand coordination, twisting movements, and a pincer grasp. The cutting activity allows the children to strengthen their hand muscles and grip strength. (Please click for more information and full photos.)

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A collage of children watching what's happening outside

Cityscape

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At Cityplace, the children have the opportunity to observe the hustle and bustle of our community from the window. The children are often seen watching mounted police on horses, Blue Jays fans waiting in line for a game, or emergency vehicles driving by. (Please click for full photos.)

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A collage of photos from the story

“All the Little Princesses” Story

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The children in Casa East have been collaborating on a story which they entitled, “All The Little Princesses”. We began to spin a tale during lunchtime as we ate. We would go around the table and each friend would add new pieces to the story. The children made up the plot, included each friend and teacher, and added details that still make us laugh! Who wouldn’t want a horse named Onkie? We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it! (Please click for the full story!)

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A child placing a numeral beside a corresponding quantity while having a view of the whole mat

Birds Eye View

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After being introduced to the decimal system via the golden bead materials and number cards, the child combines the two: symbols and quantities. The child will display all the units and the corresponding cards followed by tens, hundreds, and thousands, displaying the hierarchy of the decimal system. The child has an overview or a bird’s eye view of the golden beads and numeral cards together. (Please click for more information.)

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A collage of children wearing headwear, as well as watching the application of a henna tattoo during group time

Ramadan

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To commemorate Ramadan, the children explored headwear like a kufi and hijab, decorated lanterns, did printmaking with star and moon shapes, and glued colourful tissue paper onto mac-tac. We read stories about Ramadan and the children observed the application of a henna tattoo that can be worn during Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan. (Please click for more information.)

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A collage of the process of the art created by the children in March

March Art

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During March, Casa East engaged in various types of artwork. In honour of St. Patrick’s Day, we painted cardstock with blue and yellow tempera paints, and squeezed wet glue and gold glitter onto it. For Easter, we used water and a paint brush to wet an egg shape on cardstock, placed coloured tissue paper onto it, and peeled the tissue off once it was dry. (Click to see our work and more information!)

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A collage of a child counting the beads of coloured bead bars and checking their work by lining up the golden and coloured bead bars of 10

Snake Game: Level 2

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The second, third and fourth levels of the snake Game have a child converting a coloured bead bar snake into a golden 10 bar snake. In the second level, the snake is evenly divisible by ten and the child counts the beads and makes a golden snake equaling the number of coloured beads in the coloured Snake. (Click to find out how they check their work and for the full photos.)

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A collage of children playing with dinosaurs in ice, holding an ice egg, and squirting water onto a dinosaur ice egg

Melting Ice

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Ice play provides a thrilling sensory experience. With the varying textures of ice, along with the cold temperature, this activity helps stimulate children’s growing senses and fosters their sensory exploration and cognitive development. Ice play also offers an opportunity for social interaction and communication as the children engage in collaborative ice exploration together. (Please click for the full photos and more information.)

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A collage of children playing bells alongside Adriana and playing ukeleles

Family Day Event!

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In celebration of Family Day, the families of Simcoe Place were invited to an exciting music class with Adriana! The children were able to proudly showcase their musical talents with songs and instruments, demonstrating their lovely singing voices, as well as playing the ukulele and Montessori bells. In celebrating family, we were able to express the love, devotion and happiness that we share each day at our school and in our Casa program! (Please click for more information).

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A collage of children learning the Second Step process during group time

Second Step: Social-Emotional Learning

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Social – emotional skills are essential to healthy child development. By instilling empathy, self-regulation, and effective communication skills early on, we lay a sturdy foundation for success in school and in life. Casa West is exploring Second Step, a compass guiding the children towards understanding emotions, developing problem-solving abilities, and establishing positive relationships. (Click to find out how and for the full photos.)

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