This project is sponsored by the Wilkinson Parent Council through multiple fundraising initiatives such as Pizza Lunch, Movie Night, Fun Fair and more.
The Birth of an Idea: A Foundation in Play
In the new curriculum in Ontario is “a structured approach to preschool learning that is designed to mobilize and enhance children’s interest and curiosity. “* It inspired this project by creator, Kirsten McGoey, and we as the Greening & Grounds Committee within the Wilkinson Parent Council hope it inspires you.
In Charles Pascal’s document Every Child, Every Opportunity, the role of “play” is extremely important both inside and outside of the classroom. “Play is a vehicle for learning and lies at the core of innovation and creativity. It provides opportunities for learning in a context in which children are at their most receptive. Play and academic work are not distinct categories for young children, and learning and doing are also inextricably linked for them. ”*
To reinforce the curriculum already being delivered in the classroom this exterior playground art project is designed to compliment the existing curriculum; to provide outside play resources for teacher’s to dovetail into their current lessons and reintroduce these concepts while the children in their class participate in free outside play or perhaps while using the space during a weeknight or weekend visit with parents, caregivers or friends.
The fact that “(w)hen literacy materials are embedded within play setting, children increase their use of literacy materials and engagement in literacy acts” is inspirational.
* Every Child, Every Opportunity: Curriculum and Pedagogy for the Early Learning Program - Charles E. Pascal (2009)
A thank you to Jon, Miki, Joe and Heather at the Leaside Home Depot who have been helping reduce the costs on this project and helping us bring the vision to life!
During the 2009-2010 academic year preparations for a new play apparatus were made and the Wigwam was installed for the children to use. Still remaining from previous play ground installations are the wooden post fence and the covered sandbox.
Despite this progress the current north Wilkinson JK/SK playground is still an underused and bland environment. It is often used by locals to exercise dogs and looks uncared for as it's finishes are well worn.
Through the use of art installations that are tied into curriculum objectives for Kindergarten students this project intends to inject some life into this space for Kindergarten and neighbourhood children alike.
photo: current space used by students and community >>
NOTE: There are also plans (not covered on this website or via this art installation project) through a community based Playground Committee to add additional equipment to this space in the works. If you are interested in joining this committee (open to Wilkinson families and community members in the Danforth/Donlands area) please contact:
Kris McGoey _ 647.444.5414 or _ krisandjoe_rogers.com
The project consists of a series of 8 installations which will be added over time to the current playground area. Click on an image to learn more about each individual installation; currently all am/pm JK SK students are workshopping to create the ABC and 123 panels for the first portion of the installation to be mounted in November and Dec 2011.
Art Installation : ABC-123
Curriculum Support:
Literacy & Numeracy
Description:
Installation of the alphabet (pictured in sketch) and the numbers 1- 20 on the existing chain link fence. Use both uppercase and lower case as there is plenty of room.
Student Involvement:
Kids will workshop the painting of the letters and numbers with colourful patterns of their own design.
Materials:
Metal or non-flammable woods or wood-like products; since they are individual they can be easily replaced if damaged. Latex, low VOC paints will be used with students, exterior varnish will be completed by adults in a well ventilated space.
Status:
Workshops occuring in November and December 2011 with JK and SK students. See photos under the workshops.
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Art Installation : Animal Size Comparison
Mathematics & Numeracy
Painted across the back wall will be a series of animals from small to very tall; all with their respective heights included. The measuring of the animal to their own height as they grow allows students to assess their own size in relationship to the size of the different animals depicted. Animals selected are native, tying in to the native plant theme we have in the adjacent Learning Garden.
Students could help project and trace the animals onto the wall. They can also help in the painting of the installation.
Low VOC exterior latext paint and exterior varnish.
Template being developed and panels to be created in early 2012.
Art Installation : Patterns
Pattern Recognition
Run along the wall a series of objects in a pattern and provide a final choice of three objects of which they have to decide which is next.
Student and their families will be asked to provide recycled objects to create the patterns on the wall. Items will need to be fire resistant and similar in nature in order to form logical pattern problems to solve.
Needs to be fire resistant also easily attached to a wooden wall.
To be created in early to mid 2012.
Art Installation : Tell a Story
Literacy & Thinking Skills
Students are encouraged to make up their own stories including the objects posted up on the board.
Student and their families will be asked to provide recycled objects to create the objects placed on the wall. Items will need to be fire resistant and interesting in order to form the basis of a good story.
Wood, screws and bolts; plus found objects which are easily mounted and can withstand fire/damage.
Art Installation : Concrete Games
Numeracy/Mathematics/Shape &Colour Recognition + Physical & Motor Activities
Create four attached squares on the ground. Fill one with numbers, one with shapes – the same in each of the four square quadrants. Use for games to find shapes, numbers and colours.
Students could actively help with the painting of the shapes and numbers on the ground if stencils are used.
Low VOC exterior latex paint and exterior varnish.
Art Installation : Telling Time
Use the side face of a log to create a series of clocks with moveable hands. Kids can experiment with telling time as well as literacy regarding numbers. Mathematically they can expand their understanding of the measurement of time.
The involvement of students would be low in this installation from a creation perspective.
Wood/log faces, screws and bolts.
To be created by mid 2012.
Art Installation : My Neighbours
Social Competence & Emotional Maturity
Post a huge collage of pictures of people, places and landmarks in the Riverdale-Danforth/East York community. Students gain knowledge about their community and can discuss what various members live, work and add to their community (i.e. pharmacist, shop owner, neighbours and/or a police officer).
Students could help decide which landmarks, people and places to document in order to give a flavour of the community in which they live.
Panels to be mounted and protected under plexi-glass.
Art Installation : Bean Bag or Ball Toss
Physical/ Numeracy
This physical toss it in the hole game will help students exhibit and regulate their movements while practicing numeracy as they keep score.
The construction requires adults but the toss in board could be decorated by students.
Wood, screws and bolts – plus sono tubes and concrete to mount them in the earth. Bean bags and balls can be used and brought out by teachers or caregivers.
Check out the workshop images we have taken showcasing the work our JK and SK students, plus other Wilky students and neighbourhood volunteers who are all helping create for the project. >>
Workshop Panel Art - JK SK
If you are interested in helping with the workshops, creating some of the other installations (open to Wilkinson families and community members in the Danforth/Donlands area) please contact:
© Wilkinson Public School, Kirsten McGoey, 2011
